Shure P9HW Wired, Two-Channel Stereo Bodypack System
Introduction
The Shure P9HW is a wired, two-channel stereo bodypack system designed to replace stage wedges. It offers a more discreet, clearer sound, improved control over audio, and reduced instances of feedback compared to traditional stage monitors. This versatile system is suitable for various amplification applications, including broadcast rooms, live music, recording studios, public address, and theaters.
Important Safety Information!
Please read and retain these instructions. Pay attention to all warning labels and follow all operating instructions. Do not use this equipment near water, clean only with a dry cloth, and ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid placing near heat sources or blocking any ventilation openings. Do not defeat the polarization or grounding-type plug. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched. Use only manufacturer-specified attachments. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer. If a cart is used, exercise caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Do not expose to rain or moisture. Do not attempt to modify the product, as this may result in personal injury or product malfunction. Operate within the specified temperature range.
Warning: Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious injury or death.
Caution: Failure to follow these cautions may result in minor or moderate personal injury or property damage.
Safety Precautions
- Do not disassemble or modify the equipment.
- Do not apply excessive force or pull cables, as this may damage them.
- Keep the product dry and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity.
- If water or foreign objects enter the unit, it may cause fire or electric shock.
- Do not attempt to modify the product; this may result in personal injury or product malfunction.
Warning: This equipment can produce sound levels exceeding 85 dB SPL. Please check your country's occupational safety requirements for maximum continuous noise exposure levels.
Prolonged exposure to excessive volume can cause permanent hearing loss. Use the lowest possible volume. Long-term exposure to high volumes can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Follow OSHA guidelines to prevent hearing damage.
Sound Level | Exposure Time |
90 dB SPL | 8 hours |
95 dB SPL | 4 hours |
100 dB SPL | 2 hours |
105 dB SPL | 1 hour |
110 dB SPL | 30 minutes |
115 dB SPL | 15 minutes |
120 dB SPL | Avoid; may cause damage |
This product is intended for professional use only and should only be sold through authorized professional channels.
Brief Description
The Shure P9HW is a wired dual-channel stereo bodypack system used as an alternative to stage monitor speakers. Its lightweight and portable design offers advantages over traditional speakers, including being less conspicuous, providing improved clarity and control over sound, and reducing the likelihood of feedback. This is a universal system designed for use in sound reinforcement applications such as broadcast rooms, live music, recording studios, public address, and theaters.
P9HW Bodypack
The P9HW bodypack features the following controls and indicators:
- Audio Input: Connect up to two audio sources using the included Y-split cable. Align the red dot on the cable with the notch inside the bodypack connector.
- Limiter Indicator: Lights up when the input is overloaded. Reduce the mixer volume until the light turns off.
- Volume Knob/Power Switch: Turns the unit on/off and adjusts headphone volume.
- Battery Indicator: Indicates battery health. Refer to the battery life chart for specific operating times.
- Headphone Output: Connect headphones with a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) plug.
- Display: Shows settings and menu navigation.
- Navigation Buttons (▲▼): Scroll through menus and adjust settings.
- Exit Button: Press to return to the previous screen.
- Enter Button: Press to enter a menu screen or confirm a setting.
- Factory Service Port: For firmware updates by the factory (not user-serviceable).
- Battery Compartment: Use either a Shure SB900B rechargeable battery or two AA batteries.
- Optional AA Battery Adapter: Remove to use Shure SB900B rechargeable batteries.
Settings
- Install Battery: Use Shure SB900B rechargeable battery pack or two AA batteries.
- Connect the Included Y-Split Cable to the Bodypack to Connect to Audio Sources: Align the red dot on the cable with the notch inside the bodypack connector. Connect the XLR connectors to the corresponding mixer outputs. Refer to the system overview for signal routing examples.
- Wear Headphones and Connect to the Headphone Output: The P9HW works best with Shure headphones, but any headphones or in-ear monitors with a standard 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) stereo jack can be used.
- Turn On Power: Turn the volume knob clockwise until it clicks to turn on the power. Caution: Do not slam the volume knob when turning on the power.
- Slowly Increase Volume to a Comfortable Listening Level: The VLIMIT function can be used to set a maximum volume limit. For more information, refer to the Tools section of this guide.
Audio Settings
MODE
- STEREO: Audio from Channel 1 is heard in the left earphone, and audio from Channel 2 is heard in the right earphone. This mode offers improved clarity and separation between sources.
- MIXMODE: Audio from both channels is heard in both the left and right earphones. The mix between the two channels can be adjusted.
EQ
The equalizer is divided into four frequency bands: LOW, LOW MID, HIGH MID, and HIGH. The following parameters can be adjusted:
- FREQUENCY: Selects the center frequency of the band to boost or cut.
- Q: Adjusts the bandwidth and slope of the band (measured in octaves).
- GAIN: Adjusts the level in 2 dB increments, from -6 dB (cut) to +6 dB (boost).
Note: HIGH and LOW are shelf filters with no adjustable Q. The HIGH shelf is fixed at 10 kHz, and the LOW shelf is fixed at 100 Hz.
VLIMIT (Maximum Volume)
Set a value from -3 to -21 dB to reduce the maximum possible volume level. Turning the volume knob to its maximum setting will still affect the volume; this limit only narrows the dB adjustment range. Note: VLIMIT does not affect the audio signal.
BAL MX/BAL ST (Balance)
The balance control behaves differently depending on the bodypack's mode setting:
- STEREO: Adjusts the left/right balance.
- MIXMODE: Adjusts the mix between Channel 1 and Channel 2.
INPUT
- Line (+4 dBu): For use with other professional equipment with line-level outputs.
- AUX (-10 dBV): For use with consumer electronics such as MP3 players or computers.
Tools
- Contrast: Select a setting between Low and High to customize the display contrast.
- LOCK PANEL: Locks all controls except the volume knob to prevent accidental setting changes. To unlock: Select Utility > Lock Panel, then press Exit and select Off. Press Enter to confirm.
- BATTERY: Displays the remaining battery life (hours:minutes), temperature, status, charge cycles, and health for SB900B batteries.
Restore
Restores the bodypack to factory default settings.
Auto Shut-off
The bodypack automatically shuts off after a selected time (5, 30, or 60 minutes) when in power-saving mode or connected to a powered charger. To restore power, turn the power switch off and then on again. Note: SB900B batteries charge fastest when the bodypack is off.
Mix Mode and Stereo Monitoring
The bodypack can operate in the following listening modes:
Stereo (Default)
To operate in Stereo mode, navigate to the menu and select AUDIO > MODE > STEREO. In Stereo mode, audio from Channel 1 is heard in the left earphone, and audio from Channel 2 is heard in the right earphone. This enhances clarity and separation between sources.
Adjusting Balance
To adjust the left/right balance, navigate to AUDIO > BAL ST and use the ▲▼ buttons to change the setting.
Mix Mode
To operate in Mix mode, navigate to the menu and select AUDIO > MODE > MIXMODE. In Mix mode, the mix between the two monitor mixes (e.g., instrument mix and vocal mix) can be adjusted. The signal is mono, meaning each mix is heard in both the left and right earphones.
Adjusting Mix Balance
To adjust the mix between Channel 1 and Channel 2, navigate to AUDIO > BAL MX and use the arrow buttons (▲▼) to make adjustments. In this scenario, Channel 1 (left) is the instrument mix, and Channel 2 (right) is the vocal mix.
Shure SB900B Rechargeable Battery
The Shure SB900B lithium-ion battery offers a rechargeable option for powering the bodypack. It charges quickly to 50% in one hour and fully charges in three hours. Single and multi-unit chargers are available for Shure batteries. Caution: Shure battery chargers should only be used to charge Shure rechargeable batteries.
Single-Unit Charger
The SBC-100 single-unit charger provides a compact charging solution. Plug the charger into an AC power or USB port. Insert the battery into the charging bay. Monitor the charging status LED until charging is complete.
Charging Status Indicator
Color | Status |
Red | Charging |
Green | Charging complete |
Amber flashing | Fault: Check connection and battery |
Off | No battery in charging bay |
Multi-Unit Chargers
Shure offers several multi-unit charger models:
- SBC200 Dual-unit Charger
- SBC210 Dual-unit Charger
- SBC220 Networked Dual-unit Charger
- SBC800 Eight-unit Charger
The SBC200 and SBC220 chargers can charge batteries individually or while they are in the bodypack.
- Plug the charger into an AC power source.
- Insert the battery or bodypack into the charging bay.
- Monitor the charging status LED until charging is complete.
Charging Status Indicator
Color | Status |
Green | Charging complete |
Green/Red | Charging above 90% |
Red | Charging |
Amber flashing | Fault: Check connection and battery |
Off | No battery in charging bay |
Important Tips for Shure Rechargeable Battery Care and Storage
Proper care and storage of Shure batteries ensure reliable performance and a long service life.
- Always store batteries and bodypacks at room temperature.
- For long-term storage, the battery charge level should be approximately 40%.
- During storage, check batteries every 6 months and recharge to 40% if necessary.
Battery Operating Time
Battery Indicator | Approximate Remaining Hours (h:mm) | |
Alkaline Battery | Shure SB900B Rechargeable Battery | |
Green | 9:00 to 7:10 | 9:15 to 7:20 |
Green | 7:10 to 5:25 | 7:20 to 5:35 |
Green | 5:25 to 3:35 | 5:35 to 3:40 |
Green | 3:35 to 1:45 | 3:40 to 1:50 |
Amber | 1:45 to 0:50 | 1:50 to 0:55 |
Red | < 0:50 | < 0:55 |
Total Battery Operating Time
9:00 | 9:15 |
Note: Battery life with Energizer™ brand AA alkaline batteries under the following conditions:
- Receiver Audio Settings: EQ = OFF, V LIMIT = OFF
- Bodypack Audio Output: 100 dB SPL using SE425 earphones (20 Ω impedance) with pink noise played into the ear.
Power Saving Mode: If no headphones are connected for 5 minutes, the receiver enters power-saving mode to extend battery life. In this mode, the LED will slowly blink, continuing to display the remaining battery life color.
Pin Assignments
The P9HW bodypack uses a 5-pin LEMO connector. The pin assignments are as follows:
Pin | Signal | Left XLR | Right XLR |
1 | Shield | 1 | 1 |
2 | + | 2 | -- |
3 | - | -- | 3 |
4 | + | 3 | -- |
5 | - | -- | 2 |
Note: The red dot indicates Pin 1. XLR controller designation: L = Left / R = Right.
Specifications
Audio Response
20 Hz–20 kHz (±3 dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
98 dB (typical), A-weighted
Total Harmonic Distortion
@ 1 kHz, typical: <0.2%
Channel Separation
@ 1 kHz: >55 dB
Operating Temperature
-18°C to +63°C
Minimum Load Impedance
9.5 Ω
Dimensions
99 x 66 x 23 mm (3.9 x 2.6 x 0.9 inches) Height x Width x Depth
Weight
196 g (6.6 oz) (with battery)
Battery Operating Time
9 hours (continuous use) with AA batteries
Optional Accessories and Replacement Parts
Description | Part Number |
Dual XLR to 5-pin LEMO Cable | PA720 |
Shure Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery | SB900B |
AA Battery Adapter | 65A15224 |
PS9 Battery Eliminator | 90A4794 |
Dynamic MicroDriver Earphones | SE112 |
Dynamic MicroDriver Earphones | SE215 |
High-Definition MicroDriver Earphones with Tuned Bass Port | SE315 |
High-Definition Dual MicroDriver Earphones | SE425 |
High-Definition Triple MicroDriver Earphones | SE535 |
High-Definition Quad MicroDriver Earphones | SE846 |
Certifications
This product complies with the essential requirements of all relevant EU directives and is permitted to bear the CE mark. It complies with the essential requirements of the following EU directives:
- Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
- EMC Directive 2004/108/EC
- WEEE Directive 2008/34/EC, amended by 2012/19/EU
- RoHS Directive EU 2015/863
Note: Follow your local battery and electronic waste recycling regulations.
Industry Canada ICES-003 Compliance Label: CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
The EU Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from Shure or its European representatives. For contact information, visit www.shure.com.
The CE Declaration of Conformity can be obtained from: www.shure.com/europe/compliance
EU Authorized Representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Global Compliance
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str.12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: +49-7262-92 49 0
Email: info@shure.de
www.shure.com
Note: EMC compliance testing was performed using the supplied and recommended cable types. Using other cable types may degrade EMC performance. Please follow your local battery, packaging, and electronic waste recycling regulations.
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