ULX-D Digital Wireless in the H50 Band: FAQs

Recently, we made ULX-D® available in the H50 band, so I sat down with Senior Manager of Shure Systems Support Gino Sigismondi to get a better understanding of the benefits of this new offering. Here's what he had to say...

Allison Wolcott: Could you tell us a little bit about how the ULX-D line has evolved?

Gino Sigismondi: Since its launch in January 2012, ULX-D Digital Wireless has become the "go-to" wireless system for mid- to high-tier users who need the combination of top-notch sound quality and high channel count. This, of course, includes sound engineers for touring musicians. It also includes those who handle audio for corporate conference spaces, hotel meeting facilities, houses of worship, educational institutions, and governmental organizations—the kinds of venues that also appreciate ULX-D's scalability and encryption capabilities. In the intervening years, Shure has continued to develop the ULX-D line, adding dual and quad receivers, Dante™ digital audio networking, and, most recently, a fourth frequency band.

The availability of the H50 frequency band means that ULX-D systems now may be used in all parts of the UHF television spectrum in the U.S. (470 – 698 MHz). With the continued spectrum-crowding that wireless microphone users are facing, having more choices increases the likelihood that they will find clear frequencies for their systems.

AW: Why the H50 band specifically?

GS: Initially, Shure offered ULX-D in three frequency ranges in the United States: G50 (470 – 534 MHz), J50 (572 – 636 MHz), and L50 (632 – 698 MHz). The 64 MHz tuning range allowed most users to find a fairly good number of open frequencies in most locations. But in certain crowded RF environments (think Los Angeles), where every open channel counts, the gap left between G50 and J50 meant several potentially useful channels that users couldn't access. The H50 band, with a tuning range of 534 – 598 MHz, fills that gap. At this stage of the game, as we prepare for possible changes in spectrum availability after the Incentive Auction in 2015, any available spectrum is good spectrum.

AW: Where can customers use this band?

GS: Visit www.shure.com/frequency to determine the ideal frequency band for your location, whether it be H50 or one of the other bands.

AW: With which ULX-D system configuration types is the H50 band available?

GS: You can get H50 in any of the configurations Shure offers for ULX-D in the United States. These include handheld, headworn, instrument, lavalier, guitar, and various combo configurations. Check out the ULX-D Digital Wireless Systems product page on shure.com to view the available configuration types.