On the Shure stand at ISE 2024, wireless systems were in the spotlight. While we wait for the next developments in WMAS systems, to which Shure is making a major contribution by obtaining the right to use powers of up to 100 mW from the American FCC, let’s take a look at all their new wireless products.
The most uncompromising content creators will be able to enhance their mobile activities with total freedom of movement thanks to the combination of the new SLXD5 portable digital wireless receiver and the SLXD3 plug-on digital wireless transmitter, both of which join the SLX-D series.
For the record, the SLX-D digital wireless systems provide UHF transmission of a 24-bit digital audio signal with a dynamic range of 118 dB, and are compatible with the Shure Wireless Workbench and ShurePlus Channels software. They feature 32 channels per 44 MHz band and a range of 100 metres. In increasingly unpredictable production conditions, even in on-location or touring work, the SLX-D portable systems offer first-class RF performance and high spectral efficiency.
The SLXD5 portable digital wireless receiver delivers the RF performance of the SLX-D system in an extremely compact format, suitable for use on the move anywhere. It also features Multi-Mic mode, which makes it easy to manage and monitor several sound sources from a single receiver, as well as infrared synchronisation, which makes it easy to link receivers to transmitters for instant configuration. Simple and practical, it can be carried in a bag or mounted on a videocamera or DSLR.
The new SLXD3 plug-on digital transmitter turns any XLR source into a wireless transmitter compatible with the SLX-D series. It provides phantom power for use with condenser microphones.
It’s an ideal solution for wireless links from boom-mounted microphones. Naturally, when combined with vocal mics such as the SM63L or SM58, it makes an outstanding interview microphone. The SLXD3 plug-on also allows you to integrate your favourite, or simply readily available, transducer into an SLX-D HF system.
Its robust metal casing features a patented locking mechanism to ensure a reliable connection with no risk of disconnection. SLX-D portable systems are ready for immediate use as soon as they are switched on.
The SLXD5 portable receiver automatically searches for the optimal frequency and pairs it with the transmitter in a matter of seconds using infrared synchronisation. The SLXD3 and SLXD5 feature bright OLED displays where users can monitor battery life, audio level, RF quality and frequency.
“Whether you’re a videographer, film-maker, vlogger or mobile journalist, the quality of your work may evolve along with your requirements. If you’re starting to be successful, or if you just want to go further in content production, 2.4 GHz wireless solutions are no longer enough, and you’re going to have to move up a notch in equipment quickly if you don’t want to find yourself constrained in terms of quality, range, battery life and, above all, frequency availability in an increasingly complex and saturated RF environment”, explains Thomas Delory, Channel Manager for Shure France.
“Easy to setup and simple to use, the SLX-D portable digital wireless systems combine Shure’s innovation and technological know-how to offer professional, semi-professional and amateur mobile content creators a real solution in a range of high-performance, reliable transceivers at a competitive price.”
Axient Digital
The Axient Digital series now also includes a plug-on, with the new ADX3. Ideal for mobile video shoots or electronic news gathering in complex, RF-saturated environments, the ADX3 transforms any XLR microphone into a portable Axient Digital ADX series wireless microphone, offering the same audio and RF performance and advanced control as the AD3, with the addition of ShowLink technology.
Whether the ADX3 is connected to a handheld microphone or mounted on a boom, in the field or on a film set, ShowLink provides complete real-time control of all transmitter parameters, including interference avoidance, via a robust and reliable wireless connection (2.4 GHz with diversity reception) directly from the receiver in a trailer, case, on a camera or in a OB van.
“At Shure, we were determined to be able to offer another transmitter with ShowLink technology to broadcast and film professionals who use the Axient Digital system and who may be required to work on major productions or special shoots.
Having a transmitter that can be controlled remotely and being able to change frequency or gain in real time, without having to disturb actors, commentators or presenters, is extremely attractive and crucial for technicians in the field. Especially when they’re on the road and in an environment where the available frequencies are increasingly limited. At the most critical moments and under the most critical conditions, the ADX3, along with the entire Axient Digital range featuring ShowLink technology, offers ideal recording conditions,” says Thomas Delory.
The ADX3 is compatible with Shure’s Wireless Workbench® software for quick and easy configuration. With continuous real-time analysis via the AD600 Digital Spectrum Manager, sound engineers can avoid RF interference by manually switching the signal to an available standby frequency, or by programming the system to automatically change frequencies. The ADX3 works perfectly with the ADX5D two-channel portable receiver as well as with the Axient Digital AD4D and AD4 rack-mount receivers.
The ADX3 features a robust metal construction that is resistant to dust and moisture, and an OLED display with an intuitive control menu. The unit’s patented locking system ensures a reliable connection that interfaces easily with hand-held and shotgun microphones, improving mobility during remote broadcasts and on TV and film sets.
The ADX3’s operating modes optimise performance. High Density mode increases the maximum number of channels in the system, while Standard mode offers optimum coverage with low latency. AES-256 data encryption ensures secure transmission and a line-of-sight operating range of 100 metres.
The ADX3 comes with two rechargeable SB900 lithium-ion batteries, each providing up to six and a half hours of continuous use, accurate measurement and no memory effect. The SB900 battery can be recharged via a USB-C port. The transmitter can also be powered externally via the USB-C port or by two AA batteries.
Shure Corporate
The corporate and educational sectors haven’t been left out either, with the presentation of the Microflex Wireless neXt 2, a cleverly designed wireless system that is unique on the market. It’s a plug-and-play, easy-to-use, high-performance solution that instantly equips any room with two wireless microphone links.
The MXW neXt 2 is easy to integrate thanks to an all-in-one access point that combines a wireless receiver, charger, on-board DSP and the audio connections.
It can be networked or used as a standalone system, with a full set of audio, Dante, analogue and USB connections, to simplify interfacing with a computer, PA system or videoconferencing codec.
The microphones are linked to the access point at the touch of a button. Setting up a complete system takes just a few minutes, thanks to automatic frequency selection. It operates in DECT 1.9 GHz mode and offers a range of 50 m.
“When you need, for example, to install two wireless microphones in classrooms, workspaces or small auditoriums for use in video conferencing or otherwise, the process can quickly turn out to be much more complex than you might imagine.
Apart from the number of transmitters and receivers required, as well as the cabling, many questions arise for non-technical users who also need an audio processor and very rarely know which frequencies they need to use.
For AV/IT professionals, the investment in time and energy is substantial.”
“In the end, because of this multiplicity of products, the initial cost is often considered too high relative to the requirement,” explains Enrique Borges, Senior Market Development Manager, Shure France. “Now, with Shure’s new MXW neXt 2, anyone can access the exceptional audio performance of Microflex® Wireless at an affordable price, all in an easy-to-use and convenient format.
“Audio capture and processing are now integrated into an intuitive, reliable and flexible all-in-one audio solution. It’s simple to setup, easy to operate and delivers dramatic cost savings. There is no equivalent on the market.”
The MXW neXt 2 offers a choice of three types of wireless microphone, each with a high-resolution LCD matrix display for monitoring the remaining battery life and the quality of the wireless connection.
The MXW1X hybrid transmitter unit with a built-in omnidirectional capsule and an input for a lavalier or headset mic, the MXW2X handheld microphone with interchangeable capsule or the MXW6X boundary microphone, available in black or white and with a cardioid or omnidirectional pick-up pattern, can be preconfigured to handle multiple applications with ease, and can all be charged in the same base station. The battery life is excellent, with up to 17 hours for the transmitter and boundary mic, and 28 hours for the handheld mic.
With its direct connectivity to videoconferencing systems and seamless integration with MXA multi-capsule microphones, the new Microflex Wireless neXt 2 is ideal not only for hybrid applications requiring audio capture of participants in the room, sound reinforcement of the presenter and broadcast of audio from the remote site, but also for live broadcasting or recording. This feature helps improve communication conditions, promoting a sense of parity between face-to-face and remote participants in the hybrid era.
The DSP features echo cancellation, ambient noise reduction, automatic gain control and equalisation. One-button recall presets for presentation, conference and live modes configure the system so that both face-to-face and remote participants hear everything they need to hear.
Further information can be found on the Shure website
