Shure AD2/B87A User manual

AD2
Handheld Transmitter
User guide for the Shure AD2 Axient Digital handheld transmitter.
Version: 12.7 (2022-B)

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Table of Contents
AD2 Handheld Transmitter 4
AD2 Handheld Transmitter 4
Features 4
Performance 4
Design 4
Power 4
Included Components 4
Choice of (1) of the following Shure microphone car
tridges: 5
Optional Accessories 5
Optional Shure microphone cartridges: 5
AD2 Transmitter Overview 5
Transmitter Controls 6
Home Screen Display 7
Locking the Interface 8
Batteries 8
Battery Installation 8
Shure Rechargeable Battery 9
Checking Battery Info 9
AA Batteries and Transmitter Runtime 10
Installing the Battery Contact Cover 11
Menu Parameters 11
Tips for Editing Menu Parameters 12
Menu Map 12
Menu Parameter Descriptions 12
Radio Menu 12
Audio Menu 13
Utilities Menu 13
IR Sync 14
Setting the Frequency Manually 14
Updating Firmware 15
Firmware Versions 15
Updating the Transmitter 15
RF Mute 15
Safe Start 16
Input Overload 16
Tone Generator 16
Matching Audio Levels with Offset 17
Troubleshooting 17
Power 18
Gain 18
Cables 18
Interface Locks 18
Encryption Mismatch 18
Firmware Mismatch 18
Tx Battery Hot 18
Radio Frequency (RF) 18
Clean Battery Contacts 19
Contact Customer Support 20
Specifications 20
Frequency Range and Transmitter Output Level 21
WARNING 24
LICENSING INFORMATION 24

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Australia Warning for Wireless 25
Certifications 25
Information to the user 26

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AD2
Handheld Transmitter
AD2 Handheld Transmitter
AD series hand-held transmitters deliver impeccable audio quality and RF performance with wide-tuning, High Density (HD)
mode, and encryption. The transmitter features durable metal construction, AA or Shure rechargeable battery (with dockable
charging), and black or nickel finish options.
Features
Performance
20 Hz to 20 kHz range with flat frequency response
Automatic input staging optimizes gain setting
AES 256-bit encryption-enabled for secure transmission
>120 dB dynamic range
100 meter (300 feet) line-of-sight operating range
Selectable modulation modes optimize performance for spectral efficiency or audio quality:
Standard – optimal coverage, low latency
High density – dramatic increase in max system channel count
Switchable Power Levels = 2/10/35 mW (region dependent)
Built-in tone generator and RF markers to facilitate range-testing
Design
Interchangeable Shure microphone cartridges
Backlit LCD with easy to navigate menu and controls
Rugged metal construction
Menu and power lockout
Power
Up to 8 hours continuous use with 2 x AA alkaline batteries
Shure lithium-ion rechargeable battery provides extended battery life, precision metering, and zero memory effect
External charging contacts for docked charging
Included Components
Zipper Bag 95B2313
Threaded Adapter 31B1856

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Swivel Adapter, black 90F4046
AA alkaline batteries (2) 80B8201
Battery Contact Cover WA618
Choice of (1) of the following Shure microphone cartridges:
SM58 (RPW112) KSM9 Nickel (RPW188)
BETA 87C (RPW122) BETA 87A (RPW120)
BETA 58A (RPW 118) KSM9 Black (RPW184)
KSM8 Black (RPW174) KSM8 Nickel (RPW170)
KSM9HS Black (RPW186) KSM9HS Nickel (RPW190)
Optional Accessories
Shure Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery. SB900B
Radome Color ID Kit for AD2 WA617M
Wireless Microphone Clip WA371
Optional Shure microphone cartridges:
SM58 (RPW112)
SM86 (RPW114)
SM87A (RPW116)
BETA 58A (RPW118)
BETA 87A (RPW120)
BETA 87C (RPW122)
VP68 (RPW124)
KSM9 Nickel (RPW188)
KSM9HS Nickel (RPW190)
KSM9 Black (RPW184)
KSM9HS Black (RPW186)
AD2 Transmitter Overview
①Microphone Cartridge
See Optional Accessories for a list of compatible cartridges.
②Display
View menu screens and settings. Press any control button to activate the backlight.

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③Infrared (IR) Port
Align with the receiver IR port during an IR Sync for automated transmitter programming.
④Menu Navigation Buttons
Use to navigate through parameter menus and change values.
⑤Battery Compartment
Requires Shure rechargeable battery or 2 AA batteries.
⑥AA Battery Adapter
Remove to accommodate a Shure rechargeable battery.
⑦On/Off Switch
Powers the unit on or off.
⑧Battery Door
Latch to secure batteries.
⑨Handle
Unscrew to access controls and batteries.

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Transmitter Controls
Use to navigate through parameter menus and change values.
exit Acts as a 'back' button to return to previous menus or parameters without confirming a value change
enter Enters menu screens and confirms parameter changes
∨∧ Use to scroll through menu screens and to change parameter values
Tip: Use the following shortcuts for quick setup:
Hold the ∧button while powering on to lock or unlock the transmitter controls.
Hold the exit button while powering on to enter the Safe Start menu.
Home Screen Display
The home screen shows transmitter information and status.
There are four pieces of information that you can choose to see on the home screen. Use the arrow buttons to select one of
the following choices:
Name
Frequency Setting
Group (G) and Channel (C)
Device ID
The following icons indicate transmitter settings:
Battery runtime in hours and minutes or bar display
Key: Displayed when encryption is enabled
Lock: Displayed when controls are locked. Icon will flash if
access is attempted to a locked control (power or menu).
STD: Standard Transmission Mode
HD: High Density Transmission Mode
RF Mute Engaged: Displayed when RF output is muted

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Locking the Interface
Lock transmitter interface controls to prevent accidental or unauthorized changes to parameters. The lock icon appears on the
home screen when a lock is enabled.
From the Utilities menu, navigate to Locks and select one of the following lock options:
None: The controls are unlocked
Power: The power switch is locked
Menu: The menu parameters are locked
All: The power switch and menu parameters are locked
Press enter to save.
Tip: To quickly unlock a transmitter: Press enter twice, select None, and press enter.
Batteries
Battery Installation
①Accessing the battery
compartment Unscrew the cover on the transmitter as shown to access the battery compartment.
②Installing batteries
AA batteries: Place batteries (note polarity markings) and AA Adapter as shown. Close
the door to secure the batteries.
Shure rechargeable battery: Place battery as shown (note polarity markings). Remove
the AA adapter and stow it in the door. Close the door to secure the battery.
If using AA batteries, set the battery type using the transmitter menu.
Setting the AA Battery Type
To ensure accurate display of transmitter runtime, set the battery type in the transmitter menu to match the installed AA battery
type.

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If a Shure rechargeable battery is installed, selecting a battery type is not necessary and the battery type will display Shure.
Navigate to the Utilities and select Battery.
Use the ▼▲ buttons to select the installed battery type:
Alkaline = Alkaline
NiMH = Nickel Metal Hydride
Lithium = Lithium Primary
Press enter to save.
Shure Rechargeable Battery
Shure SB900-series lithium-ion batteries offer a rechargeable option for powering the transmitters. Batteries quickly charge to
50% capacity in one hour and reach full charge within three hours.
Single chargers and multiple bay chargers are available to recharge the Shure batteries. The SB900B rechargeable battery us
es SBC200, SBC800 and SBC220 chargers.
Caution: Only charge Shure rechargeable batteries with a Shure battery charger.
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.
Battery Life
UHF 1.x
2 mW/10 mW 35 mW 2 mW/10 mW 30 mW
SB900B 8:30 hours 4:15 hours 5:40 hours 4:40 hours
alkaline 8 hours 3:30 hours 5:30 hours 3:45 hours
The values in this table are typical of fresh, high quality batteries. Battery runtime varies depending on the manufacturer and
age of the battery.
Checking Battery Info
When using a Shure rechargeable battery, the receiver and transmitter home screens display the number of hours and minutes
remaining.
Detailed information for the battery is displayed Battery menu of the transmitter: Utilities > Battery
Battery: The chemistry type of for the installed battery (Shure, Alkaline, Lithium, NiMH)
Bars: Indicates the number of bars displayed
Time: Battery runtime
Charge: Percentage of charge capacity

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Health: Percentage of current battery health
Cycle Count: Total of the number of charging cycles for the installed battery
Temperature: Battery temperature reported in Celsius and Fahrenheit
Important Tips for Care and Storage of Shure Rechargeable Batteries
Proper care and storage of Shure batteries results in reliable performance and ensures a long lifetime.
Always store batteries and transmitters at room temperature
Ideally, batteries should be charged to approximately 40% of capacity for long-term storage
Regularly clean the battery contacts with an electrical contact cleaner designed for gold contacts and safe on plastics
During storage, check batteries every 6 months and recharge to 40% of capacity as needed
Tip: For additional rechargeable battery information, visit www.shure.com.
AA Batteries and Transmitter Runtime
Transmitters are compatible with the following AA battery types:
Alkaline
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
Lithium Primary
A 5segment battery indicator representing the charge level of the transmitter battery is displayed on the screens of the trans
mitter and receiver. The following table contains the approximate remaining transmitter runtime in hours:minutes.
Alkaline Batteries
Battery Indicator
Battery Runtime (hours:minutes)
UHF 1.x
2 mW/10
mW
35
mW
2 mW
/10
mW
30
mW
8:00 to 6:00
3:30
to
3:00
5:30 to
4:15
3:45
to
3:00
6:00 to 4:00
3:00
to
2:00
4:15 to
3:00
3:00
to
2:15
4:00 to 1:45
2:00
to
1:30
3:00 to
1:45
2:15
to
2:00

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Battery Indicator
Battery Runtime (hours:minutes)
UHF 1.x
2 mW/10
mW
35
mW
2 mW
/10
mW
30
mW
<1:45 <1:30 <1:45 <2:00
<0:45 <0:45 <0:45 <0:45
<0:15 <0:15 <0:15 <0:15
Installing the Battery Contact Cover
Use battery contact covers to prevent reflections from the battery contacts during broadcasts or live performances.
Remove the transmitter handle.
Pull gently on the antenna cover to remove. Install a battery contact cover in its place.
Reinstall the transmitter handle.
Menu Parameters
The Main menu organizes the available transmitter parameters into three categories:
Radio
Audio
Utilities

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Tips for Editing Menu Parameters
To access the menu options from the home screen, select enter. Select enter again to access the menu parameters.
A menu parameter will blink when editing is enabled
To increase, decrease or change a parameter, use the arrow buttons
To save a menu change, select enter
To exit a menu without saving a change, select exit
Menu Map
Menu Parameter Descriptions
Radio Menu
Freq
Press the enter button to enable editing of a group (G:) channel (C:) or frequency (MHz). Use the arrow buttons to adjust
the values. To edit the frequency, press the enter button once to edit the first 3 digits, or twice to edit the second 3 digits.
Power
Higher RF power settings can extend the range of the transmitter.
Note: Higher RF power settings decrease battery runtime.
Output
Sets the RF output to On or Mute.
On: RF signal is active
Mute: RF signal is inactive

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Audio Menu
Offset
Adjust Offset level to balance mic levels when using two transmitters or when assigning multiple transmitters to receiver
slots. Adjustment range: -12 dB to +21 dB.
Mute
When enabled, the power switch is configured as a mute switch for the audio:
Power switch on: Audio signal on
Power switch off: Audio signal muted
Exit mute mode to return the power switch to its normal functionality.
Tone Gen
Transmitter will generate a continuous test tone:
Freq: The tone can be set to 400 Hz or 1000 Hz.
Level: Adjusts the output level of the test tone.
Utilities Menu
Device ID
Assign a device ID of up to 9 letters or numbers.
Locks
Locks the transmitter controls and power switch.
None: The controls are unlocked
Power: The power switch is locked
Menu: The menu parameters are locked
All: The power switch and menu parameters are locked
Marker
When enabled, press the enter button to drop a marker in Wireless Workbench.
Battery
Displays battery information:
Battery Life: Runtime reported in bar display and time (hours:minutes)
Charge: Percentage of charge capacity
Health: Percentage of current battery health
Cycle Count: Total of the number of charging cycles for the installed battery
Temperature: Battery temperature reported in Celsius and Fahrenheit
About
Displays the following transmitter information:
Model: Displays the model number
Band: Displays the tuning band of the transmitter
FW Version: Installed firmware

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HW Version: Hardware version
Serial Num: Serial number
Reset All
Restores all transmitter parameters to factory settings.
IR Sync
Use IR Sync to form an audio channel between the transmitter and receiver.
Note: The receiver band must match the band of the transmitter.
Select a receiver channel.
Tune the channel to an available frequency using group scan or manually turn to an open frequency.
Power on the transmitter.
Press the SYNC button on the receiver.
Align the IR windows between the transmitter and the receiver so that the IR LED illuminates red. When complete,
Sync Success! appears. The transmitter and receiver are now tuned to the same frequency.
Note:
Any change to the encryption status on the receiver (enabling/disabling encryption) requires a sync to send the settings to the
transmitter. New encryption keys for the transmitter and receiver channel are generated on every IR sync, so to request a new
key for a transmitter, perform an IR sync with the desired receiver channel.
Setting the Frequency Manually
The transmitter can be manually tuned to a specific group, channel, or frequency.
Navigate to the Radio menu and select Freq.
Scroll to select G: and C: to edit the group and channel, or select the frequency parameter (MHz). When editing the fre
quency, press enter once to edit the first 3 digits, or twice to edit the last 3 digits.
Use the ∧∨ buttons to adjust the group, channel, or frequency.
Press enter to save, and then press exit when finished.

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Updating Firmware
Firmware is embedded software in each component that controls functionality. Periodically, new versions of firmware are devel
oped to incorporate additional features and enhancements. To take advantage of design improvements, you can upload and in
stall new versions of the firmware by using the Shure Update Utility, available on the Shure Update Utility page.
Firmware Versions
When performing an update, first download firmware to the receiver, and then update transmitters to the same firmware version
to ensure consistent operation.
The firmware numbering for Shure devices uses the following format: MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH (e.g., 1.2.14). At a minimum, all
devices on the network (including transmitters), must have the same MAJOR and MINOR firmware version numbers (e.g.,
1.2.x).
Updating the Transmitter
Download the firmware to the receiver.
Access the following menu from the receiver: Device Configuration > Tx Firmware Update.
Align the IR ports between the transmitter and the receiver. IR ports must be aligned for the entire download, which can
take 50 seconds or longer.
Tip: The red alignment LED will turn on when the alignment is correct.
Press ENTER on the receiver to begin the download to the transmitter. The receiver will display the progress of the up
date as a percentage.
RF Mute
RF Mute prevents transmission of the audio by suppressing the RF signal while allowing the transmitter to remain on. The
home screen displays RF MUTED in this mode.
From the Radio menu, navigate to Output.
Choose one of the following options:
On: RF signal is active

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Mute: RF signal is disabled
Press enter to save.
Turning the transmitter off and on or replacing the battery will restore Output to On.
Safe Start
Power on in Safe Start mode to prevent interference with other devices. Hold the exit button while powering on your device un
til the Safe Start menu appears.
Safe Start menu options:
RF: Mute or On
Locks: None, Pwr, Menu, All
Use the navigation buttons to make changes.
Tip: To exit the Safe Start menu, cycle the power or momentarily remove the battery.
Note: Previous settings for locks and RF will be retained when the transmitter is powered on in Safe Start.
Input Overload
The OVERLOAD message is displayed when the audio input experiences a high-level input signal. Reduce the input signal or
move mic away from the source to remove the overload.
Tone Generator
The transmitter contains an internal tone generator that produces a continuous audio signal. The tone is helpful when conduct
ing a sound check or for troubleshooting the audio signal chain. The level of the tone is adjustable from -60 dB to 0 dB and the
frequency can be set to 400 Hz or 1000 Hz.
Tip: Always start with the level set to -60 dB to avoid overloading speakers or headphones.
From the Audio menu select Tone Gen.

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Set the frequency to 400 Hz or 1000 Hz.
Select Level and use the arrow buttons adjust the value between -60 dB and 0 dB.
Turn off the tone by selecting Off from the menu or by cycling the transmitter power.
Matching Audio Levels with Offset
When linking two or more transmitters to a receiver, there may be a difference in volume levels between microphones or instru
ments. If this occurs, use the Offset function to match the audio levels and eliminate audible volume differences between trans
mitters. If using a single transmitter, set Offset to 0 dB.
Turn on the first transmitter and perform a sound check to test the audio level. Turn off the transmitter when finished.
Turn on the second transmitter and perform a sound check to test the audio level. Repeat for any additional transmit
ters.
If there is an audible difference in the sound level between the transmitters, navigate to the Offset menu (Audio >
Offset) in the transmitter to increase or decrease the Offset in realtime to match the audio levels.
Troubleshooting
Issue See Solution...
No sound Power, Cables, Radio Frequency, or Encryp
tion Mismatch
Faint sound or distortion Gain, Cables
Lack of range, unwanted noise bursts, or dropouts Radio Frequency (RF)
Cannot turn transmitter off or change frequency settings, or can't pro
gram receiver Interface Locks
Encryption Mismatch message Encryption Mismatch
Firmware Mismatch message Firmware Mismatch
Transmitter Battery Hot message Tx Battery Hot

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Issue See Solution...
Antenna Fault Red LED RF
Handheld transmitter shuts down during use Clean Battery Contacts
Power
Make sure that the receiver and transmitter are receiving sufficient voltage. Check the battery indicators and replace the trans
mitter batteries if necessary.
Gain
Adjust the system gain on the front of the receiver. Ensure the output level on the back of the receiver corresponds to the mic/
line input setting of the mixing console, amplifier, or DSP.
Cables
Check that all cables and connectors are working correctly.
Interface Locks
The transmitter and the receiver can be locked to prevent accidental or unauthorized changes. A locked feature or button will
produce the Locked screen on the LCD panel or the lock icon will flash on a transmitter.
Encryption Mismatch
Re-sync all receivers and transmitters after enabling or disabling encryption.
Firmware Mismatch
Paired transmitters and receivers must have the same firmware version installed to ensure consistent operation. See Firmware
topic for firmware update procedure.
Tx Battery Hot
If the transmitter battery does not cool off, 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.
Radio Frequency (RF)
RF LEDs
If neither blue RF Diversity LED is illuminated, then the receiver is not detecting the presence of a transmitter.
The orange RF Signal Strength LEDs indicate the amount of RF power being received. This signal could be from the transmit
ter, or it could be from an interfering source, such as a television broadcast. If more than two of the orange RF LEDs are
still illuminated while the transmitter is off, then that channel may be experiencing interference, and you should try a different
channel.

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The red RF LED indicates RF overload. Overloads have the potential to cause interference in multiple system installations. If
you are experiencing an overload, turn off the receiver to see if it is causing interference with other components.
The numerical channel select button also turns red to indicate interference.
Dim red = Channel is not selected, experiencing interference
Bright red = Channel is selected, experiencing interference
Compatibility
Perform a Scan and Sync to ensure the transmitter and receiver are set to the same group and channel.
Look at the band label on the transmitter and make sure the receiver is set to the same band.
Reducing Interference
Perform a group or channel scan to find the best open frequency. Perform a sync to transfer the setting to the transmitter.
For multiple systems, check that all systems are set to channels in the same group (systems in different bands do not
need to be set to the same group).
Maintain a line of sight between transmitter and receiver antennas.
Move or point receiver antennas away from metal objects or other sources of RF interference (such as LED walls, comput
ers, digital effects, network switches, network cables and Personal Stereo Monitor (PSM) wireless systems).
Eliminate RF overload (see below).
Increasing Range
If the transmitter is more than 6 to 60 m (20 to 200 ft) from the receiver antenna, you may be able to increase range by doing
one of the following:
Reduce interference (see above).
Increase transmitter RF power level.
Use Normal mode instead of High Density mode.
Use an active directional antenna, antenna distribution system, or other antenna accessory to increase RF range.
Eliminating RF Overload
If you see the red RF LED on a receiver, try the following:
Reduce the transmitter RF power level
Move the transmitter further away from the receiver—at least 6 m (20 ft)
If you are using active antennas, reduce antenna or amplifier gain.
Use omnidirectional antennas
Antenna Faults
The Antenna Fault red LED indicates a short circuit condition or excessive load at an antenna port.
Check antennas and cables for damage
Ensure that antenna ports are not overloaded
Check antenna bias voltage setting. Turn off voltage if using passive antennas.
Clean Battery Contacts
Clean the battery contacts with an electrical contact cleaner designed for gold contacts and safe on plastics.

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Contact Customer Support
Didn't find what you need? Contact our customer support to get help.
Specifications
Mic Offset Range
12 to 21 dB (In 1 dB steps)
Battery Type
Shure SB900B Rechargeable LiIon or LR6 AA batteries 1.5 V
Battery Runtime
@ 10 mW
Shure SB900B up to 8:30 hours
alkaline up to 8 hours
See Battery Runtime Chart
Dimensions
256 mm x 51 mm (10.1 in. x 2.0 in.) L x Dia.
Weight
340 g (12.0 oz.), Without Battery
Housing
Cast Aluminum
Operating Temperature Range
-18°C (0°F) to 50°C (122°F)
Note: Battery characteristics may limit this range.
Storage Temperature Range
-29°C (-20°F) to 74°C (165°F)
Note: Battery characteristics may limit this range.
Audio Input
Configuration
Unbalanced
Maximum Input Level
1 kHz at 1% THD
145 dB SPL (SM58), typical
Note: Dependent on microphone type