Wireless Mics Decoded: Choosing the Right Shure System for Your Space
When it comes to professional audio, the goal is simple: you want sound that's clear, reliable, and just plain works. For as long as we can remember, Shure has been the name everyone trusts for wireless mics. But technology moves fast, and today, choosing the right system isn't about grabbing the newest thing on the shelf—it's about getting the right tool for the job.
we at Array have been in the trenches, installing countless audio systems. We know these products inside and out, especially the two main families we work with every day: the legendary, tour-ready systems like ULX-D and Axient Digital, and the brilliant, modern Microflex® Wireless (MXW).
So, how do you choose? Let's break it down.
Champions of the Stage: ULX-D & Axient Digital
Think of these systems as the Formula 1 cars of the audio world. They're built for high-stakes environments where there are no second chances, and you have an expert in the driver's seat.
You'll find them in:
Concert Venues & Theaters
Large Houses of Worship
Major Corporate Keynotes & Live Broadcasts
Any space where a dedicated audio tech is running the show.
Why we at Array swear by them for live events:
Serious Power and Range: These systems use the UHF frequency band—think of it as a superhighway for audio. This gives them incredible power to cut through crowded airwaves and solid walls. For a presenter or musician on a big stage, that's non-negotiable.
Real-Time, Zero-Delay Audio: For a musician with in-ear monitors, even a millisecond of delay can be a problem. These systems are lightning-fast, ensuring what you do and what you hear are perfectly in sync, every time.
Total Control for Technicians: These systems give our pros a massive control panel, letting us fine-tune every single detail. That hands-on control is how we guarantee a flawless performance, no matter how tough the environment is.
The Array Verdict: For any live performance or large-scale event, ULX-D and Axient are the only way to go. They deliver the power, flexibility, and bulletproof reliability that live audio demands. Our team has the expertise to design and manage these systems flawlessly.
The Brains of the Boardroom: Microflex® Wireless (MXW)
If the live systems are race cars, Microflex Wireless is a luxury smart car. It’s incredibly intelligent, drives itself, and makes the whole experience effortless for the user. It does all the heavy lifting so you don't have to.
Perfect for:
Corporate Conference and Huddle Rooms
University Lecture Halls & Classrooms
Government and Council Chambers
Any space where you need amazing audio without a tech in the room for every meeting.
Why it’s a game-changer for modern workspaces:
It Manages Itself: This is the magic of MXW. The system is always scanning for the clearest radio channel and will automatically hop to it if it senses interference. That means clean, dropout-free audio without you ever having to touch a thing.
Clean and Simple to Install: MXW runs over standard network cables (the same Cat6 your IT team uses). We can install a powerful, room-filling system with minimal, clean wiring, which means no more nests of audio cables.
Always Ready to Go: The mics live in smart charging docks. Pick one up, and it's on, connected, and shows you exactly how many hours and minutes of battery you have left. No more guesswork.
Effortless for Anyone: This is the best part. Anyone on your team can walk into the room, grab a mic, and know it’s going to work perfectly. It's that simple.
The Array Verdict: For our clients in corporate, education, and government, Microflex Wireless is a game-changer. We design MXW systems that are incredibly powerful under the hood but so simple to use that you'll never have to worry about your audio again.
Under the Hood: What's the Difference?
So, how do these systems achieve such different goals? It comes down to three key things:
The Airwaves They Use: Think of radio frequencies like highways. ULX-D and Axient use the broad, powerful UHF highway—it’s like an interstate. It covers long distances but needs an expert driver (a technician) to navigate the traffic. Microflex Wireless uses the DECT highway—more like a private, managed local road. It's designed for shorter trips inside a building and automatically directs its own traffic to avoid jams.
Finding a Clear Channel: With ULX-D and Axient, our technicians use special tools to find a wide-open lane on the highway for each microphone. For a specific venue, this guarantees the best possible performance. Microflex Wireless does this itself. It’s constantly watching its road and will seamlessly switch lanes if it senses trouble, ensuring your meeting is never interrupted.
How the Sound Gets Around: Traditionally, every wireless mic needs its own audio cable running back to a mixer. Microflex Wireless is different. It puts the audio from all its mics directly onto your computer network (using a technology called Dante). It’s the difference between mailing a dozen separate letters and sending one quick email with everything attached. It's cleaner, more efficient, and super flexible.
A “Simple” Chart of the frequencies in the US