Exploring the Shure SLX-D Wireless Microphone System
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26.02.2024

Exploring the Shure SLX-D Wireless Microphone System

Shure SLX-D
Words by Jamie Colic

No stranger to mic aficionados, Shure has resounded as a top player in the dynamic microphone industry for decades.

From classics such as the tried and true SM57 all the way through to the formidable KSM series and beyond, if you have spent any time in a professional audio scenario you have almost certainly encountered a Shure microphone.

However, some may not realise that Shure invented wireless mic technology in 1953 with the debut of the Vagabond 88. Since this initial breakthrough 70 or so years ago, Shure has remained at the forefront of every significant leap relating to wireless mic technology since then. 

Read all the latest features, lists and columns here.

The latest step in the journey of this prolific company can be found in the release of the new SLX-D Wireless Microphone system. With the SLX-D system, Shure promises pristine 24-bit audio combined with an easy setup and rock-solid RF transmission. This takes the headache out of implementing a wireless microphone setup in your place of work.

Shure SLX-D

In addition to this, the SLX-D system bestows the user with a plethora of options guaranteeing versatility in any professional situation. From the conference halls to the music venues you will never be let down without a charge from the new Shure SLX-D Wireless Microphone system, regardless of which configuration you decide to adopt.

But before diving further into some key products from the SLX-D range it might be worthwhile to take a moment to appreciate just how far wireless technology has come thanks to Shure.

Wireless microphones have always presented an element of convenience to both technicians and performers. After all, having no messy cables littered about the venue immediately eliminates a multitude of potential problems. Ranging from mild inconveniences to absolute show-stoppers, improper cable management has been a hindrance for many in the industry at one time or another.

Not only this, the demands and requirements related to audio equipment have changed drastically over the decades as not only program material has changed but also the size, shape and capacity of venues in which these sound reinforcement systems are utilised.

However, past wireless systems came with their own share of liabilities and problems. From signal interference, dropouts, limited ranges, and convoluted setups, it often felt like there was some element of compromise when it came to embracing wireless technology. As a result, many opted to stick with the tried and true method of utilising cables in sound reinforcement. 

Shure Wireless Microphone System and Axient range

With numerous developments orchestrated by Shure since the initial inception of wireless mic technology, the days of questioning your wireless are finally over. Shure only cements their stature as the cutting edge in wireless systems with the introduction of the SLX-D Wireless Microphone System and Axient range.

The first feature to note about the new SLX-D system is also possibly the most important. Pristine 24-bit audio transmissions ensure that your signal is heard loud and clear regardless of which configuration of SLX-D system you have implemented into your space. 

The SLXD5 single-channel portable wireless receiver is a perfect representation of this, not only does this sleek and compact receiver sound great, its ease of use and excellent long-range UHF transmission ensure that this is a device you can rely on night after night.

Sound and transmission quality aren’t the only two factors where you can rely on any product in the SLX-D line in any professional scenario. With a staggering eight hours of battery life and numerous charging accessories, you can rest assured that Shure has a convenient and budget-friendly option when it comes to keeping anything from the SLX-D line ready to go at the drop of a hat. 

Shure SLX-D 2

If this wasn’t enough the SLX-D will embrace up to 32 compatible systems within a 44MHz band, ensuring that no matter how you want to calibrate and implement your system you will have the means to do so. 

This versatility is only enhanced by the vast array of routing options supported by the SLX-D Wireless range. Regardless of configuration the system is easily scalable and will support up to 32 channels simultaneously. Pair this with Shure’s Wireless Workbench software, as well as the ShurePlus Channels app and you have immediate control of your setup in real-time.

Not only is anything from the new SLX-D line reliable, Shure has also taken the utmost care in ensuring that everything is easy and intuitive to set up. This means at crunch time you can focus on the job and not be growing grey hairs in the interim.

The wide range of microphone options in the SLX-D line are all easily synced to their respective receiver, at the touch of a button the user is granted an automated response that will quickly find an open frequency and sync. A guided step-by-step setup leaves no room for error along the way.

The ADX3 Axient Digital Transmitter with Showlink is a fantastic example of Shure’s immediate dedication to the advancement of wireless microphone technology. Providing real-time control of related parameters from the mix position the ADX3 features a secure XLR connector that embodies both practicality and convenience in its immediate design. Just plug in your microphone of choice and the ADX3 is ready to go.

The easy-to-read OLED display means that you will easily be able to read the ADX3s display regardless of your immediate lighting conditions. The convenience of this transmitter is only accentuated by its user-friendly menus and control scheme, with Shure even providing USB-C connections for both bus power and efficient charging. 

All in all, the SLX-D wireless microphone range builds on Shure’s history of reliable microphones and the cutting edge of wireless tech that they pioneered in the 50s. We relied on them then and we can Shure as heck rely on them now.

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