Shure vs. Audio Technica - Wireless Systems Review
Featured here is a detailed review and comparison of two high performance microphone systems, the Shure PGX 14/20 and the Audio Technica ATW 2110. Both systems are UHF frequency systems with multiple channels.
Shure PGX 14/20 system:
Components:
WH20 headset, Transmitter (beltpak), Receiver, and carry case (plastic).
Retail $618.00 / Price paid: $333.00
This is a full wireless microphone system with a headset/mic and carry case, compared to the AT which does not offer either.
Microphone Audio Quality (WH20):
The Shure PGX 14/20 system has a "dynamic" microphone headset with a 200k-10,000k frequency response. From testing, the audio quality (vocals) were adequate but did not have acceptable bass response, leaving the low end vocals with a somewhat "tinny" sound. This particular dynamic mic system may be more suitable for vocalists, since you could literally scream into it without getting distortion. Shure does offer a different headset (WH30 for $150 MSRP) that is a "condenser" mic, offering better bass response, but was untested in this situation.
Audio (Volume):
The Shure unit offered limited options for setting volume. With a 3 position switch on transmitter you can set it to instrument, 0, or mic. There is no gain setting on the receiver unit. When setting the transmitter to mic, the volume level on the connected mixer had to be turned up substantially (more than half way) in order to achieve adequate volume level.
Ease of sensing Channels:
Setting the channels on the Shure system was simple and quick! Just pull the battery door down on the transmitter and hold it up to the receiver, then press the channel scan on the receiver. It is then synced up by infrared technology.
Receiver:
The receiver has rear rubber antennas that are collapsible, but not removable. When tested, the unit had pretty good range, with no dropouts.
Transmitter:
The top button is both a mute switch and power button. Press once to mute, press and hold to turn off power. The LED on top of the unit changes color to amber when muted. This is a nice feature for someone that needs to mute quickly. The batteries are AA and easily removable (they slide out of bottom).
Headset:
The WH20 included headset is supposed to be customizable to fit any person. The instructions say to "bend the wire carefully" so that it is form fitting. However, this headset is not form fitting at all. Even after many careful attempts to mold it, it still did not fit well and the wires actually hang over your ears, which was somewhat uncomfortable. Also worth noting, you can only wear the headset one way, with the mic boom on the right side of your face.
PROS:
Includes microphone with system.
Quick and Easy to sync channels.
Convenient mute switch on transmitter.
Easy to replace transmitter batteries.
CONS:
Microphone performance less than optimal.
Limited volume (gain) adjustments.
======================================
Audio Technica ATW 2110 Wireless System
Components:
Transmitter (beltpack), Receiver, Rack adapters, (No Microphone Headset included).
Retail $499.00 / Price paid: $225.00
Though the Audio Technica did not include a carry case, it did include some custom adapters to mount the receiver in a gear rack.
Microphone Audio Quality (ATW75cW):
Again, the AT 2110 systems do not include microphones so an Audio Technica (ATW-75cw) was purchased separately for $55.00 new (retail 79.99MSRP). The audio quality was far superior compared to the Shure system, with great base response on 100-10,000khz. The mic is "condenser', which is more sensitive (however it may be more prone to feedback too).
Ease of Syncing Channels:
In order to set or change channels you have to manually turn a switch on the belt pack transmitter to the correct channel on the receiver. There is no infrared connection between the two.
Audio Volume:
There is an audio gain adjustment on both the transmitter AND receiver, offering optimal quality volume levels. After setting this, the mixer volume only had to be turned up a couple notches (opposed to half way on the Shure)
Receiver:
This receiver was intended to be out your way, hard mounted in a rack. Though Shure may make an adapter for racks to accommodate their systems, it is great to have it included with the system. There is also audio gain adjustment on the back of the receiver, making it easy to tweak the audio levels.
The antennas are on the rear of the unit and even when installed in rack they provided great performance. AT recommends keeping them in "line of site" but with this unit it didn't seem to matter much. AT does offer 2 optional kits that will allow replacement of the disconnectable antennas to hardmount on front of rack or anywhere else.
The front LED on the receiver features indicators for RF and audio volume. This is great to be able to identify possible frequency interference and set proper volume levels (Yet another feature the Shure does not offer) .
Transmitter:
The Audio Technical receiver uses what is called a "Uni-Pack" connection. This makes the compatible microphone/headset/lavalier very easy to clip on and off the belt pack. Compared to Shure it was much easier to disconnect it for storage.
There is NO mute button on this unit, but an on/off switch doubles as what AT calls a "soft mute". The downside is there is a 2-3 second delay when turning it back on before it is valuable for audio transmission. Not quick, but simple.
Unlike the Shure, there are dials under the battery cover to adjust audio gain where ever you are.
One small but notable drawback of the transmitter is that it was difficult to remove the batteries. They fit in the pack very tightly (with springs), and it takes a while to carefully remove them. In the Shure system they are easy removed by "sliding" out. However, the AT 3110 series offers a battery compartment where they slide out.
Headset (ATW75-cw):
The headset/mic used for review is the ATW75cW. This unit is very comfortable to wear with cushioned pads on both sides, and also the boom is able to be positioned on either side of the head. The retail MSRP is $79.99 which is quite affordable for a good quality microphone headset.
PROS:
Adjustable audio gain volume levels.
Quick and easy headset disconnect from transmitter (Unipack)
Includes rack mounting kit.External antenna mounts available.
Detailed front display on receiver.
PROS ATW75cW Headset (purchased separately):
Great audio sound and good low bass response (nice for speeches).
Comfortable and adjustable.
CONS:
Channels manually set with turn dial on transmitter (no infrared)
No dedicated mute key (the other AT 3110 model has it).
Hard to remove batteries (not that big of deal).
No case for transmitter and headset.
---------------------------
Summary
Both of these systems are from leading manufactures in wireless technology and pro performance gear. It seems true that with either of them you can't go wrong.
Each are however completely different systems. One uses a dynamic microphone, the other condenser. And even though the microphone used may make a difference in performance, it's easily changed.
I particularly liked the extra features and flexibility the Audio Technica system offers. There
is more ability to adjust audio the way you like, and then see visible results.
In my opinion, the Audio Technical out performed the Shure in features, easy of use, quality, and overall value.
Shure PGX 14/20 system:
Components:
WH20 headset, Transmitter (beltpak), Receiver, and carry case (plastic).
Retail $618.00 / Price paid: $333.00
This is a full wireless microphone system with a headset/mic and carry case, compared to the AT which does not offer either.
Microphone Audio Quality (WH20):
The Shure PGX 14/20 system has a "dynamic" microphone headset with a 200k-10,000k frequency response. From testing, the audio quality (vocals) were adequate but did not have acceptable bass response, leaving the low end vocals with a somewhat "tinny" sound. This particular dynamic mic system may be more suitable for vocalists, since you could literally scream into it without getting distortion. Shure does offer a different headset (WH30 for $150 MSRP) that is a "condenser" mic, offering better bass response, but was untested in this situation.
Audio (Volume):
The Shure unit offered limited options for setting volume. With a 3 position switch on transmitter you can set it to instrument, 0, or mic. There is no gain setting on the receiver unit. When setting the transmitter to mic, the volume level on the connected mixer had to be turned up substantially (more than half way) in order to achieve adequate volume level.
Ease of sensing Channels:
Setting the channels on the Shure system was simple and quick! Just pull the battery door down on the transmitter and hold it up to the receiver, then press the channel scan on the receiver. It is then synced up by infrared technology.
Receiver:
The receiver has rear rubber antennas that are collapsible, but not removable. When tested, the unit had pretty good range, with no dropouts.
Transmitter:
The top button is both a mute switch and power button. Press once to mute, press and hold to turn off power. The LED on top of the unit changes color to amber when muted. This is a nice feature for someone that needs to mute quickly. The batteries are AA and easily removable (they slide out of bottom).
Headset:
The WH20 included headset is supposed to be customizable to fit any person. The instructions say to "bend the wire carefully" so that it is form fitting. However, this headset is not form fitting at all. Even after many careful attempts to mold it, it still did not fit well and the wires actually hang over your ears, which was somewhat uncomfortable. Also worth noting, you can only wear the headset one way, with the mic boom on the right side of your face.
PROS:
Includes microphone with system.
Quick and Easy to sync channels.
Convenient mute switch on transmitter.
Easy to replace transmitter batteries.
CONS:
Microphone performance less than optimal.
Limited volume (gain) adjustments.
======================================
Audio Technica ATW 2110 Wireless System
Components:
Transmitter (beltpack), Receiver, Rack adapters, (No Microphone Headset included).
Retail $499.00 / Price paid: $225.00
Though the Audio Technica did not include a carry case, it did include some custom adapters to mount the receiver in a gear rack.
Microphone Audio Quality (ATW75cW):
Again, the AT 2110 systems do not include microphones so an Audio Technica (ATW-75cw) was purchased separately for $55.00 new (retail 79.99MSRP). The audio quality was far superior compared to the Shure system, with great base response on 100-10,000khz. The mic is "condenser', which is more sensitive (however it may be more prone to feedback too).
Ease of Syncing Channels:
In order to set or change channels you have to manually turn a switch on the belt pack transmitter to the correct channel on the receiver. There is no infrared connection between the two.
Audio Volume:
There is an audio gain adjustment on both the transmitter AND receiver, offering optimal quality volume levels. After setting this, the mixer volume only had to be turned up a couple notches (opposed to half way on the Shure)
Receiver:
This receiver was intended to be out your way, hard mounted in a rack. Though Shure may make an adapter for racks to accommodate their systems, it is great to have it included with the system. There is also audio gain adjustment on the back of the receiver, making it easy to tweak the audio levels.
The antennas are on the rear of the unit and even when installed in rack they provided great performance. AT recommends keeping them in "line of site" but with this unit it didn't seem to matter much. AT does offer 2 optional kits that will allow replacement of the disconnectable antennas to hardmount on front of rack or anywhere else.
The front LED on the receiver features indicators for RF and audio volume. This is great to be able to identify possible frequency interference and set proper volume levels (Yet another feature the Shure does not offer) .
Transmitter:
The Audio Technical receiver uses what is called a "Uni-Pack" connection. This makes the compatible microphone/headset/lavalier very easy to clip on and off the belt pack. Compared to Shure it was much easier to disconnect it for storage.
There is NO mute button on this unit, but an on/off switch doubles as what AT calls a "soft mute". The downside is there is a 2-3 second delay when turning it back on before it is valuable for audio transmission. Not quick, but simple.
Unlike the Shure, there are dials under the battery cover to adjust audio gain where ever you are.
One small but notable drawback of the transmitter is that it was difficult to remove the batteries. They fit in the pack very tightly (with springs), and it takes a while to carefully remove them. In the Shure system they are easy removed by "sliding" out. However, the AT 3110 series offers a battery compartment where they slide out.
Headset (ATW75-cw):
The headset/mic used for review is the ATW75cW. This unit is very comfortable to wear with cushioned pads on both sides, and also the boom is able to be positioned on either side of the head. The retail MSRP is $79.99 which is quite affordable for a good quality microphone headset.
PROS:
Adjustable audio gain volume levels.
Quick and easy headset disconnect from transmitter (Unipack)
Includes rack mounting kit.External antenna mounts available.
Detailed front display on receiver.
PROS ATW75cW Headset (purchased separately):
Great audio sound and good low bass response (nice for speeches).
Comfortable and adjustable.
CONS:
Channels manually set with turn dial on transmitter (no infrared)
No dedicated mute key (the other AT 3110 model has it).
Hard to remove batteries (not that big of deal).
No case for transmitter and headset.
---------------------------
Summary
Both of these systems are from leading manufactures in wireless technology and pro performance gear. It seems true that with either of them you can't go wrong.
Each are however completely different systems. One uses a dynamic microphone, the other condenser. And even though the microphone used may make a difference in performance, it's easily changed.
I particularly liked the extra features and flexibility the Audio Technica system offers. There
is more ability to adjust audio the way you like, and then see visible results.
In my opinion, the Audio Technical out performed the Shure in features, easy of use, quality, and overall value.
posted by Tech Reporter at 6:55 PM
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Featured here is a detailed review and comparison of two high performance microphone systems, the Shure PGX 14/20 and the Audio ... swirelessmicrophone.blogspot.com
Hey,
Thanks for writing guide on Wireless Microphones.
This is certainly the best post about best wireless microphones around these days.
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