NAB 2016: Shure Features Wireless Management, Spectrum Alternative, and Mic Integration With iOS App
Flexibility is key at Shure’s booth (C2635). The audio-equipment manufacturer is previewing the latest version of its Wireless Workbench system-control software; version 6.12 offers new features intended to help users better manage and monitor wireless-system performance over the network, from preshow planning through post-performance analysis. In addition, two Shure digital wireless systems — ULX-D and QLX-D — are now available in VHF spectrum, providing 42 MHz of tuning bandwidth in spectrum that is as predictable and as usable as today’s UHF TV band. And the MOTIV line of digital microphones and recording solutions is being supported by Tieline Technology, creator of high-quality remote-broadcast digital-audio codecs and producer of the Report-IT iOS app.
Wireless Workbench
Shure has created a new logging utility designed to capture channel-status information over time. Information recorded includes RF Level, Antenna Status, Audio Level, Interference, ShowLink, and Battery Level. With optimized data storage, the utility records data from all networked channels for an indefinite amount of time, given sufficient system resources. Capturing and viewing the recorded data enables users to troubleshoot wireless-system operation and determine the source of issues, should any arise. Wireless Workbench provides ultimate control over the displayed information, enabling complete customization of the visualized data.
Version 6.12 also includes a new set of frequency-coordination enhancements, designed to provide more flexibility and power to users coordinating high-channel counts.
“At its core, the enhanced features in Wireless Workbench 6.12 are dedicated to putting increased flexibility and added control into the hands of users who need it most,” says Associate Product Manager Sam Drazin. “By adding the data-logging utility, frequency-coordination enhancements, and control of remote devices across subnets, we’re addressing the complex challenges that come with enterprise-level networks and high-tier frequency solutions.”
Wireless Workbench Version 6.12 will be available for download this summer at www.shure.com/software.
VHF-Band ULX-D and QLX-D
As the spectrum landscape evolves, Shure continues to serve as an industry advocate and information resource and aims to provide users with new options that offer reliability and top-notch sound quality. The VHF-band ULX-D and QLX-D systems build on a portfolio of wireless products designed to offer alternatives for the increasingly crowded UHF TV band, which includes systems capable of operating in the 900 MHz band (ULX-D and QLX-D), DECT (Microflex Wireless), and 2.4GHz (GLX-D digital wireless).
ULXD group
The ULX-D and QLX-D VHF systems and accessories have the same features and benefits that the UHF systems offer, including spectrum efficiency, powerful recharging accessories, networking options, and rugged construction for everyday use. ULX-D digital wireless offers extremely efficient RF performance, networked control, Dante digital audio (on ULXD4D and ULXD4Q dual and quad receivers), and AES-256 encryption for professional sound reinforcement. QLX-D delivers defined, streamlined performance with transparent 24-bit digital audio. Combining professional features with simplified setup and operation, QLX-D offers outstanding wireless functionality for live sound events and installations.
“Our customers are using more wireless than ever before, and available spectrum has become increasingly limited, so we’ve committed ourselves to providing spectrally efficient solutions,” says Mike Nagel, product manager, wireless products. “Shure has developed a robust portfolio of products that now includes VHF digital wireless systems, which professionals depend on for user-friendly features and reliable performance.”
A variety of new VHF-ready accessories are available with the VHF versions of ULX-D and QLX-D: the UA844+V antenna distribution system, UA834V in-line amplifier, UA874V active directional antenna, and UA860V passive, ground-referenced omnidirectional antenna. The UA845UWB antenna distribution system is switchable for UHF/VHF.
The ULX-D and QLX-D digital wireless VHF versions will begin shipping this summer.
Tieline and MOTIV
Shure’s MOTIV microphones — which enable users to capture high-quality, professional audio for podcasts, videos, stories, and more — pair seamlessly with Tieline’s Report-IT app, offering newsgatherers and live-remote-broadcast professionals the ability to turn any compatible iOS device into an ultraportable IP audio codec.
MOTIV family of products
“Shure is a renowned global manufacturer of broadcast-quality microphones and Tieline is delighted to announce its support for using the MOTIV range of microphones with Report-IT, the world’s most popular smartphone codec app for newsgathering and live remote broadcasts,” says Tieline CEO Will McLean. “Journalists require reliable, high-quality microphones when using Report-IT, and they can feel extremely confident using Shure’s innovative MOTIV microphones for a wide variety of smartphone reporting applications.”
The easy-to-use MOTIV products include four Apple MFi (made for iPhone, iPod, iPad) Certified devices: three condenser microphones and a sleek digital-audio interface that can connect directly to any iOS device without adapters or connection kits. In addition, the MVL omnidirectional condenser lavalier microphone is part of the MOTIV family. Shure MOTIV digital microphones and the digital interface offer user-selectable DSP preset modes to ensure great sound no matter the application.
“As a company, Tieline has certainly established itself as a leader within the codec space through a robust portfolio of innovative tools — such as Report-IT — that have become integral to the newsgathering and live-remote-broadcast production process,” says Matt Engstrom, category director, wired products, Shure. “With this, we’re proud that the company shares a similar level of confidence in our MOTIV microphones and recording solutions, and we look forward to the unique use cases and applications Tieline’s Report-IT users find most fitting for each model within the MOTIV line.”
The MOTIV line comprises a variety of microphones and other productions for applications ranging from live sound to interviews, video, and more.