[AES] Shure's QLX-D gets 900 MHz version

Adding to its line of wireless products capable of operating in the 900 MHz band, QLX-D 900 MHz is targeted for use where UHF “TV band” spectrum is limited or congested. QLX-D 900 MHz features components and accessories optimized for use in regional variations of the 902–928 MHz spectrum, generally known as the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band.

QLX-D is designed to deliver transparent 24-bit wireless digital audio at events and installations in corporate and government facilities, academic institutions, houses of worship, hotels, music venues, and more. Today’s introduction of QLX-D 900 MHz follows a recent introduction of the Company’s ULX-D 900 MHz systems, further extending the opportunity to experience high-quality digital wireless audio in an alternative band, free of the regulatory issues wireless microphone users currently face, or may eventually face, in the heavily-saturated UHF TV band.

This is presented as the result of extensive scanning, site surveys, and product testing in the 900MHz ISM spectrum. The new QLX-D option performs to high standards when the application and the RF environment are a good fit. The 900 MHz ISM band is also used by devices such as wireless internet access points, security systems, smart meters, Bluetooth devices, two-way radios, and intercoms. Because many of these services transmit in short bursts across multiple frequencies, this RF environment can be less predictable than the TV band has typically been. For this reason, the latest version of Wireless Workbench® 6 (version WWB 6.11.3) features a new Site Survey tool that enables customers to assess the availability of 900MHz ISM spectrum in a particular venue. The Site Survey Tool uses the receiver to capture a long-term scan and processes the data to provide a Usability Report, indicating an approximate number of usable channels in the ISM band.

In general, QLX-D 900 MHz systems are considered best suited for indoor use, where the environment can be assessed before the systems are installed. Usage outside of these applications is an option, but Shure recommends consulting with an authorized retailer if there is any question about which band is the best fit when purchasing QLX-D Digital Wireless Systems.

In addition to QLX-D 900 MHz, Shure is introducing two new accessories that operate in the 900 MHz band: the UA874XA Active Directional Antenna and the UA834XA In-Line Antenna Amplifier. Announced as being built to Shure’s quality and reliability standards, these accessories were designed to improve wireless reception in the 900 MHz band. The UA834XA can also be used with the Shure UA845 and UA844 Antenna Distribution Systems.

In the U.S., pricing for QLX-D 900 MHz systems starts at $973, and it can support up to 12 compatible channels per frequency band. For more information about QLX-D 900 MHz, the UA874XA Active Directional Antenna, and the UA834XA In-Line Antenna Amplifier, please visit www.shure.com.