Shure BLX1288/MX153 Dual-Channel Wireless Microphone System

The Shure BLX1288/MX153-H10 is a dual-channel UHF wireless microphone system built for presentations, vocal performance, worship services, event production, and other live sound applications. It combines a BLX88 dual-channel receiver with an SM58 handheld wireless microphone and an MX153 earset microphone with bodypack transmitter. The system allows two presenters or performers to work wirelessly through one receiver platform.

This package is well suited to users who need both a traditional handheld vocal microphone and a low-profile hands-free microphone. The SM58-equipped handheld transmitter is designed for vocal use, while the lightweight MX153 earset supports clear speech pickup for presenters and active users. Each transmitter operates independently with its own receiver channel.

The BLX system delivers analog UHF wireless operation with an audio frequency response of 50 Hz to 15 kHz, dependent on microphone type. The SM58 handheld provides a familiar cardioid vocal-mic format, while the MX153 uses an omnidirectional electret condenser capsule for natural speech reproduction. The earset's close placement at the mouth can help maintain consistent spoken-word level during movement.

For straightforward setup, the BLX88 receiver offers one-touch group scanning to locate an available group and channel. The H10 version operates from 542 to 572 MHz and uses 10 mW typical transmitter output power. Shure specifies up to 300 feet of line-of-sight operating range, although real-world range depends on RF conditions, obstructions, and interference.

The system connects to a mixer, powered speaker, amplifier, or installed sound system through XLR microphone-level or 1/4-inch instrument-level outputs. It can be used as a compact two-microphone solution or alongside additional compatible BLX systems where spectrum conditions permit. Up to 12 compatible BLX systems may operate simultaneously per frequency band, depending on the region and RF environment.

Key Features

• Dual-Channel BLX88 Receiver: Runs the included handheld and bodypack transmitters at the same time from one receiver chassis.
• H10 UHF Band: Operates across the 542–572 MHz H10 frequency range with 10 mW typical transmitter output.
• SM58 Handheld Microphone: Provides a familiar handheld format for vocalists, hosts, and audience participation.
• MX153 Earset Microphone: Offers a low-profile, over-ear speech microphone with an omnidirectional electret condenser capsule.
• QuickScan Setup: Lets the receiver scan for an available group and channel to simplify initial setup.
• AA Battery Operation: Each BLX transmitter uses two AA batteries and provides up to 14 hours of alkaline battery life.

Design & Installation

The BLX88 receiver, BLX1 bodypack, and BLX2 handheld transmitter use molded ABS housings for practical portable use. The BLX1 bodypack includes a TA4 microphone input, adjustable gain control, and a belt clip, while the MX153 uses a flexible over-ear design with a Kevlar-reinforced soft-flex cable. The earset also incorporates CommShield Technology for RF filtering from cellular devices and digital bodypack transmitters.

Place the receiver where it has a clear line of sight to both transmitters, then connect its XLR or 1/4-inch outputs to a mixer, amplifier, or powered speaker. Run a group scan on the receiver, set each transmitter to the matching group and channel, and adjust transmitter gain while monitoring the receiver audio LEDs. Confirm that H10 frequencies are authorized for wireless microphone operation at the intended location before use.