Sennheiser wireless systems
Lev Orlov

Besides various types of microphones, Sennheiser produces a wide range of wireless systems, as well.

Evolution wireless systems

The ew 100, ew 300 and ew 500 are efficient wireless systems of the evolution wireless series that work in the UHF-band and come as application-ready sets for a wide range of purposes including shooting stages, news studios, as well as EFP applications. What's noteworthy is that in order to use the UHF-band systems one does not need a national permit, i.e. to register the equipment with the licensing authority of the Russian Federation (the Russian "Gossvyaznadzor"). As far as the quality of sound reproduction is concerned, the evolution wireless systems are comparable with wired microphones. Thanks to an advanced microprocessor-controlled PLL technology, the HDX noise reduction algorithm and true diversity wireless transmission (except for pocket receivers), high-quality interference/dropout -free reliable reception is guaranteed.

The systems of the evolution wireless series differ from each other in the number of selectable channels, i.e. pre-sets, on which the user-pre selected reception/transmission frequencies are fixed. The frequencies are switchable in 25 kHz steps, the total number of which gaining 1280 within a 35 MHz bandwidth (one preset). Several wireless systems may share this baseband without intermodulation interference. Switching between the presets with fixed frequencies is executed with a single push of a button.

Ew 101, 301 and 501 systems

These are universal wireless systems with a plug-on transmitter converting a standard wired microphone into a radio microphone. This plug-on transmitter features a switchable +48V phantom power supply to work with condenser microphones.

The ew 101/301/501 set comes complete with the EM on-desk receiver, the SKP plug-on transmitter module, an external power supply unit and antennas. The "p"-marked sets (101-p, 301-p and 501-p) instead of on-desk receivers include pocket ones, for on-camera mounting. The entire set also includes two batteries, antennas, a connecting cable for line audio signal and an on-camera mount.

Ew 112, 312 and 512 systems

EM 3031 (above) and EM 3032 desktop receivers

Systems without the "p"-index provide for the same transmitters, but instead of desk receivers they offer pocket ones, for on-camera mounting. Supply scheme: the EK pocket receiver, SK pocket transmitter, ME 2 clip-on microphone, two batteries, antennas, line audio cable and receiver on-camera mounting kit.

Sennheiser 3000 Series wireless system

Set of series 3000 wireless system

SKM 3072-U-X

SKM 3072-U-X handheld wireless microphone

This is a handheld microphone with a super-cardioid condenser microphone head, suitable for both vocal and speech transmission. Utilizes up to 32 switchable transmission frequencies in the UHF band (470...960 MHz); the selected frequency as well as the transmission channel together with sensitivity level are displayed on the LCD-display. The model has a battery status indicator as well. Moreover, the battery status is transmitted to suitable receivers. May be powered by either a 9 V battery or an accupack (6 hours of continuous operation). Weight including battery - 250 g.

SKP 30-U plug-on transmitter

This is a miniature plug-on transmitter, compatible with Sennheiser 3000 and 5000 wireless systems. The transmission is carried out via one of 16 RF-channels for which an individual number and frequency (in 32 MHz steps within the UHF-band) should be initially pre-programmed.

The SKP 30-U may be used with any type of microphone including condenser (due to a built-in switchable +48 V phantom power supply). Ensuring RF transmission in studio quality, it is an ideal choice for ENG applications as well as broadcast, film and video sound recording professionals. It is especially comfortable to use the SKP 30 with microphones mounted on either fish pole booms or cameras. RF power output - 30 mW, 9V battery power supply (8 hours of continuous operation, 5 hours with phantom power supply for condenser microphones).

SK 3063-U

SK 3063-U pocket transmitter

This is a miniature pocket transmitter with 16 transmission frequencies, adjustable in 24 MHz steps. The DTV-band compatible. The 108 dB S/N ratio (A-weighted) is gained owing to specially optimized algorithms of both response and recovery time in the HiDyn plus noise reduction system. Extremely reliable LEMO sockets provide effective protection from interference; they are used to connect a lavaliere microphone and antenna. RF power output - 30 mW, powered by either the B 50/BA 50 or B 250/BA 250 accupacks (5 to 9 hours of continuous operation).

EM 3031-U/EM 3032-U receivers

These are true diversity stationary receivers. Support 32 receiving frequencies programmable in 24 MHz steps within a baseband ranging from 430 to 960 MHz. The EM 3032-U consists of two complete true diversity receivers in a single 19" 1 U rack housing. Both models offer high durability, ease of operation and ensure studio quality signal transmission. Owing to utilization of the advanced PLL-technology and HiDyn plus noise reduction, the dynamic range is wider than that of conventional audio CDs. The use of the EM 3031/32-U in off-studio broadcasting instead of technically more complicated and, thus, more expensive equipment is a profitable alternative, for the EM 3031-U is well suited for creating high level multi-channel wireless systems. The receivers come equipped with LCD-displays and balanced audio outputs via XLR-connectors, as well as a headphone output.

Dimensions - 436x215x43 mm, weight - 3.5...4 kg.

EM 3532-U receiver

This is the EM 3532 computer controlled version, consisting of two complete true diversity receivers in a single 1U rack housing. They utilize tunable receiving frequencies in the UHF band and have integrated antenna splitters. All parameters are remotely controlled by the S-MCD Microport PC-software. A distinctive feature, the Scan function, provides an automatic search and tuning into transmission frequencies (up to 32) engaged by Sennheiser transmitters operating in the location. Due to its high level of operational reliability, menu-assisted operation and flexibility, this receiver is especially suitable for demanding theatre and broadcast applications.

EK 3041-U on-camera receiver

EK 3041-U ENG on-camera receiver

This miniature complete true diversity ENG on-camera receiver is designed specifically for modern digital video cameras. The EK 3041 is recommended typically for ENG/EFP application. A wide assortment of mounting fixtures for installation and connection to video cameras of various makes (Sony SX, Ikegami HL-V77, Phillips LDK 120) are available. Comes fitted with a balanced output via XLR-type connector (+9 dBm output level, adjustable). Both camera and accupack power supply compatible. Dimensions - 120x74x28 mm, weight - 200 g.

QP 3041 Quadpack mini-rack for on-camera receivers

The QP 3041 is a mini-rack with an active antenna splitter for installation of up to four EK 3041-U 3000 series ENG receivers. With the receivers installed, the Quadpack becomes a complete true diversity compact mobile four-channel wireless system. The Quadpack was designed specifically for ENG/EFP and passed the most serious and strictest tests on the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympics, where it was highly estimated by specialists from many leading broadcasting organizations of the world. The device may either be portable or be installed in a standard rack by means of an included mounting set.

QP 3041 mini rack

The QP 3041's front panel has slots to install the EK 3041-U receivers, as well as various monitoring controls (headphones socket, individually selected channel monitor activation buttons and master volume control). On its rear panel, the QP 3041 has two input slots for the IM 3000 RF-modules (either wide-band or expansion modifications, included in a delivery set, for work in a pre-selected band), four XLR-type audio input connectors, BNC RF output (via the active splitter), additional connectors for antennas and power supply. Features signal level switching capability (between line and mic) for each of four audio outputs. The stationary RF-output modules work in a wide-band mode (ranging from 0 to 900 MHz). The additional IM 3000 RF-modules provide selection of 60 MHz wide band within a baseband ranging from 470 to 870 MHz. The active antenna splitter incorporated in the QP 3041 lets daisy-chain two QP 3041 slot-installed receivers. Additional RF-modules and, properly, the QP 3041 are all powered by means of a common external power supply unit.

Sennheiser 5000 Series wireless system in use

Sennheiser 5000 Series wireless system

This is a modular multi-channel receiver system for demanding musical and broadcast applications. Distinctive features: both the UHF and VHF-band compatibility; two (either large or small) mainframe modifications to install either 8 or 3 true diversity receiver modules; wide choice of auxiliary modules for various system configurations including multi-channel, suitable for particular purposes; daisy-chaining compatibility; indication of transmitter battery status (SK 50/250 and SKM 5000 only); "HiDyn plus" noise reduction system; Mikroport computer display for remote controlling large multi-channel systems; reliable high quality transmission.

EM 1046 mainframe

This is a large mainframe for housing up to 8 EM 1046RX receiver modules, as well as additional modules: power supply, antenna splitter, AF output and PC interfaces. Features a built-in audio signal monitoring selector with a headphone socket, integral active antenna splitter and cooling fan.

Each and every EM 1046 RX receiver module may be tuned to one of 4800 available frequencies (in 5 kHz steps) in a 24 MHz window within a 450 to 960/138 to 250 MHz band for either the UHF or VHF-band modification respectively with 32 available presets. The EM 1046 RX's front panel features LED-indicators displaying the RF power output level, audio level and transmitter battery status. The text-type LCD displays either the channel name (arbitrarily entitled) or reception/transmission frequency.

Up to eight EM 1046-MF mainframes can be daisy-chained for large system installation. The PC-installed Remote Computer Control software provides centralized control for up to 64 RX/TX channels. Audio outputs: 8xXLR, dimensions - 457x178x482 mm, weight without receiver - 9 kg, with eight receivers - approx. 23 kg.

EM 203 mainframe for receiver modules

This mainframe is used for housing up to 3 EM 1046 RX receiver modules. The model features a built-in audio signal monitor selector with a headphone socket, passive antenna splitter and audio I/O interface. The EM 203 may be powered by either any 12 V power source or the EM 20-NT plug-in mains unit. The latter is not included in the supply schedule and should be ordered separately. Audio outputs 3xXLR, dimensions - 203x190x360 mm, weight without receivers - 2.5 kg, with three receivers - approx. 6.5 kg.

SKM 5000 handheld wireless transmitter

SKM 5000 hand-held wireless microphone

Sennheiser SKM 5000 N wireless transmitter with Neumann KK 105S microphone head

The Neumann company, owned by Sennheiser, has put into production condenser capsules for the SKM 5000 (or the SKM 5000 N modification) handheld wireless transmitter relating to the top-class Sennheiser 5000 Series wireless system.

Sennheiser SKM 5000 N wireless microphone with Neumann KK105 S condenser capsule

Both the capsule and the SKM 5000 N hand-held transmitter have typical Neumann finish - classic nickel housing with a decorative black inset on which ON/OFF switch is mounted.

From the engineer's viewpoint, the KK 105 S is an offspring of the Neumann KMS 105, 140 and 150 vocal wired microphone families. The KK 105 S with its super-cardioid polar pattern offers 20 to 20000 Hz frequency range and is capable of handling maximum sound pressure levels of up to 155 dB SPL.

Users can easily modify Sennheiser SKM 5000 handheld transmitters for combination with the new microphone head. The manufacturer recommends purchasing the Sennheiser SKM 5000 N modification that is made specifically for use with the Neumann KK 105 S microphone head and ensures optimum characteristics during operation.

The KK 105 S comes complete with a voluminous nylon case for keeping and carrying not solely a capsule but also a handheld transmitter with a set of accupacks and additional accessories.

SK 50

SK 5012 pocket transmitter

SK 50/SK 250 pocket transmitters

These are portable transmitters with 16 selectable frequencies supporting the following working basebands: from 450 to 960 MHz (the SK 50 UHF/SK 250 UHF), and from 138 to 250 MHz (the SK 50 VHF/SK 250 VHF). They are well suited for MKE series clip-on microphones, the NB-2 headset, as well as the ME 102/104 modular microphone series. The battery status is transmitted to suitable Sennheiser receivers. The microphone and antenna connections are provided via extremely reliable Lemo sockets, ensuring effective protection from RF-noise. Feature an extremely wide accessory assortment. RF power output: SK 50 - 50 mW, SK 250 - 250 mW. May be powered by both B and BA-type accupacks (3 to 9 hours of continuous operation). Weight with battery - 230 g.

SK 5012 miniature bodypack transmitter

Total miniaturization has already become the principal tendency. Nevertheless, Sennheiser SK 5012 is the number one smallest transmitter in the world. No wonder, the SK 5012 has been already widely adopted in all applications, where a very unobtrusive transmitter is required, e.g. musicals, TV shows and film applications. Potential users are attracted by such important features as a very rugged metal die-cast casing, special protection against the ingress of moisture, constant output power until the batteries or accupacks are completely discharged. The transmitter is attached to the artist's clothing with a reliable easy-to-use clip-holder. The limited dynamic range is, as a rule, an inherent "weak point" of a wireless system, however, the SK 5012, just like other pieces of equipment from the 3000 and 5000 wireless system series, utilizes the HiDyn plus noise reduction system with >110 dB(A) signal-to-noise ratio. What's noteworthy is that the comparatively high price of the Sennheiser 5000 System equipment is determined, among other reasons, by an outstanding quality of components used in its production. All this is done not to purely provide high reliability that is, stands to reason, expected by the customer. The fact is that in multi-channel configurations, side RF interference surges can be suppressed only with the help of high-order filters, and this costs a pretty penny!

I.S.P.A.-Engineering Company.

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