Yesterday, at the iconic Emirates Towers in Dubai, we had the privilege of attending the highly anticipated launch event for Shure’s Axient Digital PSM, their groundbreaking new digital wireless in-ear monitoring system. The atmosphere was electric as industry professionals, musicians like Saber Roubai, and audio engineers gathered to witness the latest innovation from a brand synonymous with audio excellence.
The event was a celebration not only of the Axient Digital PSM but also of Shure’s 100-year legacy of innovation. As the company marked this monumental milestone, we were treated to an inspiring overview of Shure’s history—especially its unexpected beginnings in the radio business, a fact many of us learned for the first time. From its early days in radio to becoming a global leader in audio technology, Shure has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in audio engineering.
Introducing Axient Digital PSM: Revolutionizing In-Ear Monitoring
The spotlight of the event was undoubtedly on Axient Digital PSM, Shure’s first-ever digital wireless in-ear monitoring solution. This cutting-edge system is specifically designed to meet the demanding needs of today’s top-tier touring acts and large-scale productions. With its superior RF performance and seamless scalability, it promises to be a game-changer for monitor engineers, RF engineers, and rental houses alike, ensuring impeccable performance in any setting.
With the inclusion of Shure’s Wireless Multichannel Audio System (WMAS) innovation, the Axient Digital PSM provides unmatched flexibility and spectral efficiency. This new system offers a robust and scalable solution that empowers professionals to adapt to the fast-evolving wireless landscape, all while ensuring a pristine audio experience for performers.
Key Features and Benefits of Axient Digital PSM
The Axient Digital PSM comes equipped with a host of impressive features that set it apart from other systems in the market.
Superior RF Performance and Audio Quality
One of the standout features is its advanced RF performance and exceptional audio quality. With a next-generation digital radio and sophisticated headphone amplifier design, Axient Digital PSM guarantees the highest audio quality with ultra-low latency (less than 2.9 ms). This ensures that performers experience the most immersive and reliable in-ear monitoring, even in the most complex and creative productions.
The inclusion of Shure’s proprietary Spatial Diversity system is another game-changing feature. This technology uses two transmit diversity antennas, sending an identical signal on the same frequency, which enhances RF performance and reduces interference, particularly in larger venues such as stadiums and broadcast studios. When paired with True Digital Diversity bodypack receivers, Axient Digital PSM combines four discrete signal paths per channel, offering unmatched protection against multipath interference and RF noise.
Flexibility and Scalability
The Axient Digital PSM system has been designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, featuring two single-rack space transmitter options: the ADTQ Quad Transmitter and the ADTD Dual Transmitter. These transmitters support multiple transmission modes, including:
- Multi-channel Wideband mode: This mode, available regionally based on WMAS regulations, supports up to 28 channels per 6 MHz in the U.S. and up to 40 channels per 8 MHz in Europe, exceeding FCC’s requirement for WMAS channels.
- Narrowband mode: Allows for more RF output power per channel while maintaining spectral efficiency.
- Analog FM mode: Delivers high-quality audio with ultra-low latency.
- Point-to-Point Mode: For long-distance audio transmission, available through a post-launch firmware update.
With these modes, Axient Digital PSM offers a future-proof solution for touring professionals and rental houses that ensures they are prepared for the evolving demands of wireless audio technology.
Command and Control
Another revolutionary aspect of the Axient Digital PSM is its integration with Shure’s Wireless Workbench® and ShowLink® ecosystem. For the first time, monitor engineers have comprehensive remote management capabilities for every bodypack receiver on stage. Using ShowLink, engineers can monitor and control critical parameters, such as battery life, volume, channel quality, and more, in real-time. This eliminates the need for on-stage intervention, allowing engineers to focus on optimizing the audio experience without the added stress of physical adjustments.
In addition, the Wireless Workbench and the AD600 Spectrum Manager provide engineers with tools to monitor RF spectrum, troubleshoot interference, and ensure smooth operations throughout the performance.
Looking Ahead: Shure’s Continued Legacy of Innovation
Shure’s launch of the Axient Digital PSM marks another chapter in the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence. With its superior performance, scalability, and reliability, the system is set to redefine the standards for in-ear monitoring in the live sound industry. As Shure continues to push the boundaries of wireless audio, we can expect more groundbreaking solutions that will shape the future of live sound, broadcasting, and beyond.
In conclusion, the Axient Digital PSM is more than just a product launch—it’s a statement of Shure’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of audio professionals worldwide. As the event at Emirates Towers demonstrated, this new system is poised to become an essential tool for top-tier productions, rental houses, and engineers, bringing unparalleled flexibility, control, and performance to the stage.
