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.
