Page 1 of 4 >>
Audio Review: Sennheiser 2000-Series Wireless Microphone System
The price of wireless microphone systems has continued to plummet over the years, as even "high-end" mic manufacturers roll out ever-cheaper models. Sennheiser is one such manufacturer, with entry-level wireless systems sporting street prices of just over $200. Take a look at its 2000-series mic system, however, and you'll see that Sennheiser has not abandoned the high-end market.
The 2000-series UHF wireless family consists of two receivers, a handheld transmitter, bodypack transmitter, in-ear monitoring system and a range of accessories. Highlights of the series include Sennheiser's HDX noise reduction, true diversity antennas, PLL synthesizer with microprocessor, 75 MHz switching bandwidth and many other niceties. The system is fully backwards-compatible with all of Sennheiser's Evolution wireless systems (G1, G2 and G3), so you can mix-and-match 2000-series and Evolution equipment.
The Sennheiser EM-series mic receiver is available in both single-channel (EM 2000) and dual-channel (EM 2500) versions. Both are single-rackspace units with rear-mounted true diversity antennas and optional front-mount antenna kit. We test out the EM 2050 dual-channel version here.
Other members of the 2000-series family include the SKM 2000 handheld mic transmitter and the SK 2000 instrument/mic bodypack. The SKM 2000 offers six interchangeable capsules, two of which we test here. The SK 2000 bodypack is designed for instrument, lavalier or head-worn mic applications. The final 2000 mic variant is designed for video applications, and includes a camera-mount receiver and plug-on transmitter.
Blessed to Receive
At the heart of the Sennheiser 2000-series wireless mic system is the EM 2050 receiver. The first thing I noticed about the receiver was how sparse its controls are on its front panel—it sports just two knobs and two buttons per channel. Take a closer look at the interface, and it becomes clear that just one knob handles all the controls on the EM 2050. One knob? How does that work?
Power up the receiver, and the EM 2050's large, bright fluorescent displays solve the mystery. Rather than employ numerous knobs and buttons, Sennheiser instead opted to outfit the EM 2050 with a detailed display and extensive menu system. Having used so many horribly designed multi-level menu interfaces, I'm happy to report that the EM 2050's menu system is intuitive and easy to navigate. The transmitters use the same basic menu system, though with much smaller displays.
You press in on the EM 2050's multi-function control knob to access the menu system. There you can select frequency bank and channel, scan for open frequencies, engage EQ, set warnings, adjust AF output level and much, much more. Scroll to the parameter (or sub-menu) you want, and press in on the knob to select it. Make your changes, and select "Exit" (or press the power/mute button) to return to the main display. Simple.
When not showing its control menus, the EM 2050's display shows RF and AF level (the latter with peak hold); RF channel and frequency; transmitter mute, battery level, model and name; EQ setting; AF output level, and more. And that's just the main display. Bump the multi-function knob left or right to access the receiver's alternate displays: transmitter parameters mode, "Soundcheck" mode (AF and RF signal quality) and even a guitar tuner mode.
Page 1 of 4 next page >>
Loren Alldrin is a regular contributor to Church Production Magazine.
Post a Comment
ADD NEW COMMENT