Shure has introduced QLX-D digital wireless systems operating in the 900 MHz frequency band, targeted for use where UHF “TV band” spectrum is limited or congested.
QLX-D 900 MHz includes components and accessories optimized for use in regional variations of the 902-928 MHz spectrum, generally known as the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. It can support up to 12 compatible channels per frequency band.
The introduction of QLX-D 900 MHz follows the recent introduction of the company’s ULX-D 900 MHz systems, further extending the opportunity for high-quality digital wireless audio in an alternative band, free of the regulatory issues wireless microphone users currently face, or may eventually face, in the heavily-saturated UHF TV band.
“The combination of QLX-D’s intelligent feature set and its affordable price point make it an optimal choice for installed sound customers,” says Nick Wood, category director for wireless products at Shure. “With this in mind, we knew QLX-D would make an excellent addition to our line of products capable of operating within the 900 MHz band.
“To further ensure wireless customers are armed with the tools they need to operate within the 900 MHz band, we’ve also made strategic updates to existing hardware and software products, such as the ‘Site Survey’ long-term scan tool that was added to the latest version of Wireless Workbench 6, along with the antenna and the in-line amplifier we’re introducing today.”
Shure has conducted extensive scanning, site surveys, and product testing in the 900MHz ISM spectrum. The new QLX-D option performs to high standards when the application and the RF environment are a good fit.
The 900 MHz ISM band is also used by devices such as wireless internet access points, security systems, smart meters, Bluetooth devices, two-way radios, and intercoms. Because many of these services transmit in short bursts across multiple frequencies, this RF environment can be less predictable than the TV band has typically been.
For this reason, the latest version of Wireless Workbench 6 (version WWB 6.11.3) includes a new Site Survey tool that enables customers to assess the availability of 900MHz ISM spectrum in a particular venue. Site Survey uses the receiver to capture a long-term scan and processes the data to provide a usability report, indicating an approximate number of usable channels in the ISM band.
In general, QLX-D 900 MHz systems are best suited for indoor use, where the environment can be assessed before the systems are installed. Usage outside of these applications is an option, but Shure recommends consulting with an authorized retailer if there is any question about which band is the best fit when purchasing QLX-D Digital Wireless Systems.
In addition to QLX-D 900 MHz, Shure is introducing two new accessories that operate in the 900 MHz band: the UA874XA active directional antenna and the UA834XA in-line antenna amplifier. The new UA834XA can also be used with Shure UA845 and UA844 antenna distribution systems.
In the U.S., pricing for QLX-D 900 MHz systems starts at $973.
