What is the primary use for this Shure cable?

It is designed to connect GLX-D Advanced digital wireless receivers to a GLX-D Frequency Manager or to remote antennas. This allows for better antenna placement to improve wireless reception.

Can I use this cable with standard UHF wireless systems?

No, most standard UHF systems use BNC connectors. This cable features Reverse SMA connectors specifically intended for Shure's 2.4GHz digital systems.

How long is the Shure Reverse SMA cable?

The cable has a total length of 7.6 metres, which is equivalent to approximately 25 feet. This provides enough length for most rack-to-wall or rack-to-stand mounting scenarios.

Is this cable compatible with the original GLX-D series?

It is specifically designed for the GLX-D Advanced series. While both use the 2.4GHz band, the Advanced series features the removable antennas and frequency management hardware required to use these cables.

What type of connector does this cable use?

It uses Reverse SMA (RSMA) connectors. These are threaded connectors where the pin and socket configuration is reversed compared to a standard SMA connector.

Does this cable affect the signal quality of the wireless system?

Any cable introduces a small amount of signal loss. However, Shure designs these specific cables to meet the requirements of the 2.4GHz band to ensure the GLX-D Advanced system performs reliably.

Can this cable be used for audio signals like an XLR cable?

No, this is a coaxial antenna cable for RF (radio frequency) signals. It cannot be used in place of an XLR cable, such as the Studiospares Standard XLR, or a 1/4 inch instrument cable.

What is the typical price for this cable in the UK?

The typical price for the Shure Reverse SMA Antenna Cable 7.6m is approximately £92. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Is the cable flexible enough for tight rack spaces?

The cable is designed for professional rack integration and is flexible enough to be routed through cable management systems within a standard 19-inch equipment rack.

Do I need a special tool to install this cable?

No special tools are required. The Reverse SMA connectors are threaded and are designed to be tightened by hand to ensure a secure connection to the receiver or frequency manager.

Can I link two of these cables together?

While possible with an adapter, it is generally discouraged. Increasing the length of the cable run in the 2.4GHz spectrum can lead to significant signal loss and reduced wireless range.

Is this cable weather-resistant for outdoor use?

The cable is primarily designed for indoor professional use. If used outdoors, the connectors should be protected from moisture to prevent corrosion and signal degradation.

Gear article

Shure Reverse SMA Antenna Cable 7.6m

The Shure Reverse SMA Antenna Cable is a specialised 7.6-metre (25-foot) coaxial cable designed for the remote mounting of antennas in digital wireless setups. It is specifically engineered for compatibility with Shure GLX-D Advanced systems, facilitating stable signal distribution between receivers and frequency managers.

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Background and Development

Shure developed the Reverse SMA (RSMA) cable specifically to address the needs of professional users working with the GLX-D Advanced digital wireless range. Unlike standard BNC cables used in high-frequency UHF systems, the GLX-D series operates in the 2.4GHz band, requiring specific shielding and connector types to maintain signal integrity over distance. The 7.6-metre length represents a balanced compromise between providing significant physical separation and minimizing signal attenuation.

Functionality and Integration

The primary function of this cable is to facilitate the connection between GLX-D Advanced receivers and the GLX-D Frequency Manager (UA846Z2). By using these cables, antennas can be moved away from the rack unit and positioned in a line-of-sight location relative to the transmitters. This is critical in crowded 2.4GHz environments where physical obstructions or rack interference can compromise wireless performance.

Technical Characteristics

The cable features Reverse SMA connectors, which are standard for many 2.4GHz wireless devices but distinct from the standard SMA connectors found in other electronics. The 7.6-metre length is factory-terminated to ensure consistent impedance. Because digital wireless signals in the 2.4GHz spectrum are highly susceptible to cable loss, the construction prioritises low-loss shielding to ensure that the GLX-D Advanced system maintains its link margin.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard BNC-based cables, such as the LD Systems WS100BNC10, the Shure RSMA cable uses a threaded connector specifically for 2.4GHz hardware. While BNC is the industry standard for traditional UHF wireless, it is not used for the GLX-D Advanced antenna ports. Users should also distinguish this from general instrument cables like the Ernie Ball P06049 or audio patch cables like those from Studiospares; this is a data-grade coaxial cable that cannot be used for analogue audio signals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use for this Shure cable?: It is designed to connect GLX-D Advanced digital wireless receivers to a GLX-D Frequency Manager or to remote antennas. This allows for better antenna placement to improve wireless reception.
Can I use this cable with standard UHF wireless systems?: No, most standard UHF systems use BNC connectors. This cable features Reverse SMA connectors specifically intended for Shure's 2.4GHz digital systems.
How long is the Shure Reverse SMA cable?: The cable has a total length of 7.6 metres, which is equivalent to approximately 25 feet. This provides enough length for most rack-to-wall or rack-to-stand mounting scenarios.
Is this cable compatible with the original GLX-D series?: It is specifically designed for the GLX-D Advanced series. While both use the 2.4GHz band, the Advanced series features the removable antennas and frequency management hardware required to use these cables.
What type of connector does this cable use?: It uses Reverse SMA (RSMA) connectors. These are threaded connectors where the pin and socket configuration is reversed compared to a standard SMA connector.
Does this cable affect the signal quality of the wireless system?: Any cable introduces a small amount of signal loss. However, Shure designs these specific cables to meet the requirements of the 2.4GHz band to ensure the GLX-D Advanced system performs reliably.
Can this cable be used for audio signals like an XLR cable?: No, this is a coaxial antenna cable for RF (radio frequency) signals. It cannot be used in place of an XLR cable, such as the Studiospares Standard XLR, or a 1/4 inch instrument cable.
What is the typical price for this cable in the UK?: The typical price for the Shure Reverse SMA Antenna Cable 7.6m is approximately £92. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Is the cable flexible enough for tight rack spaces?: The cable is designed for professional rack integration and is flexible enough to be routed through cable management systems within a standard 19-inch equipment rack.
Do I need a special tool to install this cable?: No special tools are required. The Reverse SMA connectors are threaded and are designed to be tightened by hand to ensure a secure connection to the receiver or frequency manager.
Can I link two of these cables together?: While possible with an adapter, it is generally discouraged. Increasing the length of the cable run in the 2.4GHz spectrum can lead to significant signal loss and reduced wireless range.
Is this cable weather-resistant for outdoor use?: The cable is primarily designed for indoor professional use. If used outdoors, the connectors should be protected from moisture to prevent corrosion and signal degradation.