Shure has long been a household name in the live sound and recording space for its high-quality products and stellar customer service — and that is no different when it comes to its wireless systems. In this guide, we go over what to look for when buying your first or next wireless system and/or microphone. If you’d like to know more about wireless systems and microphones, then head over to our Wireless Microphone Buying Guide today to learn what to look for in your next wireless system purchase!
Now, without adieu, let’s talk about Shure wireless systems and microphones!
Wireless Microphone Systems
Move freely onstage without the restrictions of a wired microphone or instrument cable. Shure wireless systems deliver crystal-clear sound, road-worthy construction, and features to fit your specific needs.
Wireless: Analog vs. Digital
Your application and budget determine the best wireless system for you. Digital wireless systems offer improved audio quality and greater spectral efficiency — you get more squeaky-clean channels per frequency band.
| Systems per Band | Distance (ft.) | Receiver Format | Battery | Top Features | Receiver Channel Options | |
| BLX Learn more | 12 | 300 | Tabletop & Rackmount | AA | QuickScan | Single & Dual |
| GLX-D+ Learn more | 16 | 100 | Pedal, Tabletop & Rackmount | SB904 Only | Auto Frequency Management | Single |
| SLX-D Learn more | 32 | 300 | Portable & Rackmount | AA & SB903 | Guided Frequency Setup | Single |
| QLX-D Learn more | 60 | 330 | Rackmount | AA & SB900B | Network Scan | Single |
| ULX-D Learn more | 60+ | 330 | Rackmount | AA & SB900B | Network, Dante & High Density | Single, Dual & Quad |
| Axient Digital Learn more | 96+ | 330 | Portable & Rackmount | AA & SB900B (AD) SB910/920 (ADX) SB910M (ADX1M) | Network, Dante & High Density | Dual & Quad |
Location and Other Systems: What Frequency Band Should You Use?
When it comes to interference-free wireless, geographic location and congestion matter. Are you in a big city with lots of radio and TV stations? Are you in a small town without much wireless activity? Also consider other wireless systems you are using. Using different systems in the same frequency range can reduce channel count.
Shure Wireless Frequency Finder
Distribution: What Is It and Do You Need It?
Antenna distribution provides improved RF performance by eliminating issues typical of multiple antennas in proximity. It also ensures the proper RF signal strength needed on each receiver. If you are using more than two wireless systems, then antenna distribution can minimize the clutter of multiple antennas and provide power to your receivers, thus requiring fewer power outlets.
Networking: What Are the Benefits?
Here are six reasons networking is beneficial for your potential applications:
- Auto “Discovery” for simple setup and expansion with other networkable audio devices
- Easy control of parameters and frequency coordination for all connected devices
- System performance monitoring during a live event
- Straightforward reporting and inventory management
- Simple firmware updating of networked devices for optimal system performance
- Seamless integration with Dante-enabled devices
Contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer to help you find the right frequency band, distribution, and networking for your new or existing systems.
Shure Wireless Accessory Wizard
Personal Monitor Systems
Personal monitor systems, also called in-ear monitors (IEMs), provide clean, individualized sound monitoring for performers. They protect user hearing and significantly reduce stage volume. Shure personal monitor systems offer user-friendly options to fit a wide range of needs, budgets, and channel counts.
Reduced Stage Volume Gives You Cleaner Mixes
IEMs can greatly enhance the clarity of front-of-house (FOH) mixes. Diminished stage volume greatly improves the room’s signal-to-noise ratio and reduces potential feedback issues caused by floor wedges feeding into microphones. This allows the FOH mix to be much more controlled. The audience enjoys exactly what you want them to hear.
Transmitters and Receivers
To understand how many personal monitor systems you’ll need, think of the transmitter as a little radio station. To listen to one station (your monitor mix), you only need one transmitter, which will work with an unlimited number of receivers. Everyone hears the same mix. However, if your performers need mixes that differ from one another, then you’ll need a different transmitter for each mix.
The more transmitters you need, the greater your channel count — how much overall bandwidth you will require. Densely populated locations such as metropolitan areas may have more competition for available channel bandwidth, so transmitters that offer a higher number of systems per band reduce potential interference and maintain signal integrity.
| PSM 300 | PSM 900 | PSM 1000 | |
| Systems per Band | 15 | 20 | 39 |
| RF Power | 30 | 10, 50, or 100 mW | 10, 50, or 100 mW |
| MixMode/CueMode | MixMode | MixMode/CueMode | MixMode/CueMode |
| Battery | AA & SB900B (P3RA) | AA & SB900B | AA & SB900B |
| Top Features | Scan/Sync | Scan/Sync & Combo Input | Networking, Scan/Sync & Combo Input |
| Transmitter Option | Single Rackmount | Single Rackmount | Dual Only |
| Shop PSM 300 | Shop PSM 900 | Shop PSM 1000 |
PSM 300 Twin Pack
Two listeners have their own PSM 300 receivers and share a single transmitter for added savings and frequency conservation. In the first mode, each listener shares an adjustable stereo balance. In the second mode, the stereo balance splits into two separate mono mixes so each user can hear their own channel.
Axient Digital Systems
Depending on your use case, Shure’s ADTD and ADTQ Axient Digital systems supply two or four receivers, respectively, making room for larger ensembles or two-way monitoring scenarios. As Axient Digital has become Shure’s quintessential wireless system, these bundles are a surefire way to secure peak monitoring performance while providing the perfect platform if you plan to upgrade your setup down the line.
Shure Professional Earphones
Shure earphones offer premium sound quality and versatility for an immersive listening experience you’ll find ideal for music, noise blocking, and crystal-clear audio enjoyment.
| Product | Best Feature | Drivers | Frequency Response |
| SE215 | Enhanced Bass and Sound Isolation | 1 | 22Hz–17.5kHz |
| SE425 | Natural Sound, Precise Instrument Separation | 2 | 20Hz–19kHz |
| SE 535 | Rich Tonality, Customizable Sound Filters | 3 | 18Hz–19kHz |
| SE 846 | Subwoofer-like Bass, High-resolution Clarity | 4 | 15Hz–20kHz |
Guitar Wireless Systems
Guitar wireless systems have changed the way guitarists perform live, offering them freedom of movement without the hassle of tripping over cables. Wireless systems offer features, such as frequency diversity and encryption, to reduce interference and enhance security. Whether you are looking for a compact transmitter or a professional-grade receiver, Shure has a guitar wireless system for you that best suits your performance needs and style.
Don’t Need Wireless?
If you don’t move around onstage but want the IEM advantages, then a Shure P9HW hardwired personal monitoring system may be just what you need!
Set Your Wired Handheld Mics Free
From guitar amps to drums, brass horns, vocals, and beyond, handheld dynamic and condenser microphones are valuable assets to any stage or studio environment. Thanks to Shure, several of the most popular models can be weaned from the cord via a seamless wireless plug-on transmitter. Of all the microphones in Shure’s arsenal, we’ve listed below a few of our favorites and those that work best with their compatible wireless plug-on transmitters.
As long as your selected microphone is compatible, Shure’s plug-on transmitters make the wireless switch a breeze. Simply connect the transmitter to your preferred microphone, connect the transmitter to the receiver on your monitoring system, and you’re off to the races! Spanning multiple bands and a wealth of onboard features including phantom power for condenser mics, there’s a connector out there for any performer.
MoveMic Series
Aptly named, Shure’s MoveMic series is built to be mobile. This wireless lavalier system is a perfect option for mobile filmmakers, musicians, journalists, and other creators in need of discreet yet professional audio capture. To boot, the system and its components are easy to integrate with several pre-existing systems and come fully compatible with Shure’s MOTIV app for on-the-spot recording control. You can find the MoveMic series and all of its handy accessories right here!
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones use a thin diaphragm that responds to sound pressure and generates electric current through a voice coil. They are extremely durable and can handle high sound pressure levels, making them popular for close-miking guitar amps, drums, and brass horns. Shure dynamic microphones are rugged and excel at handling high volume, making them valuable for both stage and studio use. From drums to live vocals, Shure dynamic mics have you covered.
Condenser Microphones
Condenser mics are more responsive to the speed and nuances of sound waves than dynamic mics. Condenser mics come in both solid-state and tube variations and in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They require power either from a battery or from phantom power supplied by a preamp through the mic cable. Shure condenser microphones offer excellent fidelity and wide frequency response, making them versatile for vocals and instruments.
MOTIV Series
Elevate your content creation and podcasting with Shure MOTIV, your go-to for pristine audio capture. Featuring the versatile, industry-leading wireless MoveMic, MOTIV offers tailored solutions for every need. The user-friendly ShurePlus MOTIV iOS app ensures seamless recording on your phone or tablet with the versatile wireless MoveMic or wired all-in-one digital mics. With preset modes for speech and music, professional-quality audio is effortless.
Sweetwater is Your Home for Wireless Audio
There’s no better place to get pro-level wireless solutions than Sweetwater. Whether you’re ready to upgrade your existing wireless system or want to experience wireless freedom onstage, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at 800-222-4700. They’re ready and willing to take your live audio experience to the next level.
