ADVERT I SEMENT FE ATURE . SHURE
STAYING CONNECTED As Shure makes its mark in broadcast, we pass the mic to director of pro audio, Stuart Moots, for an education on wireless receivers
industrial components, sensors and other everyday objects, will require wireless spectrum to realise internet connectivity. Needless to say, we have not yet reached peak demand for wireless spectrum. Nor are we likely to anytime soon. We face the prospect of a world where demand for wireless mics and IFB is increasing, but the space in which to operate is decreasing – this will make operating wireless mics more difficult. To mitigate risk, we will have to coordinate better, and utilise new technologies (such as digital wireless systems) for their spectral efficiency. Solid RF knowledge is crucial, but it remains a misunderstood skill. It should be a top priority for production companies and engineers from all corners of the industry. For this reason, Shure remains committed to education, offering essential training in wireless equipment and coordination. Shure will continue to develop products that push the industry forward, and remains open to discussions with customers throughout the R&D process. This attitude has allowed us to deliver some of the best solutions on the market. Talk to us and we will listen. WHY DIGITAL WIRELESS SYSTEMS? Digital wireless systems have advanced to a level where much higher channel counts can be run in reduced clear spectrum. The improved efficiency is down to more predictable deviation of digital wireless signals compared to a frequency-modulated analogue signal. This allows for tighter channel-to-channel frequency spacing. In many cases, digital systems can deliver nearly twice the channel count in the same slice of spectrum as their analogue cousins. At the same time, we shouldn’t be so simplistic as to think a digital system is always more efficient. A critical criterion in determining spectral efficiency is the linearity of the transmitter and robustness
for wireless use is considerably smaller than ever before. But why is that a problem? Users of wireless audio systems have been fortunate to have access to the UHF spectrum, which includes frequencies for the transmission of anything, from TV to radio. Engineers understand that microphones are the first device in the signal chain – and anything that happens from that point will directly affect the live event or production. Shure is responsible for ensuring the audio remains uncompromised. It understands the importance of retaining access to clean, high-quality RF spectrum. We now live in a connected world, where consumers expect instant connectivity across a multitude of devices. The power and convenience this brings to our daily lives is apparent, but it also means that RF spectrum has never been in such widespread use by the general public. You’ll often hear this phenomenon referred to as the internet of things (IoT). Many of these new ‘things’, including cars,
WITH SHURE’S FLAGSHIP Axient Digital Wireless System now a mainstay in the touring and theatre industry, the company has diversified into broadcast audio with its new ADX5D portable receiver – and it’s been a long time coming. When Shure created the world’s first single-element unidirectional microphone in 1939 – the Unidyne Model 55 – its distinct styling became the most recognisable microphone in the world. With a small design change in 1951, the Shure 55S became a celebrity in its own right: it was the mic used by Elvis and even has its own emoji. In 1953, Shure launched the Vagabond 88 System – its first wireless microphone. Powered by two batteries, the system transmitted within a performance circle of around 700 sq ft – something to behold when singers and presenters were usually tied to a microphone stand or podium. It’s worth noting that, even back in 1953, wireless users were still subject to local regulations on transmission of wireless audio – and now, in 2021, the UHF spectrum
SCREEN STAR Shure’s Axient Digital ADX5D has been used on a number of TV productions, including ITV’s Dancing on Ice
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