Peer Review-Shure UHF-R UR24S/KSM9

My Pick: Shure UHF-R UR24S/KSM9 system (with KSM 9 capsule, currently in beta test), $4,003.20 MSRP

What I Like About It: This latest wireless system from Shure comes packed with an abundance of features that I find very helpful on tour. I use the auto group/channel scanning function to locate clean frequencies for each city I travel to. The receiver has USB and Ethernet ports for connecting to my PC and setting up networks. Sync programming via the infrared port is convenient and easy to setup. The receiver also displays the settings programmed on the transmitter. These features include gain adjustment from –10 dB to +20 dB, the ability to name/label the microphone on its LCD screen — which is very handy when you're using multiple handhelds, and a normal/high power setting for tough RF environments. And most importantly, it sounds great.

I Would Change: I use the airlines to travel to some of our shows, so I use 2-space racks inside of pelican cases to carry our gear. The receiver is fairly deep in size, so to make it fit better, I had to move the rack-rails to protect the control knob from damage. Standard size racks won't need any modifications.

Where I Used It: Macy's 2005 Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City

My Results: Coming into this gig I was faced with different rehearsal and performance locations, a live broadcast, and no time to reprogram once the float was in position. The UHF-R system worked flawlessly. I was able to auto scan for a clean frequency when needed, and never once came close to having any dropouts.

Especially useful was the ability to program the mic to the 50 mW power setting. This allowed me to communicate with LeAnn as she was approaching from a distance of 500 feet. Once the float was in camera location, we made eye contact, waved, and then went live.

The performance went as planned, and everyone was happy. I've used this system in a variety of environments and it works every time.