Shure Wireless Buying Guide: Which System Is Right for Me?

One of the most recognized names in audio, Shure has earned its wireless pedigree by providing dependable performance and high-quality wireless sound for performers, instructors, clergy, presenters, DJs, and musicians at every level. There are a variety of analog and digital systems to choose from, all available with popular Shure handheld mics or with bodypacks that can accommodate lavalier, headset, and instruments mics, as well as guitar cables.

Three things you must know if you want to go wireless: What am I doing? Where am I doing it? How many microphones will I need in the same room at once? Let's look at this system-by-system guide and find out which is right for you, starting with analog versus digital.

Analog vs Basic Digital vs Advanced Digital

Basic Analog Systems

BLX—Shure Quality at an Affordable Price for Basic Setups: $299

BLX4 and BLX88 systems are throw-it-in-your-backpack wireless mic systems with portable receivers, great for getting around quickly. The BLX88 is the two-channel version of the BLX4.

Best for: Small touring applications, classrooms, office meetings, or fitness instructors on the go. Meetings with two speakers, musician duo, or mobile DJs doing weddings using two mics.

The BLX4R system is designed to be rack-mounted for transport and on-site installations. Antennas can be positioned remotely for better reception, with a full 300-foot operating range.

Best for: Small venues, events, office presentations, small congregations, school theaters, karaoke bars, gigging musicians, training, and teaching.

The BLX analog system provides a cost-effective entry point to Shure's renowned audio quality and is available with a choice of three different receivers. Shure's Audio Reference Companding technology delivers clear sound with low noise. The system offers easy setup, intuitive operation, and dependable performance, right out of the box.

SLX—Clear and Reliable Performance with More Mics Running at Once: $599

Best for: Installations in houses of worship, small- to midsize theaters, and other venues that demand a higher mic count for the band, actors, and congregation leaders. Corporate meetings and panels in hotels, offices, and conference spaces, touring DJs, lecturers, and musicians.

The SLX rackmount analog system also features Audio Reference Companding for clear sound and a 300-foot operating range, but offers more expanded capabilities than the BLX. Predictive Diversity reception, with more frequencies to choose from, ensures more reliable transmission. Shure's Audio Reference Companding technology delivers clearer sound with less noise. The handheld transmitters feature an interchangeable capsule design for more mic options. SLX receivers are also compatible with a variety of gooseneck and boundary mics, great for lecterns, panel discussions, or small seminars.

Basic Digital Systems

PGX-D—Best Reproduction of Your Sound at an Affordable Price: $349

Best for: Small venues, houses of worship, weddings, and events, on-the-go solo musicians, mobile DJs, lecturers, fitness instructors, classrooms, office meetings, and presentations.

The PGX-D digital system gives you the clarity of uncompressed digital audio, along with simple setup, intuitive operation, and dependable performance, all at a friendly price. It operates in the 900 MHz frequency band, free from signal interference caused by nearby TV, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth devices, with a maximum range of up to 200 feet.

GLX-D / GLX-D Advanced—Reliable Performance from Shure's Easiest-to-Use Wireless System: from $499 / $599

The GLX-D Advanced is the more sophisticated system of the two. It comes with the GLXD4R designed to be rack-mounted for transport and on-site installations. Removable antennas allow for improved RF performance and more mics at once.

Best for: Small-sized music venues, clubs, houses of worship, schools, gigging bands, office presentations, and small events.

The GLX-D is a portable system for peripatetic musicians and performers. Two types of receivers are available.

The GLXD4 receiver is a lightweight, streamlined receiver that's ready to travel.

Best for: Solo and small-ensemble musicians, performers in intimate settings.

The GLXD6 is a rugged receiver that mounts on and is powered by a guitar pedalboard. Includes built-in chromatic tuner.

Best for: Guitar and bass players in small- to midsize venues.

GLX-D combines digital audio clarity with automatic frequency management and intelligent rechargeability in a system that's ready to go as soon as you power it up—no setup necessary. This remarkably flexible system is available with a choice of three different receivers. It operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, free from signal interference caused by nearby TV, with a maximum range up to 200 feet. (For optimal results, use of the GLX-D is recommended in environments with limited Wi-Fi / 2.4 GHz traffic). The system scans continuously for open frequencies and switches seamlessly before dropouts can stall the show.

Advanced Digital Systems

SLX-D—Crystal-Clear Audio, Rock-Solid Wireless, Easy Setup & Rechargeability Options: from $699

Best for: Installs or portable rigs in corporate facilities, houses of worship, lecture halls, small- to mid-size theaters, and other venues that demand a high mic count for participants, the band, actors, and congregation leaders. Meetings and panels in hotels, offices, and conference spaces. Touring DJs, lecturers, and musicians.

The SLX-D digital system is ideal for users with any level of wireless experience, working in small-to-medium event spaces, corporate facilities, educational institutions, houses of worship, and music venues. It delivers crystal-clear, 24-bit digital audio and because it doesn’t transmit in the 2.4 GHz band, it is more reliable over longer distances than basic digital systems—with a generous operating range up to 330 feet. Link multiple receivers via Ethernet to scan and coordinate frequencies quickly for your entire wireless set up. Rechargeable-battery management options simplify the task of keeping multiple transmitters charged and at the ready.

ULX-D / QLX-D—Clear Audio, Rock-Solid Wireless, Networked Control & Recharging: from $999 / $1,349

The ULX-D is the high-end option and includes many features specifically designed for complex applications and larger live events.

Best for: Large-scale installations in universities, convention and corporate centers, across multiple facilities, touring productions, theater, broadcast studios, multi-system houses of worship.

QLX-D is designed for applications where the requirements are less complex, but gives the user optimal results with a streamlined feature set.

Best for: Professional live events and musical stage, installations in houses of worship, schools, hotels, or medium- to large-sized conference facilities.

ULX-D and QLX-D digital systems are primarily designed for advanced users who demand rock-solid wireless performance in high-profile live and installed setups. Both systems have identical audio performance with remarkably clear and accurate 24-bit/48 kHz digital audio. They also come with powerful network and rechargeability features that make complicated setups with multiple mics much easier to manage. The ULX-D offers additional RF flexibility and Dante networking. All ULX-D and QLX-D receivers are compatible with a variety of gooseneck and boundary mics, great for lecterns, panel discussions, or seminars.

Axient Digital—Pristine Audio for Mission-Critical Applications with Zero Tolerance for Failure: From $2,389 per channel

Best for: Stadiums, half-time performances, Broadway shows, large houses of worship, university campuses, convention centers, major corporate meetings, and top-tier broadcast facilities.

Axient Digital delivers top-tier wireless performance and reliability for mission-critical applications, where failure is simply not an option—period. This scalable system offers superior audio quality with AES3 support, comprehensive RF spectrum management with ShowLink, Dante network capabilities, advanced rechargeability options, and extensive control via software. Axient Digital gives engineers and talent greater confidence when performing in world-class venues with complex stage setups.