What is included in the BLX14/CVL-T11 package?

The package includes a BLX4 single-channel receiver, a BLX1 bodypack transmitter, and a CVL Centraverse lavalier condenser microphone. It also typically includes the necessary power supply and batteries to begin operation immediately.

How does the QuickScan feature work?

QuickScan is a one-touch frequency management tool. When the button is pressed, the receiver performs a real-time scan of the local RF environment and selects the best open frequency to avoid interference, requiring no manual tuning by the user.

Is the CVL microphone visible during use?

The CVL lavalier is designed to be discrete and professional. It is a small, clip-on microphone that attaches to clothing, making it much less conspicuous than a handheld microphone like a Shure SM58.

Can I use this system for singing?

While the CVL microphone is primarily designed for clear speech and presentations, it can be used for light vocal work. However, for professional singing, a dedicated vocal mic like the Beta 58A is generally preferred.

What is the typical price for this system?

The Shure BLX14/CVL-T11 is typically priced around £337.00. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and regional taxes, but it remains a mid-range professional wireless option.

Does the system suffer from signal drop-outs?

Shure has engineered the BLX series to provide a 'rock solid' signal from the bodypack to the receiver. By using QuickScan to find clean frequencies, the system actively works to eliminate interference and drop-outs common in cheaper wireless units.

How does the sound compare to a wired microphone?

The system is designed so that the user sounds like they are using a wired microphone. It provides consistently clear and accurate sound reproduction across its operational range.

Is the bodypack transmitter heavy?

No, the BLX1 bodypack is designed to be lightweight and comfortable. It can be worn for long periods during presentations without causing discomfort to the user.

Can I use this alongside other wireless systems?

Yes, multiple BLX systems can be used simultaneously. However, users must ensure each system is set to a different frequency within the compatible group to avoid crosstalk.

What kind of microphone element is the CVL?

The CVL is a condenser microphone element. This allows it to capture a higher level of detail and nuance in the voice compared to standard dynamic microphones like the Shure SM57.

Is this system difficult to set up?

The system is designed for simplicity with no 'trial and error' involved. The one-touch QuickScan technology handles the complicated frequency coordination, making it accessible for beginners.

Who is the primary target audience for this gear?

It is ideally suited for presenters, lecturers, and public speakers who need a discrete, hands-free audio solution that offers professional-grade reliability and clear sound.

Gear article

Shure BLX14/CVL-T11 Wireless Lavalier Microphone System

The Shure BLX14/CVL-T11 is a professional wireless microphone system designed to provide discrete, hands-free audio for live performance and speech. It integrates a CVL Centraverse lavalier microphone with a BLX bodypack transmitter and receiver, utilising one-touch QuickScan technology to ensure a stable, interference-free signal.

See live prices

Overview

The Shure BLX14/CVL-T11 is an entry-level professional wireless system that bridges the gap between complex rack-mount setups and consumer-grade equipment. It is engineered to provide the reliability of a wired connection without the physical constraints of a cable. The system is comprised of three main components: the CVL (Centraverse) lavalier microphone, the BLX1 bodypack transmitter, and the BLX4 single-channel receiver.

Key Features and Operation

The primary design goal of the BLX series is ease of use. This is achieved through Shure's proprietary QuickScan technology. With a single button press, the receiver automatically scans the RF environment to identify the cleanest available frequency, significantly reducing the risk of interference or drop-outs. The bodypack transmitter is lightweight and designed to be unobtrusive when clipped to a belt or waistband, maintaining a professional aesthetic during presentations or performances.

Sound Character

The system is tuned to provide a clear and accurate vocal reproduction. The CVL lavalier microphone is a condenser element that captures detail more effectively than some dynamic equivalents, making it ideal for spoken word. Shure has designed the wireless transmission path to be 'rock solid,' ensuring that the audio fidelity remains consistent even as the user moves around the performance space, avoiding the signal degradation often associated with lower-quality wireless units.

Suitability and Applications

Given its discrete form factor, the BLX14/CVL-T11 is particularly suited for public speakers, house of worship leaders, and presenters who require their hands to be free. It offers a professional solution for those who find standard handheld microphones like the Shure SM58 or Beta 58A too restrictive for their specific performance style. It serves as a middle-ground option for users who need better reliability than entry-level gear but do not yet require the advanced networking features of high-end digital systems.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other industry standards, the BLX14/CVL-T11 offers a more specialised utility than dynamic microphones such as the Sennheiser e945 or the Electro-Voice RE20, which are typically used for high-SPL vocal or studio applications. While a Shure SM57 is the go-to for instruments, the CVL microphone in this package is strictly optimised for speech. Compared to more expensive Sennheiser systems like the e935-based wireless sets, the BLX series focuses on simplifying the user interface through its QuickScan feature, making it more accessible for non-technical users.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the BLX14/CVL-T11 package?: The package includes a BLX4 single-channel receiver, a BLX1 bodypack transmitter, and a CVL Centraverse lavalier condenser microphone. It also typically includes the necessary power supply and batteries to begin operation immediately.
How does the QuickScan feature work?: QuickScan is a one-touch frequency management tool. When the button is pressed, the receiver performs a real-time scan of the local RF environment and selects the best open frequency to avoid interference, requiring no manual tuning by the user.
Is the CVL microphone visible during use?: The CVL lavalier is designed to be discrete and professional. It is a small, clip-on microphone that attaches to clothing, making it much less conspicuous than a handheld microphone like a Shure SM58.
Can I use this system for singing?: While the CVL microphone is primarily designed for clear speech and presentations, it can be used for light vocal work. However, for professional singing, a dedicated vocal mic like the Beta 58A is generally preferred.
What is the typical price for this system?: The Shure BLX14/CVL-T11 is typically priced around £337.00. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and regional taxes, but it remains a mid-range professional wireless option.
Does the system suffer from signal drop-outs?: Shure has engineered the BLX series to provide a 'rock solid' signal from the bodypack to the receiver. By using QuickScan to find clean frequencies, the system actively works to eliminate interference and drop-outs common in cheaper wireless units.
How does the sound compare to a wired microphone?: The system is designed so that the user sounds like they are using a wired microphone. It provides consistently clear and accurate sound reproduction across its operational range.
Is the bodypack transmitter heavy?: No, the BLX1 bodypack is designed to be lightweight and comfortable. It can be worn for long periods during presentations without causing discomfort to the user.
Can I use this alongside other wireless systems?: Yes, multiple BLX systems can be used simultaneously. However, users must ensure each system is set to a different frequency within the compatible group to avoid crosstalk.
What kind of microphone element is the CVL?: The CVL is a condenser microphone element. This allows it to capture a higher level of detail and nuance in the voice compared to standard dynamic microphones like the Shure SM57.
Is this system difficult to set up?: The system is designed for simplicity with no 'trial and error' involved. The one-touch QuickScan technology handles the complicated frequency coordination, making it accessible for beginners.
Who is the primary target audience for this gear?: It is ideally suited for presenters, lecturers, and public speakers who need a discrete, hands-free audio solution that offers professional-grade reliability and clear sound.