Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Upgrades with Shure ULX-D®

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, often referred to as the Island University, is the only university in the nation housed on its own island, and is located at the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast. With palm tree-lined pathways throughout the campus, nearby natural wetlands, a scenic hike-and-bike trail, and a university beach, the campus has offered degree programs since 1947.

The University’s Department of Theatre & Dance includes the Warren Theatre, aproscenium stage that seats more than 200. Recently, the theatre—built in the late 1970s—required an audio overhaul to replace old and outdated microphones and sound equipment. The school tasked Philip Johnson, lighting designer/technical director and Professor of Theatre at the University, to identify and install a fully digital system setup. Johnson turned his attention to Shure ULX-D® Digital Wireless with a combination of handhelds and body transmitters.

Before the Shure overhaul, Johnson was forced to mix and match new and old equipment that the department had cobbled together over the years. This proved inefficient, time-consuming, and unreliable for live performances. With uncompromising audio quality, RF signal stability, and advanced setup features in a space-efficient and easy to manage rack unit, ULXD4Q Quad Channel Digital Wireless Receivers were integrated into Warren Theatre. The system’s audio and RF meters, gain control, andXLR outputs allowed for flexible signal routing. Furthermore, Johnson was impressedwith the units’ ability to easily share RF signal and be networked together for simplified frequency coordination and deployment.

By opting for ULX-D and Wireless Workbench, Johnson and his team are also able to more closely manage and monitor RF and equipment battery life. At the University, given the tropical climate, performers more frequently sweat out bodypacks and are sometimes forced to rotate transmitters during a performance. With the ability to efficiently assess battery life of any particular piece of equipment, Johnson is able to arm performers with reliable packs and the confidence to perform.

Johnson also leveraged AXT600 Frequency Manager. As the theater is located next to a naval base, there is significant traffic in the airwaves. The Frequency Manager allows the team to keep track of the airwaves on campus and adjust when the errant signal shows up. Having access to the signal strength allowed them to determine if it will be a problem and adjust accordingly. Johnson states, “The Frequency Scanner allows us to monitor the signals and check for interference from the nearby naval base as well as other traffic that can pop up unexpectedly. We find we can monitor the signals and adjust our entire system quickly and effectively.”