How Many NUX Wireless Systems Can I Use at The Same Time

A complete Guide to Wireless Systems and the Importance of Bandwidth

Wireless systems for instruments and microphones have come a long way in the past couple of decades, with the technology getting smaller, more efficient, and more affordable. Gone are the days when a rack-mounted wireless hub was required, and now you can slip your entire personal wireless system into the front pocket of a gig bag! 

Here is the quick summary

1. 2.4 GHz can have up to six units at one time (like the B2, B5RC, B6, and B3 Plus)
2. 5.8 GHz Wireless systems can have up to 10 units at a time (like the C5RC, and B7PSM)
3. Keep a 2m Gap away from Routers, Mobile Phones and microwaves
4. Make sure you have a line of sight
5. Don't mix brands

Read on if you want to understand this further!

There are a few things that are important to understand when it comes to wireless systems, and one of the most common questions we are asked is about how many devices can be connected at once. This will vary depending on the capabilities of the device, but generally speaking, this number will come down to the bandwidth that the devices operate on; these modern portable devices usually operate at either 2.4 or 5.8GHz (gigahertz). 

The answer is, most devices operating at 2.4GHz will be able to handle 6 separate connections without suffering interference or loss of signal. Those operating at 5.8GHz can usually handle 10 connections, and with both bandwidths in use, up to 16 separate devices can operate. You can use both bandwidths together, but different brands (eg. NUX and Shure) may experience issues, I will explain this further below. 

For the best experience with your wireless devices, try to use them in spaces free from obstruction or other interference, especially routers, smart devices, and neon lights. 

Things to watch out for when setting up your wireless system

• Line of sight and obstructions - keep your operating area as clear as possible and free from obstructions. Try and keep a clear line of sight between your transmitter and receiver. 
• Interference from other devices can occur in a space crowded with tech. Try and use your wireless system away from wireless routers and Bluetooth speakers, and ensure your mobile phone isn’t sitting in your pocket right next to the transmitter! 
• Having multiple transmitters or receivers too close together can also cause problems. This is common when using in-ears on stage with a guitar wireless system. Make sure the transmitter and receivers are separated as much as possible

So there you have it, simply put you can use up to 6 devices with a 2.4G device, and up to 10 with a 5.8G device, together these can make up to 16 devices in ideal conditions. Read on if you’d like some more technical explanations on why this is, and how exactly these devices work. 

A more technical explanation

First, it is important to understand that “bandwidth” is the term used for the total amount of data transferable within a single second, in what's called a “data packet”. Also, devices are often listed as having a frequency of 2.4G, but this is not exactly true; 2.4G is a general term, and this actually refers to a bracket of frequencies between 2.400GHz and 2.483GHz. This frequency band can be divided into groups of 22MHz, without any overlap between groups:

As can be seen here, the dark lines show the frequency bands that each device would operate at, with a gap between these frequencies to prevent interference or any crossover. This example demonstrates how the frequency bands are divided, and depending on how these are divided you can use multiple channels within the 2.4G band. 

Also, there must be some consideration for the most common issues with these devices: interference and latency. To avoid interference, often a select few bands will be avoided by the manufacturer, usually those most commonly used for wireless routers and other home devices that will be likely to interrupt the signal. 

To avoid latency, the data packets must be compressed using digital compression algorithms, which make the transfer of data fast and efficient. The issue then lies in how to compress this data without losing the high-fidelity sound quality we would expect with a wireless system. The powerful algorithms used by Nux and other manufacturers can relay this information very fast, and with a few different algorithm groups there are varying levels of latency, as low as just 4ms! 

If you have any questions feel free to contact us or reach out, and please check out our great range of wireless systems