The different in range between 10 mW and 100 mW (a 10 dB difference in power) is about 50 to 60 percent, which can be significant depending on the application.

And, of course, with all questions of range there are a vast number of external factors involved as well. I plan to get into this topic in more detail in a separate post – stay tuned.

The frequency ranges offered in the UHF-R package cover the entire available spectrum.

The UR1M micro bodypack (click to enlarge)

The G1 range covers the very low end of the available UHF spectrum, from 470 MHz - 530 MHz, followed by the H4 range from 518 MHz - 578 MHz.

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Note that these two ranges overlap a bit - a nice feature in some cases, but users should be aware that it is possible to have a transmitter at the top end of G1 step on one at the bottom of H4.

The J5 covers 578 MHz - 638 MHz and the L3 range covers 638 MHz - 698 MHz (the top of the current legal UHF range for wireless microphones in the U.S.). The system is also available in bands for Europe, Japan and Korea, among others.

Note that each of the U.S. ranges covers a fairly wide 60 MHz and provides nearly 2,400 frequencies in 25 kHz steps. The frequency ranges for Europe tune as wide as 75 MHz.

Networking
The UHF-R system was among the first to include complete networking capability, which greatly enhances the ability to quickly coordinate all frequencies and implement them throughout the receivers and transmitters.

Other companies have followed suit: Sennheiser with the Net1 system, and more recently, the 2000 Series; AKG with the DMS700, and Audio Technica.

Most, if not all, professional wireless systems will have these features within a few more years, but Shure was very wise to take such a comprehensive approach early.

Pricing
The UR4D receiver typically sells for about $2,800, while the standard beltpack transmitters are about $800 and handheld transmitters range from about $900 to about $1,800, depending on the capsule chosen.

These prices compare directly to the Sennheiser 2000 Series (see previous post) and thus are in the “upper middle” range. The Sennheiser 3000 and 5000 Series systems are considerably more expensive, while the Lectrosonics 400 Series and AKG 700 are somewhat less expensive.

Conclusion
It is obvious that the UHF-R system from Shure is well thought-out, with an excellent set of features and with a high level of quality that satisfies professional customers in many markets.

Shure did its homework when designing this system and it has paid off, and most certainly will continue to do so.

Find out more about the Shure UHF-R Series here.

Signing off for now…
Mike Wireless

Mike Wireless is the nom de plume of a long-time RF geek devoted to better entertainment wireless system practices the world over.

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More posts by Mike Wireless:
The Myths of Wireless System Transmitter Power
Latest Wireless Series #4: Inside the Sennheiser 2000 Series
The RF Spectrum Before & After The “Big Day”
Latest Wireless Series #3: Inside The Lectrosonics D4
Latest Wireless Series #2: Inside The MIPRO ACT Digital
Latest Wireless Series #1: Inside The AKG DMS 700
Is The UHF Spectrum Going To Ease Up After June 12?
Change The Only Constant In Marketplace For Wireless System Spectrum

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