Shure Microflex Wireless (MXW), ULX-D, and QLX-D wireless microphone systems both offer a robust feature set and can be used in a wide variety of applications. However, there are significant differences between the systems which often lead to one system being more suitable for a particular applications. In this article, we'll discuss some of the similarities and differences between ULX-D and MXW.
 

Common Features

• Dante Audio: Both MXW and ULX-D offer Dante audio outputs. With ULX-D, you will need the ULXD4D or ULXD4Q receiver. All MXWAPT models feature Dante audio output. QLX-D does not offer Dante Output.
• Multiple Microphone Form Factors: MXW and ULX-D offer bodypack, handheld, boundary, and gooseneck transmitter options. QLX-D offers handheld and bodypack transmitters.
• Color Options: Both systems have both Black and White boundary and gooseneck mic base options.
• Rechargeable Batteries: All of these systems may be used with rechargeable batteries (standard on MXW, optional on ULX-D).
• Mic Elements: All of these systems work with a wide range of Shure microphone elements, including SM58 and Beta 58A handheld options, and most Shure lavalier and headset microphones.
• Remote Management: All of these systems can be managed remotely using the Microflex Wireless Software (MXW) or Wireless Workbench 6 (ULX-D and QLX-D).
• Logic Interface: All of these systems can provide a third-party control system with information via the Command Strings interface.
   

Features Unique to ULX-D and QLX-D

• Latency and Frequency Response: ULX-D and QLX-D offer as low as 3ms end-to-end latency and full 20 Hz - 20 kHz audio frequency response. MXW offers latency as low as 20 ms latency and a tailored frequency response designed for audio conferencing applications.
• RF Frequency Bands: ULX-D and QLX-D offers systems which operate in a variety of frequency bands (region-dependent).
• Remote Antenna Inputs: ULX-D and QLX-D supports connecting custom-designed remote antenna systems consisting of multiple zones.
• Rack-mount Receiver Hardware: ULX-D and QLX-D receivers are rackmount, while the MXWAPT is designed to be mounted on a wall.
• Analog and Dante Audio Outputs: ULX-D offers both Analog and Dante audio outputs built-in, while MXW requires an optional MXWANI4 or MXWANI8 to provide analog audio outputs. QLX-D offers only analog outputs.
• Alkaline Batteries: QLX-D and ULX-D can be used with AA batteries or Shure rechargeable batteries. MXW has built-in rechargeable batteries.
• QLX-D and ULX-D Cross-Compatibility: ULX-D components are generally cross-compatible with QLX-D, and vice-versa. For details, please see: Will a QLX-D transmitter work with a ULX-D receiver and vice versa?
   

Features Unique to Microflex Wireless

• All-in-One PoE-powered Access Point: The MXWAPT can be mounted on the wall or ceiling of your space, and contains all of the receiver electronics. No rack-mount equipment or coaxial antenna cabling is required--just a standard Ethernet drop and a PoE-capable switch.
• License-Free 1.8/1.9 GHz DECT Band Operation: Microflex Wireless uses the license-free DECT bands to operate, which does not suffer from interference from local television stations or Wi-Fi.
• Customizable Button LEDs: The lights on the transmitters may be driven by an external control system. This is not possible with ULX-D since transmitters do not have bidirectional communication with the receiver.
• Unique Charger Design: The MXWNCS4 and MXWNCS8 may be used with any MXW transmitter. ULX-D handheld and bodypack transmitters use different chargers than ULX-D boundary and gooseneck transmitters.
• Cross-Product Compatibility: MXW components are not compatible with ULX-D or QLX-D components, and vice versa. For example, you cannot use a ULXD1 with an MXWAPT.