Dropout experiences with Shure PGX wireless systems

[gogi]

I have experienced dropouts with my Shure PGX wireless mic systems (PGX4 receiver, and PGX2 handheld vocal mic/transmitter). Last night , practically all three of them had same issue mid way into the gig. Note that during sound check, there are typically no issues. Also when they work, they are damn clear even when flat.

This had nothing to do with the battery as even when replaced with new ones, the occasional dropout reoccurred. BTW this same thing was experienced in another venue some month's ago and I trivialized it thinking that some of the security folks may have been using same frequency. But this time,there was nobody around with any radio show or similar device. And the coincidence is too much occurring with all three!

I confirm that all three are on same H6 band ( by the way, this didn't happen in the U.K. where the bands are certainly different). Also as per Shure guideline for similar wireless systems to be on same group, I confirm all three are assigned to group 0; while each mic was assigned channels 1, 5 and 7. This was to deliberately avoid overlap and frequency bleeding.

What can I do to troubleshoot? What can be done to resolve this problem as it disrupts vocalists severely?

On another subject, it appears the mute push button on the PGX2 handheld has serious partial contact issues. Many times the mics would simply not turn on. Any ideas?

[Mike Stranks]

Retrospectively I'd say it's impossible to say what was going on...

It's for very good reason that many of us old sweats say that one should only use radio mics when there really is no practical alternative... sometimes what's going on seems to be closer to a black art than science!

That said, I do use radio sometimes and come across it a lot when troubleshooting other people's install work...

Some tips:

1) Receivers as high as practically possible.
2) Ideally receivers not stacked on top of each other if using inbuilt aerials
3) If using external aerials make sure you connect things up with the right coax - many/most systems use 50-ohm coax not the far more common 75-ohm.
3) Receivers well away from gantries and other stage hardware
4) Receivers well away from electronica of all kinds
5) Receivers as close as possible to the transmitters - eg backstage/sidestage, not at the mix position.
6) Spend as much as you/the venue can possibly afford on the system(s) and buy recognised makes.
7) Keep it legal! Only use approved frequencies for your location and pay your licence fees if any are required.

[acchsmediaman]

I have experienced dropouts with my Shure PGX wireless mic systems (PGX4 receiver, and PGX2 handheld vocal mic/transmitter).

I have a PGXD2/SM58,X8 and a receiver (I assume that it is an PGXD4 but I'm currently nowhere near it to verify). It lives in a wooden case under a mixer. It is located on top of the monitors' graphic EQ and power amp.

The wireless system has worked flawlessly for well over a decade since before I started working at the school. Recently it has suffered severe dropouts but only when the gym is filled with bodies. There is no problem during sound check when the gym is nearly empty except for a few people.

(1) A Shure helpdesk person said that it was luck that it ever worked due to lack of line-of-sight.
(2) In the USA, the X8 band (902 MHz to 982 MHz) is overlapped by one of the unlicensed ISM bands from 902 MHz to 928 MHz. Some interference might be what's going on.

On Friday (February 6, 2026) when the school will have a pep rally in the gym, I intend to wait for the gym to fill with people and then select a clear band and pair the wireless mic to the receiver to see if this fixes the dropout issue. If not, I will try to remove the receiver from its "home" and relocate it so that line-of-sight is established.

I hope this helps you, too.

[Wonks]

I hope this helps you, too.

They might possibly have found a solution in the ten years since the question was asked.

[shufflebeat]

Better late than never.

Oo-er, we’re not having another time-warp, are we?

[Sam Spoons]

It's just a step to the left
And then a jump to the right

[shufflebeat]

Hang on, I’ll get me dancin’ stilletoes.