CANADIAN IDOL AND THE UHF-R FROM SHURE: ALWAYS A WINNER!
By Gilles Valiquette

Toronto-based P.A. PLUS supplies leading-edge audio systems designed and packaged to satisfy an extremely diverse clientele. Since 1980, the company has developed a well-established reputation for detailed and rational planning as well as insightful site management in addition to exceptional professional technical support.

Mark Radu, systems engineer at P.A. PLUS, has built a reputation with the firm’s clients as "someone who goes the extra mile." Mark is also a key player in the design build and maintenance of P.A. PLUS’ systems. For some years now, he’s been involved with the blockbuster Canadian Idol weekly TV show broadcasted by the CTV network.

When it came time to select working tools that would deliver in the show’s fast-paced context,  the UHF-R Wireless Microphone System was on top of the list this year. Mark knew from the start that Shure equipment would be rugged, reliable and able to offer outstanding audio clarity. Still, he tested the system in smaller broadcast projects to see how it would do in real live situations.

When Canadian Idol 2006 came along, Mark was confident that the UHF-R Wireless Microphone System could handle the 114 frequencies needed to get the show off the ground. The system was easy to set up and operate from the start, which was essential in view of the number and variety of participants, from hand-held stage mics, walkie-talkies to numerous parallel networks. Under the guidance of John Christie at RPdynamics, everything was networked and programmed using Shure’s Wireless Workbench PC software with user presets available at the touch of a button.

The UHF-R’s Interface Lock feature was really useful in making sure users could not change settings and end up with surprises during performance. Mark comments, “The sheer quality of this high end product, its flexibility in terms of capsules for example, and the system’s ability to program itself did the trick for us. We’ve been on this for more than 10 weeks now and there’s not a snag in sight. Everybody’s smiling.”

No matter which candidate got the votes, the UHF-R Wireless Microphone System ends up a clear winner.