Shure announced a significant firmware update for the Axient Digital PSM, introducing new features designed to improve reliability, simplify setup, and address real-world challenges faced by monitor engineers and production teams. Informed directly by customer feedback and field use, this update reinforces Shure's commitment to continuous improvement and supporting professionals working in increasingly complex RF environments.
Single Carrier Narrowband: A New Transmission Option
The update introduces Single Carrier (SC) Narrowband, a new digital transmission option created to give users a more familiar and dependable starting point, particularly for engineers transitioning from traditional analogue in-ear monitoring systems to digital. SC Narrowband delivers consistent performance without requiring complex RF coordination or advanced antenna setups, making it well suited for fast-paced productions and smaller or more challenging stages.
This new mode behaves more like traditional narrowband IEM systems whilst retaining the benefits of a modern digital platform. It offers the same low latency and efficient spectrum use as existing digital narrowband modes, with improved stability in difficult conditions. This makes it particularly useful for performers working near reflective metal surfaces or in environments where setup time and RF planning are limited. Engineers can now choose the transmission approach that best fits each performer or area of the stage.
The Axient Digital PSM continues to support a mix of wideband, narrowband, and analogue FM operation, allowing productions to combine different workflows and integrate existing equipment as needed.
Improved CueMode for Seamless Workflow
The firmware update also introduces significant enhancements to CueMode, enabling support for multiple transmission modes. CueMode entries are now previewed before being applied, with changes taking effect only after user confirmation. Engineers can scroll through CueMode entries more efficiently whilst supporting different transmission modes. This improvement removes a key friction point for those managing diverse setups across a production.
Real-World Impact for Monitor Engineers
Nick Wood, Associate VP of Marketing and Product Management at Shure, noted that this update reflects what the company has learned from how the Axient Digital PSM is being used in the field. "While many customers have successfully leveraged advanced modes such as multi-channel wideband and spatial diversity, we know that not every production has requirements for those approaches. SC Narrowband gives engineers another reliable option, one that's easy to deploy whilst still meeting professional production requirements."
Getting the Update
The Axient Digital PSM firmware update is available through ShureCloud or the Shure Update Utility. Shure encourages customers to review updated guidance and best practices to ensure optimal performance across all supported transmission modes.