Shure LX1, LX3, LX2, LX4 User Manual

LX Wireless System

27D8654 (BK)

2002, Shure Incorporated

Printed in U.S.A.

LX Wireless System

User Guide

English

1

READ ME FIRST!

To get your system up and running in just a few minutes, follow the simple in­structions 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 high­impedance 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 instru­ment 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 o r s ing into the microphone, or p lay t he 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.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SYSTEM COMPONENTS 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SYSTEM FEATURES 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LX1 BODY-PACK TRANSMITTER FEATURES, CONTROLS & INDICATORS 7. . .
LX2 HAND-HELD TRANSMITTER FEATURES, CONTROLS & INDICATORS 8. .

LX3 RECEIVER FEATURES, CONTROLS & INDICATORS 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LX4 DIVERSITY RECEIVER FEATURES, CONTROLS & INDICATORS 10. . . . . . .

RECEIVER MOUNTING 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Single Rack Mounted Receiver 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Double Rack Mounted Receivers 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RECEIVER CONNECTIONS 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TRANSMITTER SETUP 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LX1 Body-Pack Transmitter Battery Installation 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LX2 Hand-Held Microphone-Transmitter Battery Installation 13. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Checking the Transmitter Battery 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Connecting a Lavalier Microphone or Instrument Cable to the LX1 14. . . . . . .

Attaching the LX1 to a Belt or Guitar Strap 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installing the WA555 Grip/Switch Cover Accessory on the LX2 15. . . . . . . . . .

OPERATING LX1 BODY-PACK SYSTEMS 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OPERATING THE LX2 HAND-HELD SYSTEM 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAIN AND SQUELCH ADJUSTMENT 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjusting the Transmitter Audio Gain Level 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjusting the Receiver Squelch Control 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TIPS FOR ACHIEVING OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TROUBLESHOOTING 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SPECIFICATIONS 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FURNISHED ACCESSORIES 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

REPLACEMENT PARTS 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LICENSING INFORMATION 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

English

3

SYSTEM COMPONENTS (FIGURE 1)

LX1

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ÑÑ

Ñ

ÑÑ

ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ

LEVEL

POWER

LX4

Ñ

Ñ

RF A RF B

AUDIO

SQUELCH

DIVERSITY

MARCAD

Ñ

ÑÑÑÑ

LX2

RECEIVER

Ñ Ñ

Ñ

Ñ

Ñ

RF

AUDIO

SQUELCH

LEVEL POWER

LX3

WIRELESS

LX WIRELESS MICROPHONE SYSTEM COMPONENTS

FIGURE 1

Your LX Wireless Microphone System features a MARCAD



fixed frequency diver­sity 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
contains a combination of the following items:

• One of the following trans mitters:

LX1 Body-Pack Transmitter, with your choice of instrument cable or microphone,

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 87supercardioid premium condenser microphone

• 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.

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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 Combin-

ing Audio Diversity) circuitry constantly monitors signals from both receiver sections
and combines them to create a single output signal. The result is improved 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 hardware. 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. (Refer
to the Checking the Transmitter Battery section.)

• 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 troubleshoot RF
“dead spots.”

• Audio Metering. A five-light audio meter helps to optimize transmitter gain setting

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 removed or
inverted for special positioning.

• Grip/Switch Cover Accessory. The unbreakable WA555 grip/switch cover acces-

sory, supplied with all LX2 hand-held microphone-transmitters, prevents accidental
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.

English

5

LX1 BODY-PACK TRANSMITTER
FEATURES, CONTROLS, & INDICATORS (FIGURE 2)

Ñ

ÑÑÑÑ

ON

MUTE BAT

OFF PWR

Ñ

Ñ

Ñ

ÑÑ

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

LX1 BODY-PACK TRANSMITTER FEATURES, CONTROLS & INDICATORS

FIGURE 2

1. 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.

2. Battery Compartment. Hinged cover on bottom surface exposes the battery. Refer
to the Body-Pack Transmitter Battery Installation section.

3. Audio Gain Control. Allows audio level adjustment to accommodate various
sound sources (e.g., singing, speaking, or playing an instrument). A small screw­driver is supplied to make adjustments (see the Setting Audio Level section).

4. Input Jack. This is a Mini- connector (TA4F) that provides connection with a variety
of lavalier and headset microphone cables, and the Shure WA302 instrument
adapter cable.

5. Power/Battery Fuel Gauge. When the Power switch is turned to the PWR position,
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.
Refer to the

Checking the Transmitter Battery section.

6. Belt Clip. Allows the transmitter to be easily worn on a belt, waistband or guitar
strap.

7. Mic On/Mute Switch. “Mutes” the transmitter to prevent unwanted sounds from be­ing picked up by the receiver without turning the transmitter off.

8. Power Switch. Turns transmitter power on and off.

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LX2 HANDHELD MICROPHONE-TRANSMITTER
FEATURES, CO NTRO LS, & INDICATO RS (FIGURE 3)

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ÑÑ

ÑÑÑ

ÑÑÑÑÑ

ÑÑ

ÑÑÑÑÑÑÑ

Ñ

BAT

MUTE

1

2

3

4

5

6

LX2/BETA 58

LX2 MICROPHONE–TRANSMITTER FEATURES, CONTROLS, & INDICATORS

FIGURE 3

1. Grille. Protects the microphone cartridge and helps reduce breath sounds and wind
noise. The grilles for the various microphone heads differ in appearance.

2. Power Switch. Turns transmitter power on and off.

3. Power/Battery Fuel Gauge. When the Power switch is turned to the PWR position,
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. Refer to the

Checking the

Transmitter Battery section.

4. Mic On/Mute Switch. “Mutes” the transmitter to prevent unwanted sounds from be­ing picked up by the receiver without turning the transmitter off.

5. Audio Gain Control. Provides audio level adjustment to accommodate different
sound sources. Refer to the Setting Transmitter Audio Level section.

6. Battery Cover. Removable cup hides battery and audio gain control.

English

7

LX3 RECEIVER
CONTROLS, FEATURES & INDICATORS (FIGURE 4)

WIRELESS

RECEIVER

Ñ Ñ

Ñ

Ñ

Ñ

RF

AUDIO

SQUELCH

LEVEL POWER

Ñ

ÑÑ

ANT

OUTPUT

HI Z POWER

12.5 – 18.9 VDC

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ÑÑ

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1

23456

7

8

9

REAR

FRONT

LX3 RECEIVER CONTROLS, FEATURES, & INDICATORS

FIGURE 4

1. RF Presence Indicators. G low s a m ber w hen t he antenna is receiving usable RF ( ra­dio frequency) signals.

2. 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.

3. Squelch Control. Sets the point at which the rec eiver “mutes” when the transmitter
signal becomes n oisy, weak o r f ails. T his c ontrol i s f actory-set a t t he 12 o’clock p osition
to provide optimal operation in most applications.

4. 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.

5. Power On Indicator. This green light glows to indicate that the Power switch is on
and power is applied to the receiver.

6. Power On/Off Button. Turns the receiver on and off.

7. Output Connector. Quarter-inch phone jack provides unbalanced auxiliary level
(high-impedance) output.

8. 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.

9. 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 t he o ptional S hure WA421 remote a ntenna cable kit u sed w ith o ptional
WA380 telescoping and WA490 cable-type

1

/2-wave antennas.