Shure Unveils Software-Defined ANX4 Scalable Wireless Receiver

As the market for wireless microphones and in-ear monitors will start transitioning to Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems (WMAS) technology, audio manufacturers know that sales of the traditional larger channel-count systems will decrease dramatically. Understanding this challenge, Shure just announced a new interesting development with its Shure ANX4 scalable receiver, which is able to be configured from 4 to 24 channels for any of the brand's latest digital transmitters.

Meeting the pressing needs for professional wireless microphone applications, struggling with RF challenges, regulatory constraints, and the scarcity of frequency spectrum, 2024 was the year of the first product announcements leveraging Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems (WMAS) technology. In this article Nick Wood (Shure) provides a unique perspective of the WMAS technology, its future in the industry, and its regulatory framework for professional audio applications.

Sound Devices announced the acquisition of US-based in-ear monitoring pioneer Jerry Harvey (JH) Audio. The deal brings together two strong audio brands under the Audiotonix group portfolio, focused on delivering audio solutions to artists and performers, on stage, on location, and in the studio. Adding an IEM company inside a group that already comprises Allen & Heath, Calrec, DiGiCo, KLANG:technologies, and Solid State Logic is certainly significant. For Sound Devices, IEMs are a natural expansion for its growing range of Astral RF wireless products.

Officially unveiled to the world in September 2025, Sennheiser has announced that it will commence shipments of its Spectera wideband wireless ecosystem from April 25, 2025. Spectera is based on Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems (WMAS) broad bandwidth technology, offering the ability to densely pack many audio channels within a six to ten megahertz (MHz) radio frequency band, and meeting the regulatory goals around the globe for the use of available spectrum.

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) approved a change in its regulation that now permits operation of Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems (WMAS) in the United States. WMAS is an advanced wireless microphone technology designed to meet the challenges of highly demanding live performance and studio applications. Sennheiser started development work on WMAS over ten years ago and, in August 2018, the company filed a Petition for Rulemaking with the FCC requesting a modification in the bandwidth limit specified for wireless microphones.

With live performances and touring gradually resuming after the pandemic, it’s time to resume products launches that have been on hold for some time. Sennheiser took lessons learned from its acclaimed Evolution Wireless IEM systems to now launch the new XS Wireless IEM system for musicians seeking to professionalize their shows by switching from floor wedges to wireless IEMs.

Halter Technical, a Los Angeles-based creator of headphones and headsets purposely built for the broadcast and video production industry, announced a new wireless design that takes lessons from the most recent Bluetooth TWS earbuds and hearing aids to create what the company calls the world’s smallest rechargeable miniature wireless in-ear monitor. The Microsone Discreet Audio Monitoring System introduces a new level of flexibility and control on set.