Shure Incorporated has announced the release of an upgraded version of its Wireless Workbench software that includes compatibility with Macintosh computers. Wireless Workbench lets users of Shure UHF-R^Ò and U-series wireless microphone systems easily configure and control large installations of wireless microphones.

“Remote control of audio equipment is becoming increasingly critical in professional sound systems,” says Nick Wood, associate product manager at Shure. “We’re excited to bring scanning, frequency coordination, and control of Shure wireless systems to Macintosh users,” he continues. “Wireless Workbench 5.0 brings a new level of confidence, efficiency, and performance to wireless microphone operation.”

Like earlier versions of Wireless Workbench, the software can scan the radio frequency environment, identify potential sources of interference, and automatically select operating frequencies that avoid them. The new Wireless Workbench 5.0, which is also compatible with the Windows XP and Vista operating systems, features an enhanced frequency compatibility tool that allows the user to designate certain “priority” wireless microphones in the sound system and provide an additional safety margin when calculating frequency compatibility for those units. Also, Wireless Workbench 5.0 can download the resulting frequency set to all of the Shure UHF-R receivers on the network.

When used with Shure UHF-R wireless systems, the user’s computer connects directly to the receivers through integrated Ethernet ports, without additional hardware. Wireless Workbench 5.0 can use any one of the connected receivers to scan the spectrum, or an external WiNRADiO receiver. The operating frequencies for existing wireless microphones, personal monitor systems, and wireless intercoms (including non-Shure units) can be entered into the software to ensure compatibility between all wireless audio equipment.