LONDON—When the producers of the Thriller Live musical arrived at the Lyric Theatre in London, they found themselves faced with the challenge of isolating a wireless radio frequency within the heart of London’s theatre district. They relied upon Shure and the Joint Frequency Management Group (JFMG) to provide the solution.
“The issue we have in such a densely populated area is isolating RF channels that are not already in use,” said Chris Whybrow, the production’s sound designer. “We basically needed to make sure we weren’t stepping on anyone’s toes.”
The Lyric Theatre is located in London’s West End, surrounded by theatre, musical, and comedy productions. Whybrow selected a range of UHF-R Wireless Microphone Systems supplied by Shure Distribution UK, and also contacted JFMG regarding frequency usage and to obtain the required license to operate the equipment.
The installation used several Shure UHF-R systems on the Q5 frequency band. The performers reproducing Michael Jackson’s hits are provided with one of seven UR2/KSM9 microphones, finished in both black and champagne. The KSM9’s dual-diaphragm design is well-suited for vocal performances in the live environment and, coupled with the UR2 transmitter, serves as a reliable and lightweight solution for RF transmission.
“The combination of the Q5 frequency band and Shure’s wireless technology has given us a very strong RF frequency,” said Whybrow. “We don’t get any interference from other microphones or shows.”
A combination of UR4D dual wireless receivers and UR1 wireless bodypacks achieved the necessary RF transmission. The UR1 bodypacks provide transmission from the stage while still allowing a full range of movement by the performers. Transmissions are fed to six UR4D dual wireless receivers, each capable of selecting 2,400 frequencies and storing six 60 channel custom frequency groups.
“We were able to successfully use the Q5 frequency band for the show, and in all we have 16 channels running for the production,” added Whybrow. “We’re also using two UA870WB antennas to enhance wireless reception in the theatre area and two UA845 antenna distributors to amplify the RF signals and properly split them to our six UR4D receivers.”
The Shure wireless systems will remain a permanent installation for the production’s entire extended run in London and will also be used with the European version of the production, which is currently touring the continent.
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