Shure ULXD4D dual-channel receiver

The Shure ULXD4D puts two ULX-D digital receivers in one rack unit. Each has its own gain control, meters and XLR output, and the unit has Dante on two Ethernet ports. Showcaller AI connects to the receiver over your show network through the Bridge App. Then it answers the questions an A2 asks all show long, for channel 1 or channel 2. For example: How long is left on the lectern pack? What gain is channel 2 at? Is the panel mic muted? The Shure wireless integration page lists every function.

Battery and status on the Shure ULXD4D

Showcaller reads the status of both channels in one request. For each channel, it reads the transmitter battery as bars (0 to 5) and the estimated runtime in minutes. For Shure rechargeable batteries, it also reads the charge and health percentages. By comparison, Shure’s receiver shows runtime in minutes for Shure rechargeables on its own display, and a 5-bar indicator for AA batteries. Battery and mute functions are in every plan.

Remote mute and gain

Remote mute is the main difference between ULX-D and the QLX-D and SLX-D receivers. On the ULXD4D, Showcaller mutes and unmutes each channel’s audio output. It does this without dropping the RF link to the transmitter. However, Shure notes that a power cycle unmutes the outputs. So ask Showcaller for the mute state after a restart. From the Pro plan, Showcaller reads and sets each channel’s output gain in 1 dB steps. The range is -18 to +42 dB, the receiver’s own range. It also names the channels, so “Lectern” and “Panel 1” appear on the front panel.

Frequencies on Enterprise

With Enterprise, Showcaller reads each channel’s frequency in kHz and its Group and Channel. It can move a channel to a new frequency or Group/Channel from Shure’s coordinated sets. First, though, it asks you before it retunes. Then re-sync the transmitter to the new frequency as you normally would. Showcaller can also flash the front-panel LEDs to find the unit in a rack of identical receivers. Showcaller does not scan the spectrum or lock transmitters. Also, you set up frequency diversity and audio summing on the receiver or in Wireless Workbench. Meanwhile, Showcaller reads and sets each channel on its own. For full specs, see Shure’s ULXD4D product page.