Shure Wireless Microphone Systems

Place "wireless" in front of the word "microphone" and you get 2 immediate
implications:

1. freeedom from restriction of movement (hopefully, without loss of sound

quality)
2. a huge increase in the options available to choose from!

Freedom of movement is great for many kinds of mic users - for example, vocalists,
platform speakers, aerobics instructors, bingo checkers, rock guitarists, etc. But the
vast number of wireless mic options, even from just one supplier such as Shure,
means increased RISK to the microphone buyer as well as the user...

What risk, you may ask?

Risk of wasting time and money by buying the wrong wireless mic system
Risk from increased technical complexity - the wireless link failing, or the
battery running out in the middle of a performance
Risk of interference from nearby TV station, or mobile phone use in the area
Risk of not having the right license

Aaaahhh!!!!

The good news is that with modern technology, you can get consistent, reliable,
excellent sound quality results from all but the "cheap & nasty" end of the market.
(Not a sector served by Shure!)

So for those of you who have done your research, and whittled down the risks to a
manageable level, here's where to find the Shure wireless mic systems you want at
great prices.

For the rest of us, still figuring things out, here's a roadmap to navigate you quickly
through the decisions you need to take in order to get it right for your particular
situation.

Wireless Mic System Selection Checklist:

1. Applications: What will the mic be used for?

Sound sources
voice - solo or groups?
instrument(s) - which?
Sound destination
sound system to live audience - size?
recording
broadcast
Physical Suroundings - Where?
Room Acoustics
Ambient noise
Special needs or limitations
 merge with room decor
RF interference sources to avoid
Performance Level
radio quality
audio quality
reliability - what is impact of downtime?

2. Microphone Type

Physical style
Handheld or stand
Lavaliere or clip-on
Headset
Dynamic or condenser
frequency response required for sound sources used
directionality - sensitivity pattern
omni-directional
uni-directional (cardioid, super-cardiod, hyper-cardioid)
bi-directional

3. Transmitter Type

physical - handheld, bodypack, plug-on?

antenna style - internal or external?
control functions - power, muting, gain, tuning
indicators - power, battery condition
batteries - type, operating life, accessibility
physical - size, weight, durability, finish
interchangability of mic elements (handheld & plug-ons)
input connections - hardwired or detachable?
multi-use inputs - impedance, signal level, bias, connector type

4. Receiver Type

diversity or non-diversity? - only consider non-diversity receiver if budget is

severely limited
controls - power, output level, squelch, tuning
indicators - power, RF level, audio level, frequency
antennas - type, connectors
electrical outputs - connectors, impedance, line/mic/headphone level,
balanced or unbalanced
battery power

5. Number of Simultaneous Wireless Systems

existing and future requirements

how many frequencies needed to support all units?

6. Operational in which Geographic regions?

potential conflict with broadcast TV frequencies

 touring? - which countries?

7. Frequency Co-ordination with other signal sources - avoid interference

professional advice required re frequency selection?

essential for multiple system installation
frequency coordination - operating band? operating frequency list?
fixed location - choose unused TV channels
touring
carry additional systems on alternative frequencies
use frequency-agile units

8. Accessory Equipment Required? - depends on operating frequencies and

application

remote antennas - 1/2 wave, 5/8 wave, directional

mounting hardware - grackets, ground-planes
antenna splitters - passive or active
antenna cables - portable or fixed

Click here for access to Shure's Wireless Comparison Charts

You'll see that you can choose your favorite Shure mic, whether its an instrument
mic such as the SM57 or the world's best known vocal mic, the SM58, or the Beta
series - Beta 57A or Beta 58A

Summary of Shure Wireless Microphone Systems

- same microphone selection criteria as for wired mic use
- entry-level - use PGX14 or 24
- smaller coverage area - use SLX series
- larger area, more channels, higher sound quality - use ULX series
- get professional advice for any but the simplest requirement

Buy Shure Wireless Microphone Systems here.