Shure Enters WMAS Realm With Axient Digital PSM New wireless in-ear monitoring system is also beta-testing as an IFB for broadcast sports By Dan Daley, Audio Editor
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 - 9:00 am
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Sports and music are coming together in any number of ways. The most recent one involves Shure's new Axient Digital PSM, its first digital wireless in-ear monitoring solution as well as the company's first WMAS-enabled product, which was announced yesterday.
Axient Digital PSM was designed to meet the needs of music-touring and rental houses. However, it also has potential to be used as an IFB. As broadcast talent moves deeper and more often onto the field, and athletes are more wired up for two-way sound during play, Shure says Axient Digital PSM's RF performance and spectral efficiency can make it a good fit for those sports applications. In fact, some beta testing around that has already taken place.
We have been beta testing Axient Digital PSM with broadcast customers during major sporting events specifically for IFB purposes, Shure market-development manager Ben Escobedo told SVG. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly highlighting the improved audio quality and ease of deployment.
Shure says they are unable to publicly disclose the identities of these beta users at this time.
Axient Digital PSM's stereo capability allows it to operate as two discrete channels, allowing a stereo audio channel to function effectively as two mono IFB channels. Additionally, the capability to send Dante signals to the Audio Digital Transmission Exchange (ADTX) simplifies routing.
The WMAS mode, which offers four stereo channels, he adds, is perfect for IFB use, as it enables you to achieve eight mono IFB channels on a single frequency within an 800 kHz bandwidth.
WMAS
Wireless Multichannel Audio System (WMAS) is a technology-neutral approach for wireless audio which supports multichannel audio applications, and it intended to allow for more efficient and robust use of spectrum. Shure was among companies that lobbied the FCC for unlicensed WMAS with higher power, a position the FCC agreed with on Feb. 15, 2024, when the agency issued new rules to allow WMAS to operate. In its brief before the FCC, Shure contended that the number of unlicensed wireless microphone users far exceeds the number of licensed users in the U.S., so the full benefit of WMAS technology can only be realized if WMAS is available to unlicensed as well as licensed users.
WMAS uses spectrum more efficiently than currently available narrowband microphones, meaning more microphones can be used without allocating more airwaves. The rules will permit WMAS to operate on a licensed or unlicensed basis, while preserving the existing spectrum rights of others that share those frequencies. The new rules will allow WMAS to operate in the broadcast TV bands and 600-MHz duplex gap on both a licensed and unlicensed basis, and in other Part 74 LPAS frequency bands on a licensed basis.
Command And Control
Axient Digital PSM is supported by Shure's Wireless Workbench and ShowLink ecosystem, supporting comprehensive remote management of every bodypack receiver in use, with visibility to key parameters and the ability to make adjustments if necessary. ShowLink provides real-time control and monitoring of functions including channel quality, battery life, volume position, headphone-connect status, and more. Wireless Workbench and the AD600 Spectrum Managercan address technical issues, monitor RF spectrum, and maintain backup frequencies.
Axient Digital PSM transmitters support both analog and digital input formats, including AES3, Dante, and AES67, facilitating connection to IP-enabled audio consoles. Standard AES256 encryption is available for secure transmission.
Axient Digital PSM features two single-rack-space transmitter options: ADTQ Quad Transmitter and ADTD Dual Transmitter. Both offer four flexible transmission modes:
Multi-channel Wideband (available regionally according to WMAS regulations), supporting up to 28 channels per 6 MHz in the US and 40 channels per 8 MHz in Europe. This exceeds three audio channels per MHz.
Narrowband provides access to more RF output power per channel and maintains spectral efficiency at 17 channels per 6 MHz.
Analog FM allows for high-quality audio with ultra-low latency.
Axient Digital Standard (Point-to-Point Mode) - available through a post -launch firmware update, it will let users send long-distance audio to any Axient Digital microphone receiver.
This technology will provide our customers with innovative product solutions, said Tom Kundmann, VP of Professional Wireless at Shure, highlighting the potential of wideband wireless in the UHF and other bands. Our team is actively working on improving spectral efficiency, scalability of audio services, and simplifying deployment.
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Shure Enters WMAS Realm With Axient Digital PSM New wireless in-ear monitoring system is also beta-testing as an IFB for broadcast sports By Dan Daley, Audio Editor 
