Shure PSM 900 User manual

PSM900
Wireless Personal Monitor System
Online user guide for PSM900 wireless personal monitor system.
Version: 10.0 (2021-F)

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Table of Contents
PSM900 Wireless Personal Monitor System 3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 3
WARNING 4
HEARING PRECAUTIONS 4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 4
WARNING 4
CAUTION 4
General Description 4
Features 5
Components 6
Quickstart Instructions 6
Rack Mount Transmitter 6
Bodypack 8
Scan and Sync 8
Rack Unit Transmitter 10
Front Panel Controls 10
Rear Panel Connectors 11
Configuration Menu 11
Bodypack Receiver 14
Battery Life 15
Configuration Menu 16
RF Settings 16
Audio Settings 17
Utilities and Display Settings 18
Multiple System Setup 19
CueMode 19
Adding Transmitters to the CueMode List 20
Auditioning Mixes 20
Exiting CueMode 20
Managing CueMode Mixes 20
Frequency Scan 20
Sync 21
Downloading settings from the bodypack 21
Sending settings to the bodypack 21
MixMode 21
LOOP Applications 22
MixMode for Multiple Systems 22
Floor Monitors 22
Recording Devices 22
Squelch 22
Squelch Settings 22
Point-to-Point Wireless Audio 23
Specifications 23
Frequency Range and Transmitter Output Power 27
Furnished Accessories 28
Optional Accessories 28
Certifications 29
Information to the user 29
P9RA+ 30
P9T 30

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PSM900 
Wireless Personal Monitor System
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ these instructions.
KEEP these instructions.
HEED all warnings.
FOLLOW all instructions.
DO NOT use this apparatus near water.
CLEAN ONLY with dry cloth.
DO NOT block any ventilation openings. Allow sufficient distances for adequate ventilation and install in accordance
withthemanufacturer’sinstructions.
DONOTinstallnearanyheatsourcessuchasopenflames,radiators,heatregisters,stoves,orotherapparatus(in
cluding amplifiers) that produce heat. Do not place any open flame sources on the product.
DO NOT defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wider blade or the third
prongareprovidedforyoursafety.Iftheprovidedplugdoesnotfitintoyouroutlet,consultanelectricianforreplace
ment of the obsolete outlet.
PROTECT the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
ONLY USE attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
USE only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
UNPLUG this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
REFER all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
DO NOT expose the apparatus to dripping and splashing. DO NOT put objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the
apparatus.
The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler shall remain readily operable.
The airborne noise of the Apparatus does not exceed 70dB (A).
ApparatuswithCLASSIconstructionshallbeconnectedtoaMAINSsocketoutletwithaprotectiveearthingconnec
tion.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Do not attempt to modify this product. Doing so could result in personal injury and/or product failure.
Operate this product within its specified operating temperature range.

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WARNING
LISTENING TO AUDIO AT EXCESSIVE VOLUMES CAN CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING DAMAGE. USE AS LOW A VOL
UME AS POSSIBLE. Over exposure to excessive sound levels can damage your ears resulting in permanent noise-induced
hearing loss (NIHL). Please use the following guidelines established by the Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA)
on maximum time exposure to sound pressure levels before hearing damage occurs.
90 dB SPL
at 8 hours
95 dB SPL
at 4 hours
100 dB SPL
at 2 hours
105 dB SPL
at 1 hour
110 dB SPL
at ½ hour
115 dB SPL
at 15 minutes
120 dB SPL
Avoid or damage may occur
This product is intended for professional use only. This product should only be sold through professional sales channels.
HEARING PRECAUTIONS
To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Thepossibleresultsofincorrectusearemarkedbyoneofthetwosymbols—"WARNING"and"CAUTION"—dependingonthe
imminence of the danger and the severity of the damage.
WARNING: Ignoring these warnings may cause severe injury or death as a result of incorrect operation.
CAUTION:Ignoringthesecautionsmaycausemoderateinjuryorpropertydamageasaresultofincor
rect operation.
WARNING
If water or other foreign objects enter the inside of the device, fire or electric shock may result.
Do not attempt to modify this product. Doing so could result in personal injury and/or product failure.
WARNING: Battery packs shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire, or the like.
CAUTION
Never disassemble or modify the device, as failures may result.
Do not subject to extreme force and do not pull on the cable or failures may result.
Keep the product dry and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity.

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General Description
The Shure PSM 900 Wireless Personal Monitor System offers an unprecedented combination of superb audio quality, robust
RF performance, and category-leading features for the most demanding professional applications. Patented Audio Reference
Compandingandadvanceddigitalsignalprocessingtechnologyprovideexcellentstereoseparationandaudioclarity.Excep
tional transmitter linearity vastly reduces frequency intermodulation, allowing more channels per frequency band. Patented
CueMode technology enables the sound engineer to monitor different stage mixes with the touch of a button.
Features
Unparalleled Audio Quality
Bodypackreceiverswithadvanceddigitalsignalprocessingtechnologydelivermoreheadroom,improvedstereosepara
tion, and higher audio fidelity.
Patented Audio Reference Companding offers natural and transparent sound.
Available with Shure SE425 Sound Isolating earphonesfeaturingdualhighdefinitionMicroDriversforaccurateandbal
anced audio response.
Robust RF Performance
P9RA+ bodypack receivers offer enhanced signal reception and range.
Precision front-end RF filtering significantly reduces RF interference for a cleaner, stronger RF signal, fewer dropouts, and
fewer audible artifacts.
Exceptional transmitter linearity vastly reduces frequency intermodulation and allows up to 20 compatible channels per
frequency range.
Automatic RF gain control prevents signal distortion due to RF overload before it can affect performance.
Category-Leading Setup and Operation Features
CueMode allows monitoring of different stage mixes and storing of up to 20 separate channels on one bodypack for quick
and easy reference.
Front panel RF mute switch enables or disables RF transmission during setup.
Scan and Sync scans the RF environment with the bodypack and assigns an identified group and channel to your system
over wireless IR link.
MixMode technology allows the bodypack user to combine two separate audio channels for simultaneous listening in
both ears, or can transmit two independent IFB program feeds. Balance control on the bodypack adjusts the relative levels
for each audio signal.
Four-band parametric EQ gives the user the choice to adjust frequencies for a fully customized sound.
Advanced Rechargeability Options
The SB900B lithium-ion rechargeable battery provides extended usage times and precise tracking of remaining life and
charge cycle details.
TheSCB800USeightbaychargerbringsuptoeightSB900Bbatteriestofullchargewithintwohoursandhaschargesta
tus LEDs for each battery.
The SBC200 dual-docking charger works with SB900B, P3RA, P9RA+, P10R+, QLX-D Digital Wireless Systems, and
ULX-D Digital Wireless Systems, available with and without power supply.
The SBC220 networked dual-docking charger works with SB900B, PSM 300 (P3RA only), PSM 900 (P9RA+ only), PSM
1000 (P10R+ only), QLX-D Digital Wireless Systems, ULX-D Digital Wireless Systems, and Axient Digital (AD1 and AD2
only), available with and without power supply. When the SBC220 is connected to a network, battery information for each
transmitter can be viewed remotely.
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Components
P9T: Rack Unit Transmitter
P9RA+: Bodypack Receiver
PS43: Power supply
Protective bumpers with 8 screws
Rackmount supplies
①Short rack ear
②Long rack ear
③Link bar to mount to similar rack unit
④2 antenna hole plugs
⑤8 rack ear screws
⑥4 rack mount screws with washers
⑦Extension cables and connectors for front-mounting antennas
Quickstart Instructions
Rack Mount Transmitter
Connect to a power outlet using the supplied power adapter.
Attach the supplied antennas to the antenna out BNC connectors.
Connecttheaudiosource,suchastheoutputofamixer,totheaudioinputs.Youcanusebothinputjacksorchooseei
ther one for a mono source.
For mono (one input), access the Audio menu and select Mono.
Set the input sensitivity to match the source by selecting Audio INPUT from the LCD configuration menu: Aux
(-10dBV) or Line (+4dBu).
Make sure the RF switch is OFF. Turn the power ON.

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Adjust the audio source level so that, for the average input signal level, the top two yellow LEDs flicker and the lower
LEDs are solid.
IftheredclipLEDilluminates,theinputsareoverdriven.Decreasethelevelusingthe▼▲buttonsorchangethe
input sensitivity to +4 dBu.
If the signal level is too low, change the input sensitivity to –10 dBV

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Bodypack
Insert batteries and attach antenna. Turn on using the volume knob. The battery light illuminates.
Scan and Sync
On the bodypack, press the scan button. The display flashes SYNC NOW....
Align the IR windows on the bodypack and rack unit and press the sync button. The rack unit Level LEDs flash, and it
displays SYNC SUCCESS.
Turn the RF switch on. The blue RF LED illuminates on the bodypack to indicate that it is detecting the transmitter. The
bodypack also displays the RF signal strength (RF).
Important: Turn bodypack volume down before plugging in earphones.
Insert the earphones and slowly turn up the volume.

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Rack Unit Transmitter
Front Panel Controls
①Input Level Control and Display

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Usethe▼▲buttonstoadjusttheaudiosothat,fortheaverageinputsignallevel,thetoptwoyellowLEDsflickerandthe
lower LEDs are solid. The red clip LED indicates the inputs are overdriven. Reduce the level at the audio source or change
the input sensitivity of the rack unit from the AUDIO > INPUT menu.
②Status Display and Menu Controls
Use the enter and exit buttons and the menu wheel to access the configuration menu. Push the menu wheel to move the
cursortothenextitem.Turnthemenuwheeltochangeaparameter—theenter button flashes. Press it to save the value.
Press the exit button to cancel changes and return to the previous menu.
③Synchronization Button
Press the sync button while rack unit and bodypack IR windows are aligned to transfer settings.
④Headphone Monitoring
The volume control adjusts signal output to the 3.5 mm headphone jack. NOTE: it does not affect rear panel outputs.
⑤RF switch
Mutes RF output. For setting up multiple systems or adjusting settings without transmitting unwanted RF or audio signals.
⑥Power Button
Turns the unit on and off.
Rear Panel Connectors
⑦Power
Connect the transmitter to a power outlet using the supplied power adapter.
⑧LOOP OUT
Sends a copy of the audio signal going into the transmitter to another device. See LOOP Applications.
⑨Audio Inputs
Connecttobalancedorunbalancedoutputs.Useeitherconnectorformonoinput.Acceptsboth1/4inchormaleXLRcon
nectors.
⑩Antenna (BNC)
Attach supplied antenna. If you are rack mounting, use a front panel or remote mounting kit from Shure.
Configuration Menu
Note: Configuration menu items may vary with regional model variations.

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RF Settings
RADIO
G
Sets the group number
CH
Sets the channel number
888.888MHz
Manual frequency selection
RF POWER
Select from 10, 50, or 100 mW (varies by region)
Audio Settings
AUDIO > MODE
Selects monitor mode
STEREO/MX
Transmits both channels
MONO
Transmits a mono signal to bodypack
AUDIO > INPUT
Sets nominal input level
LINE +4 dBu
line level
AUX 10dBV
aux level
Utilities and Display Settings
UTILITIES
EDIT NAME
Changes the name on the LCD display (this name is uploaded to the bodypack with sync)
DISPLAY
Changes the display format
CONTRAST

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Changes the display contrast
CUSTOM GROUP
For creating custom frequency groups
UTILITIES > LOCK PANEL
Locks front panel controls. To unlock, press exit, select OFF, and press enter.
MENU+LEVEL
Locks menu and level controls.
MENU ONLY
Locks only the configuration menu (menu controls).
MENU+SWITCH
Locks all controls except for the level buttons (including the RF and power switches).*
ALL
Locks all controls (including the RF and power switches).*
*RF is automatically activated when locked. When you unlock the unit, RF and power turns off if the swithes are off.
UTILITIES > RX SETUP
Thesesettingsaresenttothebodypackduringasync(whenthesyncdirectionisfromthetransmitter).ThedefaultKEEPpa
rameter will not change the bodypack settings.
LOCK
Lock bodypack
V LIMIT
Volume limiter
LIM VAL
Volume limiter value
MODE
Stereo (ST) or MixMode (MX)
BAL MX
CH. 1 (L) and CH. 2 (R) mix for MixMode
BAL ST
Left (L) and right (R) balance for stereo mode
HIBOOST
high frequency boost
UTILITIES > RESET SYSTEM

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Returns all settings to the factory defaults
NO
Exit and do not reset system.
YES
Reset system settings.
Bodypack Receiver
①Power Switch and Volume Control
Turns the bodypack on and off and adjusts earphone volume.
②3.5 mm Earphone Jack
Insert earphones here.
③Scan Button
Pressthescanbuttontofindanavailablefrequency.Pressandholdfortwosecondstofindthegroupwiththemostavail
able channels.
④IR Window
For transmitting settings between bodypack and rack unit.
⑤Battery Compartment
Requires 2 AA batteries or Shure rechargeable battery. Open by pressing the latches on both sides and pulling.
⑥Menu buttons
Useinconjunctionwiththe▼▲buttonstoaccesstheconfigurationmenus.
⑦ ▼▲ Buttons

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Use to adjust the audio mix (in MixMode only), or in conjunction with the menu buttons to change settings.
⑧LCD Screen
Displays current settings and menus.
⑨Tri-Color Battery LED
Illuminates green, amber, or red to indicate battery power. When red, change battery immediately.
⑩Blue RF LED
Indicates the bodypack is receiving a signal from the transmitter.
⑪SMA Connector
For detachable antennas.
⑫Removable AA Adapter
Remove to use with a Shure SB900B rechargeable battery.
Note: To remove adapter, open door and slide out. To reinstall adapter, place over the clip and press, there will be an audible click when seated.
Battery Life
Battery Indicator
Tri-Color
Battery
LED
Approximate Hours Remaining (h:mm)
Alkaline Shure SB900B Rechargeable Battery
Volume Level Volume Level
46 8 4 6 8
Green 6:00 to 3:50 4:20 to 2:45 3:15 to 2:05
8:00
to
3:45
6:45 to 3:45 6:00 to 3:45
Green 3:50 to 2:50 2:45 to 2:00 2:05 to 1:30
3:45
to
2:45
3:45 to 2:45 3:45 to 2:45
Green 2:50 to 1:15 2:00 to 1:00 1:30 to 0:50
2:45
to
1:45
2:45 to 1:45 2:45 to 1:45
Green 1:15 to 0:25 1:00 to 0:20 0:50 to 0:20
1:50
to
0:55
1:50 to 0:55 1:50 to 0:55
Amber 0:25 to 0:15 0:20 to 0:10 0:20 to 0:10
0:55
to
0:25
0:55 to 0:25 0:55 to 0:25
Red < 0:15 < 0:10 < 0:10 < 0:25 < 0:25 < 0:25

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Total Battery Life 6:00 4:20 3:15 8:00 6:45 6:00
Power-save mode: When there are no earphones plugged in for 5 minutes, the receiver enters power-save mode to preserve
battery life. The LED slowly fades on/off in this mode and continues to display the color that represents the remaining battery
life.
Note: Battery life using Energizer brand AA Alkaline batteries and the following conditions:
Receiver audio set to V LIMIT = 0dB
Transmitter audio INPUT set to Line+4 dBu and Levelsetto−9dB
Audio input to the transmitter: pink noise at +8.7 dBV
Audiooutputatreceiver:115dBSPLinearwithSE425earphones(impedanceat22Ώ)setatvolumelevel4.
Note: Using lower-impedance earphones or ones with different sensitivity, different battery types, and higher gain settings in the PSM system may cause the
receiver battery life to be different than specified.
Pinknoiseisasignalwithafrequencyspectrumsuchthatthepowerspectraldensityisinverselyproportionaltothefrequency.Inpinknoise,eachoctavecar
ries an equal amount of noise power.
Note: A Battery Hot warning indicates that transmitter battery needs to cool off. Otherwise, the transmitter will shut down. Let
the device cool down and then consider swapping the transmitter battery to continue operation.
Identify any possible external heat sources to the transmitter and operate the transmitter away from those external heat
sources.
All batteries should be stored and operated away from external heat sources in reasonable temperature conditions for best
performance.
Configuration Menu
RF Settings
Access the following RF settings from the RADIO menu.
RADIO

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G:
Group number. Each group contains channels selected to work well together in a single installation.
CH:
Channel number. Sets the receiver to a channel in the selected group.
888.888 MHz
Displaysthefrequencytowhichthereceiverisset.Highlightandusethe▼▲buttonstosettoaspecificfrequency.
SQUELCH
Adjusts the squelch setting.
RF PAD
Attenuates antenna signals in 3 dB increments.
Audio Settings
Access the following audio settings from the Audio menu.
Output Mode (MODE)
STEREO
Receive left and right inputs as a stereo signal
MIXMODE®
Set your receiver to combine the left and right channel for simultaneous listening in both ears or pan to listen to only the
left or right channel
Four-Band Parametric Equalizer (EQ)
The parametric equalizer is divided into four frequency bands: LOW, LOW MID, HIGH MID, and HIGH. When the EQisen
abled, the following parameters are adjustable:
FREQUENCY
Select the center frequency of the band to boost/cut
Q
Adjusts the width and slope of the frequency band (measured in octaves)
GAIN
Adjustable in 2 dB increments from -6 dB (cut) to +6 dB (boost)
NOTE: HIGH and LOW are shelf filters, and therefore do not have adjustable Q widths. The HIGH shelf is fixed at 10 kHz; the LOW shelf is fixed at 100 Hz.

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Volume Limiter (V LIM)
V LIM
Set a value (OFF to 48 dB,adjustablein3dBincrements)toattenuatethehighestpossiblevolumelevel.Turningthevol
ume knob through its entire range of motion still affects volume; the limit simply narrows the range of dB adjustment.
Note: The volume limit does not compress the audio signal.
Volume Lock (V LOCK)
P9RA+ and P10R+ only
ON
The volume is locked to the physical position of the volume knob
Input EQ Preset (EQPre)
Input EQ affects the signal after it is sent to the receiver, but before the headphone output, modifying the overall sound of the
entire system.
Match (default)
Matches the frequency response of legacy PSM receivers, allowing for matched audio with mixed-inventory setups
Flat
Offers a flat frequency response curve
Off
Audio bypasses input EQ
Balance (BAL ST / BAL MIX)
▼▲ Buttons
Left and right balance for earphones when in stereo mode, or mix of left and right channel for MixMode
Utilities and Display Settings
Access the following settings from the UTILITIES menu.
UTILITIES

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CUEMODE
Enters CUEMODE (to exit, press enter and select EXIT CUEMODE)
DISPLAY
Change the display settings on the bodypack
CONTRAST
Sets display brightness to high, low, or medium.
LOCK PANEL
Locks all controls except power and volume. To unlock, press exit, select OFF, and press enter.
BATTERY
Displays the following: Hrs: Min Left, temperature, Status, Cycle Count, and Health.
RESTORE
Returns receiver to factory default settings.
Multiple System Setup
When setting up multiple systems, designate a single bodypack to scan for available frequencies and download them to all the
rack units.
The bodypack must be from the same frequency band as all the transmitters.
Power on all the rack units. Turn off the RF. (This prevents them from interfering with the frequency scan.)
Note: Turn on all other wireless or digital devices as they would be during the performance or presentation (so the scan will detect and avoid any in
terferance they generate).
Use the bodypack to scan for a group by pressing and holding the scan button for two seconds.Thebodypackdis
plays the group and the number of available channels, and flashes SYNC NOW....
Important: Note the number of available channels. If you have more rack units than available channels, eliminate potential sources of interference
and try again, or call Shure Applications for assistance.
Sync the bodypack with the first rack unit by aligning the IR windows and pressing sync.
Press scan again on the bodypack to find the next available frequency.
Sync the bodypack with the next rack unit.
Repeat with all the rack units.
Sync each performer's bodypack to its respective rack unit by aligning the IR windows and pressing snyc. DO NOT
press scan on the bodypacks.
Turn on the RF on all rack units. The systems are ready to use.
CueMode
CueMode allows you to upload the name and frequency settings from multiple rack units and store them as a list on a single
bodypack. You can then, at any time, scroll through that list to hear the audio mix from each transmitter, just as each performer
does during a show.

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CueMode lists are retained even if CueMode is exited, the bodypack is turned off, or batteries are removed.
Note: Set the channel frequency and assign display names for each transmitter before creating your CueMode list.
Adding Transmitters to the CueMode List
Note: The transmitter must be from the same frequency band as the bodypack.
Open the battery door and press the enter button.
From the main menu, scroll to UTILITIES and press enter. Select CueMode and press enter again.
Align IR windows and press sync on the rack unit.
The LCD displays SYNC SUCCESS after frequency and name data are uploaded to the CueMode list. It also displays
the CueMode number for that transmitter and the total number of transmitters.
Repeat the above step for each transmitter.
Note: Syncing while in CueMode does not change any of the settings on the bodypack.
Auditioning Mixes
Enter CueMode from the UTILITIES menu.
Usethe▼▲buttonstoscrollthroughyourCueModelisttohearthemixes.
Exiting CueMode
Exit CueMode by pressing enter and selecting EXIT CUEMODE.
Managing CueMode Mixes
While in Cue Mode, you can access the following menu by pressing enter:
REPLACE MIX
Selectandpresssynconarackunittouploadnewdataforthecurrentmix(forexample,ifyouhavechangedthetrans
mitter frequency).
DELETE MIX
Removes the selected mix.
DELETE ALL
Removes all mixes.
EXIT CUEMODE
Exits CueMode and returns the bodypack to the previous frequency setting.
Frequency Scan
Use a frequency scan to analyze the RF environment for interference and identify available frequencies.
Channel Scan Press the scan button on the bodypack. Finds the first available channel.