Shure MXW2X/SM86-Z10 – MXW neXt 2 Wireless Handheld Transmitter with SM86 Capsule

Product Overview

The Shure MXW2X/SM86-Z10 is a rechargeable wireless handheld transmitter for the MXW neXt 2 conferencing system, fitted with the Shure SM86 cardioid condenser capsule and operating in the 1.9 GHz DECT frequency band. The SM86 condenser capsule delivers extended high-frequency detail and a more transparent, natural sound character than dynamic capsule alternatives — suited for broadcast studio applications, high-production corporate events, and commercial AV environments where enhanced vocal clarity and natural timbre reproduction are priorities. Combined with the MXW neXt 2 platform’s 1.9 GHz DECT wireless, AES-256 encryption, and up to 25-hour battery life, the MXW2X/SM86 delivers broadcast-quality wireless condenser audio in a conference and commercial AV context.

Product Description

The SM86 condenser capsule provides a wide cardioid pickup pattern with extended frequency response that captures vocal overtones and presence with greater accuracy than dynamic capsule designs. This characteristic makes the MXW2X/SM86 the preferred choice for broadcast production, high-end corporate events, and conference room applications where natural, high-fidelity wireless vocal capture is specified over the more utilitarian response of dynamic capsule variants. As with all MXW neXt 2 transmitters, the MXW2X/SM86 operates in the 1.9 GHz DECT band — outside the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi spectrum — enabling clean wireless operation in enterprise environments without spectrum conflict with IT networks. Dual transmit antennas maintain consistent RF performance across hand positions, and adjustable transmit power scales coverage from small conference rooms to spaces up to 160 ft (50 m). AES-256 encryption is always active. For the dynamic capsule alternatives in the same system, see the MXW2X/BETA58 and MXW2X/SM58 at Creation Networks.

Key Features

• Shure SM86 Cardioid Condenser Capsule — Extended high-frequency response and natural vocal transparency, suited for broadcast production and high-fidelity commercial AV applications where dynamic capsule response is insufficient.
• 1.9 GHz DECT Wireless Operation — Operates outside the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi spectrum, eliminating interference conflicts in enterprise and institutional AV environments.
• Automatic Frequency Management — Continuously monitors the 1.9 GHz band and switches channels automatically to avoid interference without interrupting active audio.
• AES-256 Encryption — Always-on encryption provides wireline-equivalent security for wireless audio in broadcast, government, and corporate deployments.
• Up to 25-Hour Battery Life — Rechargeable SB908 lithium battery supports extended broadcast recording sessions and all-day conference use.
• Dual Transmit Antennas — Consistent RF performance regardless of hand position or movement orientation in performance and presentation contexts.
• Adjustable Transmit Power — Scalable range up to 160 ft (50 m) with optimization for battery life per deployment.
• Charges in MXWAPXD2 Dock — Integrated charging in the access point transceiver eliminates separate charging hardware requirements.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio wireless vocal and presenter microphone
• High-production corporate event wireless handheld
• Conference room and boardroom premium wireless vocal audio
• Government and municipal chamber wireless presenter integration
• House of worship live vocal with condenser capsule detail
• Commercial AV installations where natural, transparent wireless vocal capture is specified

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose the SM86 condenser capsule over the SM58 or BETA58 dynamic options?

The SM86 is a condenser microphone, providing extended high-frequency response and a more transparent, natural sound character compared to the dynamic SM58 and BETA 58A capsules. It is the appropriate choice for broadcast, recording, and high-production commercial AV applications where vocal clarity and tonal accuracy are specified. Dynamic capsules (SM58, BETA 58A) are typically more appropriate for high-SPL environments and situations where robust handling noise rejection is prioritized.

Does the condenser SM86 capsule require phantom power from the transmitter?

The MXW2X transmitter provides the necessary bias power to the SM86 condenser capsule internally from its battery. No external phantom power source is required.

How does the MXW2X/SM86 integrate with UC conferencing platforms?

The MXW2X/SM86 pairs with the MXWAPXD2 access point transceiver, which provides Dante, analog, and USB-C audio outputs. USB-C output enables direct connection to a conferencing computer without a separate audio interface. Dante output integrates into AV-over-IP signal chains for larger commercial AV installations.

Is the MXW neXt 2 system managed via software?

Yes. Shure Designer software provides remote configuration, monitoring, and firmware updates for all MXW neXt 2 system components including the MXWAPXD2 and paired transmitters, enabling centralized management for enterprise multi-room deployments.