Axient – the brand new zero-failure Wireless Microphone System.

Last week’s NAMM show in Anaheim, USA, saw Shure introduce some exciting new products. It also saw the preview of the brand new flagship Wireless Mircrophone System, Axient.

Axient wireless sets a new standard in term of audio and RF performance. It is also the first wireless microphone system that can detect and avoid interference by changing frequencies on the fly – without being noticed by the user.

“Uncertainty and volatility in the RF spectrum are the new reality for professional wireless users.” said Sandy LaMantia, President and CEO of Shure Incorporated. “They face increasing pressure to deliver interference-free performance in the most critical live broadcast, theatre, music and corporate events, even though conditions are more unpredictable than ever before. Shure Axient wireless was designed from the outset to withstand interference from the analogue and digital sources that exist today and will exist in the future.”

Axient sets a new level for audio and RF standards. It offers the most linear RF transmitter/receiver performance of any system to date, meaning it can fit more frequencies in one TV channel than any other system. Axient also offers the best quality audio for the most demanding performances and applications.

While not just a great radio mic system, it also boasts a number of very innovative features:

The Axient Spectrum Manager constantly scans the RF environment and performs frequency compatibility calculations to assign the best clear frequencies to each wireless transmitter. It permanently monitors, ranks and deploys backup frequencies.

Interference Detection and Avoidance is a receiver mode that informs you if interference is detected. When encountered, the Axient Spectrum Manager will then deploy the best available frequency to the troubled receiver. The transmitter will also be updated with this clean frequency via the two-way ShowLink connection. This does not require a transmitter sync, and will change at exactly the same time as the receiver.   The user will not notice it happening. Interference avoided.

Frequency Diversity takes this to a new level, and is perfect for the channel of wireless that MUST NOT FAIL. Axient handheld transmitters can transmit on two frequencies simultaneously. In this mode, a dual receiver will receive the same one audio signal on both channels, each receiving on a separate frequency. The receiver always chooses the best signal, and seamlessly switches the output accordingly. (Two bodypacks can also be used together to use this mode).

If you combine Frequency Diversity with Interference Detection and Avoidance, you have one solid system that cannot go wrong.

Axient also integrates perfectly with the New Wireless Workbench 6 software allowing full user control of Axient and other Shure networked wireless systems – UHF-R and PSM 1000.

Axient runs on touring-grade rechargeable batteries and the charging station delivers real-time information about power levels and charge history for all power platform devices.

For more information, check out Axient’s web page.

Axient will available from summer 2011.

Launched at NAMM 2011

At the NAMM Show taking place in sunny Anaheim, USA, we’ve just introduced several new products and here we have the first pictures and details about them……….

The PSM 1000 In-Ear Personal Monitoring System offers a dual channel, full-rack professional monitoring solution. It is designed to tightly integrate with Shure Wireless Workbench software for the most efficient set-up and control plus with a true diversity-equipped, low profile bodypack receiver, the PSM 1000 system provides the best in audio and RF performance.

 

 

For semiprofessional DJ’s and audio enthusiasts Shure has developed the SRH550DJ. This ultra-lightweight headphone has full range frequency response with enhanced bass. Its closed-back, supra-aural design with adjustable collapsible headband and 90° swivel ear cups make it suitable for both DJ mixing or general listening.

 

 

 

 

The new high end SRH940 headphones are designed for critical monitoring and mastering applications in professional studios. The SRH940 provides accurate response across the entire audio spectrum delivering smooth high-end extension with tight bass. The premium padded headband and velour ear cup pads offer superior comfort for long recording sessions.

 

 

 

 

The SE215 Sound Isolating™ Earphones deliver detailed audio with extended bass. A detachable, Kevlar® reinforced cable with formable wire allows for easy replacement and secure, comfortable fit.

 

We expect that these cool new products will be available in Europe during the first half of 2011 – fingers crossed!

New Beta Drum and Instrument Mics

With a tip of our hat to the tireless Shure Product Development team and a thank you to some great FOH  Engineers, as promised here is a special insight into the new Beta mic’s that will be appearing in store soon………….

The ‘new and improved’ additions to the Shure Beta microphone line include the Beta 181 side-address condenser microphone, Beta 91A boundary microphone, Beta 98A miniature instrument microphone, and Beta 98AMP miniature drum microphone.

“We had three goals in mind when we set out to design these new Beta mics,” says Chad Wiggins, Category Director for Wired Products. “To improve sound quality, to improve reliability and durability in the field, and to offer simple, secure mounting and placement. Engineers will love the functional advantage you get with these mics versus their predecessors.”

Let’s take a closer look at each one………..

Side-address Condenser Mic

Beta 181 Cardioid

Beta 181 is an ultra-compact, side-address condenser microphone designed for discreet placement and control in live and studio environments. What’s so great about it? It’s the first wired performance microphone from Shure that features interchangeable polar pattern capsules – cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional.

Already a winner. Beta 181 earned Pro Audio Review’s Par Excellence Award at the 129th AES Convention in November 2010.

“This mic is aces in tight spaces,” raves Wiggins. “It’s so compact; it can really fit in anywhere, whether it’s under a piano lid or in, around, and over a drum kit. Paired with the interchangeable capsules, musicians and engineers can get really creative with their mic placement, depending on the sounds they’re trying to achieve.”

That’s true. The small diaphragm design provides audio with consistent polar responses in a form factor small enough to get close to the source in the tightest conditions.

“In many applications where a large diaphragm side-address condenser might be a desirable, but impractical choice for live music, the Beta 181 offers a fresh solution,” says renowned front-of-house engineer Roger Lindsay. “It gives a full, rich, well-defined sound in a microphone that goes where many others can’t…impeccable performance in a neat, versatile package.”

Half Cardioid Condenser Boundary Mic

Beta 91A

The Beta 91A is a half-cardioid condenser boundary microphone for kick-drum and low frequency applications. Its new cartridge design provides a smoother, more natural response. The Beta 91A’s low-profile design, with integrated preamplifier and XLR connector requires no external hardware to maximize setup efficiency while minimizing stage clutter. It also features a low-mid frequency EQ switch that offers additional tonal flexibility.

Rob Mailman, front-of-house engineer for Santana, has been using the Beta 91A for some of his recent performances and says, “I’m certain I’ll use the Beta 91A until I retire.”

Miniature Cardioid Condenser Mic

Beta 98AC

The Beta 98A is a miniature cardioid condenser microphone for instrument sound reinforcement and recording applications. High SPL handling makes the Beta 98A a great choice for a variety of acoustic or amplified instruments, including drums, piano, reed, wind, and strings. The newly-designed cartridge features an extremely uniform cardioid polar pattern and provides a natural musical frequency response. It’s available in two variations with either a gooseneck drum mount (Beta 98AD/C) or with a stand mount (Beta 98A/C).

“While trying the new Beta 98A prototypes on the last Pretenders U.S. tour,” noted front of house engineer Roger Lindsay, “I was delighted to discover that Shure has managed to retain the essential character of the original SM98 with the latest advances in design and technology to further improve a much-loved model.”

Flexible Gooseneck with XLR Mic

Beta 98AMP

The Beta 98AMP is a new variation of the Beta 98A that combines the new cartridge with a flexible gooseneck and integrated XLR preamplifier. It ships with the new A75M Universal Microphone Mount for simple, accurate placement in any configuration of toms, snares, or percussion. These new features provide increased control and easier setup.

“Because the Beta 98AMP is a new design, we didn’t have a way to clamp it onto a drum,” says Wiggins. “We developed this very small, versatile mount that can be attached or removed in seconds. The A75M has almost infinite adjustability – it’s so universal that we’re also selling it as a standalone accessory.” The A75M’s dual-jaw, quick release design offers easy mounting to drums, percussion, drum hardware, and stands.”

These mic’s are hitting the UK shores as we speak, so expect to see them available online and in the shops soon.