Wireless Equipment

Buying a wireless microphone system
Wireless receivers and transmitters broadcast in the UHF band. The UHF band is too large for a receiver to be sensitive to all of it, so receivers and transmitters are put into categories according to the range of signals they operate in. These categories are labeled alphanumerically. For example, "H6" and "L5" are called "groups". When replacing components in a wireless system, the transmitter and receiver must be in the same group for the system to work.

Television stations broadcast in the UHF band, and can overpower some or all of the frequencies in a wireless group. When selecting a wireless system, note the group it is in and make sure that there are no local television stations in that band. Shure has a wireless frequency finder that can recommend a frequency group that will work in your area. Interference can be caused by many things, not just television stations. When purchasing a system for use in a crowded urban area, note that higher priced systems are able to use a wider range of channels, so they are less likely to be rendered unusable due to interference on just a few channels.

Nearly all wireless systems transmit the same level of sound quality because the electronics that take the microphone signal and convert it to an electromagnetic wave are very similar, if not identical. All Shure wireless systems use the same microphone technology. The most important differences between the different product lines are the ability of multiple systems to work together in the same group, in the same area, and the range of frequencies they are able to use. The most inexpensive, the Shure PGX line, can fit a maximum of 12 receiver/transmitter combinations in one group, choosing from about 90 channels. The most expensive, the Shure UR line, can fit up to 78 receiver/transmitter combinations in one group, choosing from 2400 channels. The Shure SLX lies in between. Decide how many transmitters need to be operating at one time, determine how much interference is nearby, then choose from the other features a system that will meet your needs.

Wireless microphone systems
Shure PGX
For a small show or presentation, the Shure PGX system is a great inexpensive solution for high quality wireless sound. It uses automatic frequency selection, so setup is very easy. PGX's provide the best sound when the receiver and transmitter are within about 50 yards of each other. This line supports a maximum of 9 simultaneous operating transmitters per group, choosing from 90 channels, though we at Jacks Music Factory do not recommend that more than 4 PGX systems be used together.

Shure SLX
For a small show or presentation where a more durable receiver is required, or where half or full wave antenna reception is required, the Shure SLX line is a better choice than the PGX. SLX receivers are built from steel, come with a rack mount kit, and are able to share antennas. The SLX line supports a maximum of 20 receivers per group, choosing from 960 channels.

Shure ULX
The Shure ULX line offers more advanced features and controls than the PGX and SLX. In addition to the automatic frequency selection option, it has the option of manual frequency selection from 1440 channels. It includes a transmitter battery display, an audio power meter, and the output is switchable between mic and line level outputs. Up to 40 ULX systems can operate together in one group. ULX comes in two flavors: ULXP and ULXS. The ULXS does not include rack mount hardware, ships with quarter wave antennas, and is made from plastic. The ULXP comes with the rack mount hardware, includes half wave antennas, and is made from a metal case. The ULX line is a good compromise between the SLX and UR lines.

Shure UR (UHF-R)
Shure UHF-R systems offer the most advanced features. Housed in a durable steel rack mount chassis, it has computer networking connections to connect and automatically configure up to 78 systems simultaneously. UHF-R receivers are sensitive to 2400 channels, so they are the most resistant to external interference. The UHF-R receivers are designed for touring and heavy duty operation, with minimal setup time. This is ideal for large touring performances, or large cast performances in general.

*Why don't we carry Shure PG?
People often ask us why we don't carry the Shure PG line. Our answer is that at the wholesale price level, where we operate, the price difference between the PG and PGX lines is so small that we feel it would be a disservice to our customers to sell them a PG system when they could, for almost the same price, have a PGX system.