A closer look at Sennheiser’s XSW-D range of wireless microphone solutions
Sennheiser’s XS Wireless Digital (XSW-D) series provides a brand-new plug and play solution for musicians, mobile journalists and budding videographers looking to enter the wireless microphone market.
Replacing cable systems with rechargeable transmitters and receivers, the XSW-D range works on the 2.4 GHz frequency range for global license-free operation and offers robust, versatile and affordable connectivity for those looking to upgrade to a digital wireless audio solution.
THE PURSUIT OF PERFECT WIRELESS SOUND
As James Futter, general manager of Sennheiser South Africa explains: “Sennheiser started with wireless products in the early 1960s, and their target from the get-go was to produce a system where the sound did not degrade from an ordinary cable solution. They’ve built on that, to the point now where you can’t really run a truly professional production anymore with cords and cables – it’s just not possible anymore.
“This comes down to the technology that Sennheiser has developed,” Futter continues. “Their receivers and transmitters are so well tuned, that you don’t get any drift off your carrier frequency – it’s absolutely spot-on. This does separate Sennheiser from other companies: the company’s motto of pursuit of perfect sound was applied to wireless technology at an early stage, and the results speak for themselves.”
As mentioned, the Sennheiser XSW-D range employs digital transmission in the 2.4 GHz range and makes use of the acclaimed aptX Live codec. The receivers have antenna diversity, while the transmitters work redundantly, transmitting all data packages twice to ensure reliable transmissions. In case of interference in the frequency range, the (paired) transmitter and receiver units will seamlessly migrate to an available frequency. Audio latency is below four milliseconds, and up to five systems can be used simultaneously, with a range of up to 75 metres.
Operation of the XSW-D system could not be more simple: pressing a single button will power up and automatically link the transmitter and receiver units; clicking the button on either unit will mute the audio signal; and pressing and holding both buttons will power the system down. For supreme convenience, the units can be charged via a USB cable, providing a full five hours’ of operation on a single charge.
EASY VERSATILITY
As well as being extremely simple to operate, the XSW-D range distinguishes itself with its versatility and its range of possible applications. The transmitter is connected to either a handheld mic, a lavalier mic or an instrument (all three options are available), while the receiver can be directly connected to a mixing desk, an amplifier, or the mic input of a DSLR video camera. The Vocal Set, best for singers and solo performers, comes with an XS1 dynamic cardioid microphone; the Lavalier Set, great for presentations, vlogging and ENG applications, with an ME 2-II clip-on microphone; and the Instrument Base Set (for guitars and basses) with a 6.3 mm (1/4”) output jack.
Pro sales consultant at Sennheiser South Africa, Earl Devereux-Quicke, explains that XSW-D solutions “have industry-standard XLR or jack options, so they interface with any sound desk or mixer, and you can plug any dynamic microphone into the transmitters. This is part of what makes these products so attractive: their efficiency in design. You don’t need extra components and accessories – the units are simple and multi-functional. You need hardly any equipment to achieve a good-quality output.”
Futter expands on this point, providing an example of this multi-functionality: “You could use the instrument mic to effectively run a cordless speaker system. You plug the receiver into a speaker, while your transmitter is somewhere else connected to a PC – and there you go, you’ve got a cordless speaker system. Now, that’s not what it was ‘designed for’, but it demonstrates some of the versatility and compatibility options the XSW-D system provides.”
Futter continues: “Another attractive element is that you can always add on to your XSW-D range – you can buy an extra receiver, for example, or add a lapel mic to your instrument set. This is why these microphones are perfect for small gigs and houses of worship: you just need one receiver per transmitter, and you can expand or shrink your rig as necessary. The only limitation is that you have six channels available, which is enough for the vast majority of smaller applications.”
THE DRIVE TOWARDS DIGITAL
As Devereux-Quicke points out, transitioning to a cable-free setup can provide huge benefits to audio engineers and videographers. “You don’t have to worry about the cost of replacing cables or cable noise – those unpleasant buzzes and hisses become a thing of the past – and the freedom of movement of being cable-free on stage brings a special element to the performance.”
Futter agrees, explaining that “cable systems have inherent inefficiencies to them. This is because they need to pass across multiple connections, and the system experiences losses and degradation at every one of these points. Basically, with a wireless system, you need less to do more – it’s so much easier to interface with your other equipment. It’s not A to B to C to D – it’s A to D, you’re working straight from analogue into the digital domain, and that’s it.”
In terms of the South African digital audio market, Devereux-Quicke says that – in recent years, as our buildings, homes and venues have started to become ‘smarter’ and increasingly automated – “more and more people are starting to express an interest in digital audio over VHF or UHF. While before, people didn’t have a reference for digital, we’ve started to see more interest in this space.”
Futter agrees with this outlook, saying: “Wireless technology is growing significantly in the consumer market. The availability of decent-quality Bluetooth devices these days is one of the factors driving that. Specifically, in terms of microphone technology, we do not yet see an increase in the demand for wireless microphones per se, but we are seeing our own market share increase on the back of these new wireless products.”
Perfect for musicians, production houses, pastors and presenters, Sennheiser’s new XSW-D microphones offer truly customisable, high-fidelity plug and play audio solutions, and will appeal to those looking for maximum performance with minimum hassle.
