Shure UA820H4 1/2 Wave Omnidirectional Receiver Antenna

The Shure UA820H4 is a replacement 1/2-wave omnidirectional whip antenna designed for Shure UHF wireless receivers and antenna distribution systems. Operating specifically within the H4 UHF frequency band (518–578 MHz), it provides reliable 360-degree RF signal pickup without requiring an external ground plane.

It works with any Shure wireless receiver or antenna combiner/distributor equipped with standard BNC antenna ports operating in the 518–578 MHz spectrum. Compatible systems include ULX, SLX, BLX4R, QLX-D, ULX-D, UHF-R, Axient Digital receivers, as well as the UA844+ and UA845UWB antenna distribution systems.

Unlike a 1/4-wave antenna that relies on the receiver's metal chassis as a ground plane to radiate and receive efficiently, a 1/2-wave dipole design is electrically self-contained. This allows the UA820H4 to be mounted directly onto a receiver's BNC jack or remote-mounted on a wall or mic stand via coaxial cable without losing RF performance.

The antenna terminates in a standard male BNC twist-lock connector for rapid, secure attachment to receiver chassis or front-panel bulkhead adapters. Its base incorporates an adjustable hinged knuckle joint that lets you swivel the whip vertically or angle it outward in a "V" orientation for optimal diversity reception.

Using an antenna cut for the wrong frequency band introduces impedance mismatch and signal attenuation. While a receiver is less susceptible to hardware damage than a transmitter, an out-of-band antenna reduces effective reception sensitivity, increases susceptibility to out-of-band interference, and shortens reliable wireless operating range.

Yes. Because it is a self-contained 1/2-wave design, you can mount it away from RF-blocking metal equipment racks using low-loss 50-ohm coaxial cable (such as Shure UA825 or UA850) paired with a remote mounting bracket (like the Shure UA505). Keep cable runs relatively short to minimize coaxial signal loss, or add an in-line amplifier for longer distances.

An omnidirectional 1/2-wave whip picks up RF signals equally across a 360-degree horizontal plane around the antenna axis, with minimal pickup directly off the very tip (null point). This makes it ideal when performers move all around the room or stage relative to the receiver, though it will also pick up ambient RF interference from behind the stage.

The UA820H4 is compact, requires no DC bias power, and offers 360-degree coverage for short-to-medium operating distances. Directional paddles like the UA874 focus reception into a tighter forward beam (offering roughly 7.5 dBi of directional gain while rejecting rear interference), making paddles better suited for long-distance throws or crowded outdoor festivals.