Shure UA850 Extension Cable 50 ft BNC-BNC RG8X/U - Antenna Extension

In this review of the Shure UA850 Extension Cable the bottom line is simple: this 50 ft UHF remote antenna extension is for audio and RF technicians who need a reliable, low-loss link between a wireless receiver and a remote antenna. The reviewer found it performs as expected for expanding antenna placement without complicated installation, and the single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a full 50 ft length with common BNC-BNC connectors in an RG8X/U construction that balances flexibility and signal integrity for live sound and broadcast environments.

Key Features

• 50 ft length: Provides ample reach to relocate antennas away from receiver racks and RF noise sources, enabling better signal placement for live venues.
• BNC to BNC connectors: Uses industry-standard BNC terminations to plug directly into most wireless receivers and remote antennas without adapters.
• RG8X/U cable type: The RG8X/U construction offers a practical balance of flexibility and controlled impedance for UHF antenna extension, making routing easier in crowded racks.
• UHF remote antenna use: Designed specifically to extend UHF remote antennas, helping restore or improve RF reception when direct antenna mounting is impractical.
• Simple, no-frills build: Straightforward design focuses on compatibility and function, reducing potential points of failure in a live setup.

Who It's For

The Shure UA850 is aimed at sound engineers, broadcast technicians, and AV professionals who need to position antennas away from interference or closer to performers and away from receiver locations. It is useful for touring rigs, fixed installations in small venues, and any situation where a 50 ft extension will reach a better RF location.

Those who should look elsewhere include users needing waterproof or ruggedized outdoor runs, or systems that require specialty connectors beyond BNC. Also, if the installation demands ultra-low-loss hardline for long runs beyond 50 ft, a heavier coax type would be more appropriate.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a full 50 ft of reach to reposition antennas for improved reception.
• BNC-BNC connectors deliver easy compatibility with common wireless receivers and antennas.
• RG8X/U construction makes routing and handling simpler in tight spaces compared with thicker hardlines.

Cons

• Not intended for rugged outdoor burial or extreme-weather exposure without additional protection.

Specifications

Product name	Shure UA850 Extension Cable
Length	50 ft
Connector type	BNC to BNC
Cable type	RG8X/U
Intended use	UHF remote antenna extension

Our Verdict

The Shure UA850 is a pragmatic, value-focused antenna extension for UHF wireless systems that need a 50 ft reach with standard BNC connectors. It is a good purchase for audio professionals who want a flexible, compatible cable to move antennas away from noise sources; however, those requiring weatherproof or very long low-loss runs should choose a different cable type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this cable work with standard wireless receivers?
Yes, the BNC-BNC terminations are compatible with most wireless receivers and remote antenna assemblies that accept BNC.

Is this cable suitable for outdoor permanent installation?
It is intended for antenna extension but is not a waterproof or burial-rated cable, so add conduit or weatherproofing for permanent outdoor runs.

Can I use multiple UA850 cables to extend beyond 50 ft?
Physically you can couple multiple runs using BNC connectors, but RF loss increases with length so for much longer distances consider a lower-loss coax type.