I'll begin by saying that it is impressive what can be purchased these days for a few hundred dollars, especially regarding electronics products. Wireless microphones have benefitted from technological and manufacturing advances derived from computer, communications, and consumer markets, so that features and performance once found only in the premier offerings are trickling down through the product lines.
Sennheiser has a deep reputation for high quality microphones and wireless systems, and was one of the pioneers of frequency synthesis in wireless. Its new XS Wireless XSW 35 wireless handheld mic system offers versatile features, ease of use, and good audio performance at a modest price.
The System
The XSW 35 handheld system consists of the EM 10 half-rack receiver with LCD display and detachable antennas, and the SKM 35 handheld transmitter featuring an e835 dynamic cardioid microphone element. It is a frequency-agile system spanning a 24 MHz bandwidth (equivalent to four U.S. television channels). Sennheiser offers other systems in the XS series for instruments, lavalier/headset mics, and handheld with a supercardioid condenser element.
The system ships in a beautiful, full-color carton with fitted foam inserts containing the receiver, a pair of articulating antennas, an external power supply for the receiver, transmitter with mic clip, two AA batteries for the transmitter, and a multi-language manual. The carton makes you want to open it, and inside all supplied components are well wrapped and nicely arranged; the company knows how to create a slick, professional presentation.
The EM 10 Receiver
The diversity receiver has a metal chassis with high-impact molded plastic front and rear panels. The rear panel connectors and controls are clearly labeled as part of the molding process and the front is artistically yet practically labeled, as well. The recessed rear panel protects the connectors from damage in case the receiver is bumped or dropped.
BNC connectors for Antenna A and B are provided, so that either the provided articulating antennas (hinged to go straight out the back, or at a 45- or 90-degree angle) or remote antennas can be used. The connectors will also allow multiple receivers to be connected to an antenna distribution system.
Both unbalanced quarter-inch and balanced XLR audio outputs are provided, along with a mic/line switch to accommodate various input devices. Also part of the system's audio output chain, the front panel has a rotary volume control, allowing the user to continuously vary the output level from full attenuation in the counter-clockwise position to full output. In general, the default position should be fully clockwise with any level adjustment made at the console, but this control does provide an alternate way to do a quick level adjustment at the receiver if the input level to the console preamp is too hot. Be sure to keep curious hands off this and other front-panel controls.
The rear panel also features a squelch control, which adjusts the sensitivity of the receiver and can help alleviate noise from interfering signals, especially if the transmitter is turned off. If a stray RF signal—say from a nearby digital signal processor, computer, or a fairly distant DTV channel—is being picked up and will potentially generate noise, yet is weak enough that a slight adjustment will correct the problem, this control can be quite useful. If you need to squelch the receiver so much that it significantly reduces the range of the system, it is better to select another clear channel. This ability is one of the joys of frequency-agile wireless systems.
One of the typical compromises in modestly priced wireless systems is an external power supply. The 12V-DC supply ships with both a U.S.-style, two-prong blade and a Euro-style, two-pin connector; choose the one you need and snap it into place on the power supply and plug it in to an AC outlet. The connection to the receiver is a pin-and-sleeve barrel connector. This power supply is fairly large, so you can fit two on a standard six-plug power strip. Sennheiser does have antenna distribution units that will also provide power to certain wireless systems via the BNC connectors, but the power option is not supported for the XS systems.
SKM 35 Handheld Transmitter
The handheld transmitter is solid and balanced, and the parts are well mated and form an attractive package. The transmitter features a permanently attached microphone element with a rugged grill that can be unscrewed from the handle for cleaning. A recessed power switch with an LED indicator is on the butt end—well away from hands that might accidentally turn it off. A ¾-inch square LCD screen reveals the current frequency and shows battery level in three increments.
Just below the LCD screen is a mute button with associated LED indicator. The button is within a recess, however it is 3/8-inches long and is level with the outer curvature of the transmitter handle. I found that a user needs to be careful when handling the mic to avoid accidentally triggering the mute when changing one's grip. One user accidentally muted the mic while removing it from the mic clip to sing. When just rubbing across the mute button, it is relatively impervious to activating, but a move with a thumb or finger joint, especially going length-wise on the transmitter, can easily mute the audio. A slightly deeper recess or making the button not as high might be in order, so that a more deliberate effort with a fingertip is needed when muting is desired.
The lower part of the transmitter handle is threaded and conceals the battery compartment as well as the attenuation switch. The switch is used to adjust the basic sensitivity of the transmitter to the user's voice level, and has positions from 0 dB (no attenuation) to -30 dB, in 10-dB steps. The default position is -10 dB, and should work with most users.
I did have some frustration at first with the battery clip until I figured out the particular catch mechanism in the design. Although the curved, hinged clip to secure the batteries has “Push Open” and a small arrow molded into the part, I was loath to push too hard and in the wrong manner so as not to break the part (I have found that each manufacturer has its own way to secure batteries, and that some of these solutions can break if you do the incorrect action). I finally went to the manual to look for advice or an illustration, and with a bit more effort found the correct way. After putting the two AA batteries in place, the clip didn't want to close when pushing straight down; pushing down and from the left clipped it in place and I was off and running. After clipping and unclipping it several times, it worked more easily and may have needed to wear in a bit. A couple more detailed lines in the instructions might prevent some broken clips.
Menus and Setting Frequencies
The receiver has three basic menu functions—Preset, Scan, and Tune. Selecting Preset gives access to eight groups of pre-coordinated frequencies, with 12 frequencies in each group. Scan appears to check each of the frequencies in the group that is currently selected, and will then find the first available clean frequency within the group.
Tune allows the user to scroll in 25 kHz steps through all 960 available frequencies and select the desired one. With Tune, hold the up or down button and it will at first slowly and then more rapidly make its way through the possibilities. With any of the menu functions, pressing the Set button will select the desired frequency and it will then be ready to receive—as well as to program the transmitter with the new frequency.
The main screen also displays which antenna is currently receiving the strongest signal selected by the diversity system. RF level and AF (audio) level meters are also provided. The RF level display can be useful when scrolling through possible frequencies; if you see significant activity on a particular frequency it is best to avoid using it.
Transmission Methodology
The transmission is standard wideband FM modulation in the UHF band. The XS system is available in five frequency ranges, each spanning 24 MHz (with the exception of the E range, which is 13 MHz) spread across the UHF spectrum from 500 MHz into the 800-MHz range. Depending on how many wireless channels you require, more than one range can be used in the same location. The fifth dange, designated GB, has been made available for use in the U.K.
The transmitter offers 10 mW RF output power, which can give you about 200 feet of distance in line-of-sight conditions. An IR (infrared) link is used to transfer the frequency selected on the receiver to the transmitter. This link has an effective distance of several feet, although since a button on the receiver must be pushed to accomplish the transfer, it will generally be done close in.
Audio Performance
The microphone element has very good rear and off-axis rejection, and appears to be optimized for close use. The response is balanced at lip-touching distance without overly bassy proximity effect, and output is significantly attenuated at two inches distant. The system was connected via XLR to a mixer channel, with all EQ settings flat.
Using it in a band context on vocals with several instruments, the intelligibility and overall audio quality received favorable comments from the other players. The microphone has noticeably good control of “p-pop” ‘plosives and has enough, but not too much, sibilance. Sufficient level was easily obtained without feedback.
When shifting hand position on the transmitter, some handling noise was noted—especially when dry fingers rub against the handle surface. It is quiet once grasped and held, with no noise apparent even when moved vigorously.
Conclusions
The Sennheiser XSW 35 vocal wireless set offers quality audio response, frequency agility with pre-coordinated frequencies, scanning, a durable handheld transmitter, and a variety of ways to connect with your audio system at a modest price. There are a few compromises, including the external power supply, the lack of rack-mounting hardware (available optionally), and the stand-alone design of the system. However, for an investment of $399.95 per channel, this offering from a leader in wireless technology is one to check out.
