Description
The Shure BLX1288/MX153 (Shure's model name BLX1288/MX53) is a dual-channel analog UHF wireless combo system that runs a handheld vocal mic and a hands-free earset at the same time from one receiver. It pairs an SM58 handheld transmitter and an MX153 earset on a BLX1 bodypack with the BLX88 dual-channel receiver, works up to 300 ft (91 m) line of sight, and gets up to 14 hours from a pair of AA batteries in each transmitter.
It suits a presenter plus a singer, a pastor plus a worship leader, or an emcee plus a host: the MX153 earset sits close to the mouth for better gain before feedback than a lavalier, and the SM58 handheld is the standard vocal mic on stages everywhere. One-touch QuickScan finds an open frequency, and up to 12 compatible BLX systems can run per frequency band (region and environment dependent).
What is in the box?
- BLX88 dual-channel receiver
- BLX2/SM58 handheld transmitter
- BLX1 bodypack transmitter with MX153 earset microphone
- PS24 power supply
- Microphone clip (WA371 swivel adapter and thread adapter)
- Lavalier clip and lavalier windscreens
- 2 sets of AA batteries
- User guide
BLX1288/MX153 specifications
| System type | Analog UHF wireless, dual channel (one handheld, one earset) |
|---|---|
| Receiver | BLX88 dual-channel, XLR and 1/4 in. outputs for each channel |
| Working range | 300 ft (91 m) line of sight; actual range depends on RF absorption, reflection and interference |
| Audio frequency response | 50 to 15,000 Hz (dependent on microphone type) |
| Dynamic range | 100 dB, A-weighted, typical |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.5%, typical |
| Operating temperature | 0°F to 135°F (-18°C to 57°C) |
| RF transmitter output | 10 mW, typical (varies by region) |
| Frequency bands | H9: 512 to 542 MHz; H10: 542 to 572 MHz; H11: 572 to 596 MHz; J11: 596 to 616 MHz |
| Compatible systems | Up to 12 per frequency band (region and environment dependent) |
| Transmitter batteries | 2 AA (LR6, 1.5 V alkaline) each, up to 14 hours |
| BLX1 bodypack gain adjustment | 26 dB |
| BLX1 bodypack input impedance | 1 MΩ |
| BLX1 bodypack size and weight | 4.33 x 2.52 x 0.83 in. (110 x 64 x 21 mm); 2.6 oz (75 g) without batteries |
| BLX2 handheld size and weight | 8.82 in. long x 2.09 in. diameter (224 x 53 mm); 7.7 oz (218 g) without batteries |
| BLX88 receiver size and weight | 1.50 x 12.13 x 3.98 in. (38 x 308 x 101 mm); 15.1 oz (429 g) |
| BLX88 receiver power | 12 to 15 V DC, 320 mA, external power supply |
| Housings | Molded ABS |
Which frequency band do I need?
Pick the band that is open and legal where you will use it. This listing carries the H9 (512 to 542 MHz), H10 (542 to 572 MHz), H11 (572 to 596 MHz) and J11 (596 to 616 MHz) versions; the receiver and both transmitters in each box share one band.
Can both microphones be used at the same time?
Yes. The BLX88 is a dual-channel receiver, so the SM58 handheld and the MX153 earset each have their own channel and their own XLR and 1/4 in. outputs.
How long do the batteries last?
Up to 14 hours per transmitter on a pair of AA alkaline batteries. Two sets of AA batteries come in the box.
Why an earset instead of a lavalier?
Because it sits closer to the mouth. The MX153 earset picks up the voice at a consistent distance, which gives more gain before feedback than a clip-on lavalier while staying low profile.
How is this different from the other BLX1288 combos?
All three share the BLX88 dual-channel receiver and run two transmitters at once; the microphones differ. This system pairs the SM58 handheld with the MX153 earset. The BLX1288/P31 pairs a PG58 handheld with a PGA31 headset, and the BLX1288/CVL pairs a PG58 handheld with a CVL lavalier. For a single MX153 earset channel in a rack receiver, see the BLX14R/MX53. More options are in Shure BLX wireless systems.
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