Shure LX Wireless System User manual

LX Wireless System
User Guide
©2003, Shure Incorporated
27D8654 (Rev. 6)
Printed in U.S.A.
LX Wireless System

1
LX Wireless System
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
illuminates.
2. Set the transmitter PWR/OFF switch to PWR and the ON/MUTE switch to ON. One
of the three lights on the transmitter illuminates, indicating both that the transmitter
is on and the amount of battery life remaining. Two sets of five RF level lights on
the receiver will also glow to indicate the strength of the received signal. The more
lights glowing, the stronger the signal.
3. Have someone talk or sing into the microphone, or play the musical instrument
connected 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
transmitter gain until it flickers only during the loudest signals. Refer to the
Transmitter 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 conducting a “walkthrough” test of the system in the performing
area. If major changes (additional wireless systems or intercoms, relocation
of scenery, etc.) have been made since the last walk-through test, check the
wireless system again-as close to performance time as possible.

English
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
SYSTEM COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
SYSTEM FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
LX1 BODY-PACK TRANSMITTER FEATURES, CONTROLS
AND INDICATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
LX2 HANDHELD MICROPHONE-TRANSMITTER
FEATURES, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
LX3 RECEIVER FEATURES, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS . . . . . . .7
LX4 DIVERSITY RECEIVER FEATURES, CONTROLS
AND INDICATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
RECEIVER MOUNTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
RECEIVER CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
TRANSMITTER SETUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
OPERATING LX1 BODY-PACK SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
OPERATING THE LX2 HAND-HELD SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
GAIN AND SQUELCH ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
TIPS FOR ACHIEVING OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
LICENSING INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

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LX Wireless System
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
LX WIRELESS MICROPHONE SYSTEM COMPONENTS
FIGURE 1
Your LX Wireless Microphone System features a MARCAD®fixed frequency diversi-
ty receiver operating in the VHF band between 169 and 240 MHz. Up to 12 LX wireless
systems can be operated simultaneously in a single installation. Each LX system in-
cludes:
• LX1 Body-Pack Transmitter, with your choice of instrument cable or micro-
phone,
or
• LX2 Hand-Held Microphone-Transmitter with your choice of interchangeable
microphone heads:
-SM58
®cardioid dynamic microphone
- BETA 58®supercardioid premium dynamic microphone
- SM87 supercardioid condenser microphone
- BETA 87 supercardioid premium condenser microphone
and 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.
RECEIVER
RF AUDIO
SQUELCH LEVEL POWER
WIRELESS
LEVEL POWER
RF A RF B AUDIO
SQUELCH
DIVERSITY
MARCAD
LX1
LX2
LX3
LX4

English
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SYSTEM FEATURES
Shure LX Wireless Systems offer a number of exceptional features, including:
• Exclusive Shure MARCAD Circuitry (LX4). MARCAD (MAximum Ratio Com-
bining Audio Diversity) circuitry constantly monitors signals from both receiver
sections and combines them to create a single output signal. The result is im-
proved reception 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 hard-
ware. An optional WA503 accessory kit lets you front-mount antennas.
• Power/Battery Fuel Gauge. The LX1 and LX2 transmitters include a three-light
gauge that indicates both “power on” and the amount of battery life remaining
(see page 12).
• 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 trou-
bleshoot RF “dead spots.”
•
Audio Metering. A five-light audio meter helps to optimize transmitter gain set-
ting 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 receiver.
•
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 re-
moved or inverted for special positioning.
• Grip/Switch Cover Accessory. The unbreakable WA555 grip/switch cover ac-
cessory, supplied with all LX2 hand-held microphone-transmitters, prevents ac-
cidental 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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LX Wireless System
LX1 BODY-PACK TRANSMITTER FEATURES, CONTROLS
AND INDICATORS
LX1 BODY-PACK TRANSMITTER FEATURES, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
FIGURE 2
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.
Battery Compartment. Hinged cover on bottom surface exposes the battery.
Refer to the Body-Pack Transmitter Battery Installation section.
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).
Input Jack. This is a Mini- connector (TA4F) that provides connection with a vari-
ety of lavalier and headset microphone cables, and the Shure WA302 instrument
adapter cable.
Power/Battery Fuel Gauge. When the Power switch is turned to the PWR posi-
tion, one or two of the three lights on the transmitter illuminates, indicating power to
the unit. The color of the glowing light(s) indicates the amount of battery life
remaining (see page 12).
Belt Clip. Allows the transmitter to be easily worn on a belt, waistband or guitar
strap.
Mic On/Mute Switch. “Mutes” the transmitter to prevent unwanted sounds from
being picked up by the receiver without turning the transmitter off.
Power Switch. Turns transmitter power on and off.






English
6
LX2 HANDHELD MICROPHONE-TRANSMITTER
FEATURES, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
LX2 MICROPHONE-TRANSMITTER FEATURES, CONTROLS, AND INDICATORS
FIGURE 3
Grille. Protects the microphone cartridge and helps reduce breath sounds and
wind noise. The grilles for the various microphone heads differ in appearance.
Power Switch. Turns transmitter power on and off.
Power/Battery Fuel Gauge. When the Power switch is turned to the PWR posi-
tion, one or two of the three lights on the transmitter illuminates. The color of the
glowing light(s) indicates the amount of battery life remaining (see page 12).
Mic On/Mute Switch. “Mutes” the transmitter to prevent unwanted sounds from
being picked up by the receiver without turning the transmitter off.
Audio Gain Control. Provides audio level adjustment to accommodate different
sound sources (see page 16).
Battery Cover. Removable cup hides battery and audio gain control.







7
LX Wireless System
LX3 RECEIVER FEATURES, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
LX3 RECEIVER CONTROLS, FEATURES, AND INDICATORS
FIGURE 4
RF Presence Indicators. Glows amber when the antenna is receiving usable RF
(radio frequency) signals.
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.
Squelch Control. Sets the point at which the receiver “mutes” when the transmit-
ter signal becomes noisy, weak or fails. This control is factory-set at the 12 o'clock
position to provide optimal operation in most applications.
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.
Power On Indicator. This green light glows to indicate that the Power switch is on
and power is applied to the receiver.
Power On/Off Button. Turns the receiver on and off.
Output Connector. Quarter-inch phone jack provides unbalanced auxiliary level
(high-impedance) output.
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.
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.
WIRELESS
RECEIVER
RF AUDIO
SQUELCH LEVEL POWER
ANT
OUTPUT
HIZ POWER
12.5 – 18.9 VDC
FRONT
REAR




English
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LX4 DIVERSITY RECEIVER FEATURES, CONTROLS
AND INDICATORS
LX4 DIVERSITY RECEIVER FEATURES, CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
FIGURE 5
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.
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.
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.
Squelch Control. Sets the point at which the receiver “mutes” when the transmit-
ter signal becomes noisy, weak or fails. This control is factory-set at the 12 o'clock
position to provide optimal operation in most applications.
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.
Power On Indicator. This green light glows to indicate that the Power switch is on
and power is applied to the receiver.
Power On/Off Button. Turns the receiver on and off.
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.
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.
쐅Mic/Line Slide Switch: Controls output of balanced XLR connector. It can be set
for microphone (–20 dBV maximum) or line-level (+0 dBV maximum).
쐈Power 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.
POWER
MARCAD
DIVERSITY
RF A RF B AUDIO
SQUELCH LEVEL
12.5 –18.9 VDC
ANTANT
OUTPUTS
HI Z BAL
MIC LINE
POWER
AB





쐅쐈

9
LX Wireless System
RECEIVER MOUNTING
SINGLE RACK-MOUNTED RECEIVER (FIGURE 6)
If the receiver is to be located on a table or other horizontal surface, attach the four
adhesive bumpers to the bottom corners of the receiver. If the receiver is to be mounted
in an audio equipment rack, identify the rack-mount kits supplied with your system and
follow the appropriate assembly directions below.
1. Remove two screws from each side of the receiver.
2. Position the large mounting brackets over the holes on the sides of the receiver
and secure them to the receiver with the screws removed in Step 1.
3. If you are not going to front mount the antennas with a Shure WA503 Front Mount
Conversion Kit, insert the plastic plugs into the holes in the brackets.
4. Secure the assembly to a standard audio equipment rack with four screws.
SINGLE RACK-MOUNTED RECEIVER
FIGURE 6
DOUBLE RACK-MOUNTED RECEIVERS
1. Remove the two screws on the outer side of each receiver.
2. Position the small mounting brackets over the holes on the outer side of each
receiver, and secure them with the screws removed in Step 1.
3. Remove the screws on the inner side of each receiver.
4. Position two link bars over the holes and secure them with the screws removed in
Step 3. For the receiver on the left, the link bar should be positioned so that its
threaded hole is toward the front of the receiver. For the receiver on the right, the
link bar should be positioned so that its threaded hole is toward the rear of the
receiver.
DOUBLE RACK-MOUNTED RECEIVERS
FIGURE 7
5. Place the two receivers next to each other so that the threaded holes in the link
bars line up, one on top of the other.
6. Fasten the receivers together by inserting a small screw from the top into the
threaded hole at the front of the link bar. Then insert the other screw from the bot-
tom into the threaded hole at the rear of the link bar.
7. Secure the assembly to a standard audio equipment rack, using four screws.
LINK BARS