Shure LX Wireless System User manual

Shure Brothers Incorporated
222 Hartrey Avenue
Evanston IL 60202-3696 U.S.A.
www.shure.com
27B8654(SC)
E1999,ShureBrothersIncorporated
LX Wireless System
User Guide

LX Wireless
2
THANK YOU...
...for selecting the Shure LX Wireless Microphone System
This guide is intended to help you get the most out of your LX wireless microphone
system. If you have questions about your system that are not answered in this guide,
please contact Shure Customer Service at 847-866-2553, Monday through Friday,
8:00 am - 4:30 pm CST.
In Europe, please call Shure GmbH in Germany at 49-7131-72140. Other interna-
tional users please call Shure Brothers Inc. in the U.S.A. at 847-866-2200.

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READ ME FIRST!
To get your system up and running in just a few minutes, follow the simple in-
structions on this page. For more detailed information, refer to the sections of
this guide that apply to your system.
Receiver Connections
1. Attach the antennas to the receiver antenna connectors.
2. Connect the ac power adapter to the receiver power connector; then plug it into an
ac electrical outlet.
3. Connect the receiver audio output to the sound system, using either a low- or high-
impedance audio cable.
Transmitter Connections
1. Open the transmitter battery compartment and insert a fresh 9-volt alkaline
battery. Observe proper battery polarity ( “+/–”).
2. If you are using a body-pack transmitter, connect the microphone or WA302 instru-
ment cable to the 4-pin connector on the transmitter.
Operating the System
1. Press the receiver POWER switch. The green POWER light on the receiver will
glow.
2. SetthetransmitterPWR/OFFswitchtoPWRandtheON/MUTEswitchtoON.One
of the three lights on the transmitter will glow, indicating both that the transmitter is
on and the amount of battery life remaining. Two sets of five RF level lights on the
receiverwillalsoglowtoindicatethestrengthofthereceivedsignal.Themorelights
that glow, the stronger the signal.
3. Have someone talk or sing into the microphone, or play the musical instrument con-
nected to the transmitter. The audio level will be indicated as follows:
-Green lights (3) glowing indicates normal operation.
-Amber light glowing indicates approaching audio overload (should only occur
during loud signals).
-Red light glowing steadily indicates audio overload. If this happens, reduce the
transmittergainuntilitflickersonlyduringtheloudestsignals.RefertotheTrans-
mitter Audio Gain Adjustment section of this guide.
4. Adjust the receiver LEVEL control until the output level is compatible with the mixer
or amplifier input. In most cases, this control should be set fully clockwise.
YOU ARE NOW READY TO PERFORM!
IMPORTANT: Every wireless microphone installation is a unique situation, and can
present a variety of problems. Never attempt a live performance without first conduct-
ing a “walkthrough” test of the system in the performing area. If major changes (addi-
tional wireless systems or intercoms, relocation of scenery, etc.) have been made
sincethe last walk–throughtest, check thewireless system again—asclose to perfor-
mance time as possible.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SYSTEM COMPONENTS 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SYSTEM FEATURES 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LX1 BODY-PACK TRANSMITTER FEATURES, CONTROLS & INDICATORS 7. . .
LX2 HAND-HELD TRANSMITTER FEATURES, CONTROLS & INDICATORS 8. . .
LX3 RECEIVER FEATURES, CONTROLS & INDICATORS 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LX4 DIVERSITY RECEIVER FEATURES, CONTROLS & INDICATORS 10. . . . . . .
RECEIVER MOUNTING 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Single Rack Mounted Receiver 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Double Rack Mounted Receivers 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RECEIVER CONNECTIONS 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TRANSMITTER SETUP 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LX1 Body–Pack Transmitter Battery Installation 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LX2 Hand–Held Microphone–Transmitter Battery Installation 13. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Transmitter Battery 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecting a Lavalier Microphone or Instrument Cable to the LX1 14. . . . . . . .
Attaching the LX1 to a Belt or Guitar Strap 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the WA555 Grip/Switch Cover Accessory on the LX2 15. . . . . . . . . . . .
OPERATING LX1 BODY–PACK SYSTEMS 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OPERATING THE LX2 HAND–HELD SYSTEM 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAIN AND SQUELCH ADJUSTMENT 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Transmitter Audio Gain Level 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Receiver Squelch Control 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TIPS FOR ACHIEVING OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TROUBLESHOOTING 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SPECIFICATIONS 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FURNISHED ACCESSORIES 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REPLACEMENT PARTS 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LICENSING INFORMATION 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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SYSTEM COMPONENTS (FIGURE 1)
LX1
LEVEL POWER
LX4
RF A RF B AUDIO SQUELCH DIVERSITY
MARCAD
LX2
RECEIVER
RF AUDIO SQUELCH LEVEL POWER
LX3
WIRELESS
LX WIRELESS MICROPHONE SYSTEM COMPONENTS
FIGURE 1
Your LX Wireless Microphone System features a MARCADfixed frequency diver-
sity receiver operating in the VHF band between 169 and 240 MHz. Up to 12 LX wire-
less systems can be operated simultaneously in a single installation. Each LX system
contains a combination of the following items:
•One of the following transmitters:
LX1 Body-Pack Transmitter, with your choice of instrument cable or microphone,
or
LX2Hand-HeldMicrophone-Transmitterwithyourchoiceofinterchangeablemicro-
phone heads:
-SM58 cardioid dynamic microphone
-BETA 58supercardioid premium dynamic microphone
-SM87 supercardioid condenser microphone
-BETA 87supercardioid premium condenser microphone
•One of the following half-rack size receivers:
LX3 Receiver
or
LX4 Diversity Receiver
•Both single and dual rack-mounting hardware
•One antenna (LX3 systems) or two antennas (LX4 systems)
•One of the following ac power adapters: PS40,PS40E, or PS40UK.

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SYSTEM FEATURES
Shure LX Wireless Systems offer a number of exceptional features, including:
•Exclusive Shure MARCADCircuitry (LX4). MARCAD (MAximum Ratio Combin-
ingAudioDiversity)circuitryconstantlymonitorssignalsfrombothreceiversections
andcombinesthemtocreateasingleoutputsignal.Theresultisimprovedreception
and exceptional freedom from dropouts.
•Half-Rack Receiver Size. The LX3 and LX4 receivers interface with the HR (half-
rack) format, and are supplied with both single and dual rack-mount hardware. An
optional WA503 accessory kit lets you front-mount antennas.
•Power/Battery Fuel Gauge. The LX1 and LX2 transmitters include a three-light
gaugethatindicatesboth“poweron”andtheamountofbatteryliferemaining.(Refer
to the
Checking the Transmitter Battery section.)
•Dual RF Level Meters (LX4). Instead of a conventional single RF meter, the LX4
receiver has two meters, one for each antenna. The dual meters indicate received
signal strength at each antenna, and make it easier to identify and troubleshoot RF
“dead spots.”
•Audio Metering. A five-light audio meter helps to optimize transmitter gain setting
and lets you monitor audio level during operation.
•True Guitar Sound. Guitar players demanding the highest degree of sound quality
and reliability will appreciate the low noise and uncolored sound of the LX Wireless
System.
•Noise Squelch. This circuit analyzes signal quality instead of signal strength . This
virtually eliminates the possibility of annoying noise bursts coming through your re-
ceiver.
•Body-Pack Transmitter Belt Clip. The belt clip has a wider contact surface for a
better grip, and firmly holds thinner, more slippery materials. It can be removed or
inverted for special positioning.
•Grip/Switch Cover Accessory. The unbreakable WA555 grip/switch cover acces-
sory,supplied with all LX2hand-held microphone-transmitters, prevents accidental
movement of the power and mute switches and provides a “grip” feel.
•Compact Power Adapter. The supplied ac power adapter incorporates small, in-
line transformers that save space on ac power strips. It also has mounting tabs so
it can be secured to any surface, as well as locking dc power connectors to prevent
accidental disconnection from the receiver.

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LX1 BODY-PACK TRANSMITTER
FEATURES, CONTROLS, & INDICATORS (FIGURE 2)
ON
MUTE BAT OFF PWR
12
3
45
678
LX1 BODY-PACK TRANSMITTER FEATURES, CONTROLS & INDICATORS
FIGURE 2
1. Antenna. A flexible wire antenna is permanently attached to the bottom of the LX1
body-pack transmitter.
For best operation, the antenna must hang in the vertical
position, and should not be coiled or bundled.
2. BatteryCompartment.Hingedcoveronbottomsurfaceexposesthebattery.Refer
to the
Body-Pack Transmitter Battery Installation section.
3. Audio Gain Control. Allows audio level adjustment to accommodate various
sound sources (e.g., singing, speaking, or playing an instrument). A small screw-
driver is supplied to make adjustments (see the
Setting Audio Level section).
4. Input Jack. This is a Tini Q-Gconnector that provides connection with a variety
of lavalier and headset microphone cables, and the Shure WA302 instrument
adapter cable.
5. Power/BatteryFuelGauge.WhenthePowerswitchisturnedtothePWRposition,
oneortwoofthethreelightsonthetransmitterwillglow,indicatingpowertotheunit.
Thecoloroftheglowinglight(s)indicatestheamountofbatteryliferemaining.Refer
to the
Checking the Transmitter Battery section.
6. Belt Clip. Allows the transmitter to be easily worn on a belt, waistband or guitar
strap.
7. MicOn/MuteSwitch.“Mutes”thetransmittertopreventunwantedsoundsfrombe-
ing picked up by the receiver
without turning the transmitter off.
8. Power Switch. Turns transmitter power on and off.

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LX2 HANDHELD MICROPHONE-TRANSMITTER
FEATURES, CONTROLS, & INDICATORS (FIGURE 3)
BAT
MUTE
1
2
3
4
5
6
LX2/BETA 58
LX2 MICROPHONE–TRANSMITTER FEATURES, CONTROLS, & INDICATORS
FIGURE 3
1. Grille. Protects the microphone cartridge and helps reduce breath sounds and wind
noise. The grilles for the various microphone heads differ in appearance.
2. Power Switch. Turns transmitter power on and off.
3. Power/BatteryFuelGauge.WhenthePowerswitchisturnedtothePWRposition,
one or two of the three lights on the transmitter will glow. The color of the glowing
light(s) indicates the amount of battery life remaining. Refer to the
Checking the
Transmitter Battery
section.
4. MicOn/MuteSwitch.“Mutes”thetransmittertopreventunwantedsoundsfrombe-
ing picked up by the receiver
without turning the transmitter off.
5. Audio Gain Control. Provides audio level adjustment to accommodate different
sound sources. Refer to the
Setting Transmitter Audio Level section.
6. Battery Cover. Removable cup hides battery and audio gain control.

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LX3 RECEIVER
CONTROLS, FEATURES & INDICATORS (FIGURE 4)
WIRELESS
RECEIVER
RF AUDIOSQUELCH LEVEL POWER
ANT
OUTPUT
HI Z POWER
12.5 – 18.9 VDC
123 456
789
REAR
FRONT
LX3 RECEIVER CONTROLS, FEATURES, & INDICATORS
FIGURE 4
1. RF Presence Indicators. Glows amber when the antenna is receiving usable RF (ra-
dio frequency) signals.
2. Audio Level Indicators. Five lights glow to indicate audio signal strength. Green
lights indicate normal operation. An amber light indicates approaching overload
condition. A red light indicates excessive audio levels.
3. Squelch Control. Sets the point at which the receiver “mutes” when the transmitter
signal becomes noisy, weak or fails. This control is factory-set at the 12 o’clock position
to provide optimal operation in most applications.
4. Audio Output Level Control. Lets you adjust output level to match the input level
requirements of a mixer or amplifier. In most situations, this control should be set
fully clockwise.
5. Power On Indicator. This green light glows to indicate that the Power switch is on
and power is applied to the receiver.
6. Power On/Off Button. Turns the receiver on and off.
7. Output Connector. Quarter-inch phone jack provides unbalanced auxiliary level
(high-impedance) output.
8. Power Jack: Accepts power from the supplied ac adapter, or from any filtered 15
to 18 Vdc (400 mA minimum) supply. It will also accept the dc power cord from a
Shure WA405 Antenna Power/Distribution System.
9. Antenna Connector. UHF-type connector provides connection to the supplied
1/4-wave antenna or to coax cable used with a remote antenna. They also provide
connection to the optional Shure WA421 remote antenna cable kit used with optional
WA380 telescoping and WA490 cable-type 1/2-wave antennas.

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LX4 DIVERSITY RECEIVER
CONTROLS, FEATURES & INDICATORS (FIGURE 5)
12.5 – 18.9 VDC
POWER
MARCAD
DIVERSITY
RF A RF B AUDIO SQUELCH LEVEL
ANTANT OUTPUTS
HI Z BAL
MIC LINE
POWER
AB
LX4 DIVERSITY RECEIVER CONTROLS, FEATURES, & INDICATORS
FIGURE 5
FRONT
REAR
1234567
89109118
1. Diversity Signal Indicators for A and B Antennas. These lights glow amber when
A, B, or both antennas are receiving usable RF (radio frequency) signals.
2. RF Level Indicators. Five lights per antenna glow to indicate RF signal strength.
The more lights that glow, the stronger the received signal. If none of these lights
glows, no signal is being received.
3. Audio Level Indicators. Five lights glow to indicate audio signal strength. Green
lights indicate normal operation. An amber light indicates approaching overload
condition. A red light indicates excessive audio levels.
4. Squelch Control. Sets the point at which the receiver “mutes” when the transmitter
signal becomes noisy, weak or fails. This control is factory-set at the 12 o’clock position
to provide optimal operation in most applications.
5. Audio Output Level Control. Lets you adjust output level to match the input level
requirements of a mixer or amplifier. In most situations, this control should be set
fully clockwise.
6. Power On Indicator. This green light glows to indicate that the Power switch is on
and power is applied to the receiver.
7. Power On/Off Button. Turns the receiver on and off.
8. Antenna Connectors. UHF-type connectors provide connection to the supplied
1/4-wave antennas or to coax cable used with remote antennas. They also provide
connection to the optional Shure WA421 remote antenna cable kit used with optional
WA380 telescoping and WA490 cable–type 1/2-wave antennas.
9. Output Connectors. XLR connector provides balanced low-impedance mic level
or line-level output. Quarter-inch phone jack provides unbalanced auxiliary level
(high-impedance) output.
10.Mic/Line Slide Switch: Controls output of balanced XLR connector. It can be set
for microphone (-20 dBV maximum) or line-level (+0 dBV maximum).
11.Power Jack: Accepts power from the supplied ac adapter, or from any filtered 15
to 18 Vdc (400 mA minimum) supply. It will also accept the dc power cord from a
Shure WA405 Antenna Power/Distribution System.