Sennheiser's new evolution D1 wireless microphone system will automatically select the frequency, match transmitters and receivers, and set the proper gain. Plus it offers a range of EQ's, filters and other effects.
Sennheiser is a relative latecomer to the growing market for wireless microphone systems in the 2.4 GHz band, a spectrum which is “FCC auction safe” and license-free worldwide. Wisely choosing not to enter the fray with another “me-too” product, the German manufacturer has upped the ante in the category with its new evolution wireless D1. Introduced this week at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, D1 appears to push the technology to its limits while offering a plethora of useful features. I suspect it will prove a popular choice as the primary wireless system in smaller churches, and also serve well as an add-on or secondary room system in larger churches.
I begin with a caveat: Sennheiser could not rewrite the laws of physics or renegotiate international telecommunications agreements. The 2.4 GHz band is what it is, for better or worse. The up side is that the frequency band won't be sold to Google. On the down side, everybody's playing in here, from Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth gadgets to cordless phones and microwave ovens. The bottom line is that, with all 2.4 GHz systems, the number of simultaneous channels and/or effective range (distance from transmitter to receiver) will be limited compared to the best UHF systems, particularly the newer and pricier digital ones. Nevertheless, in realistic small church scenarios, allowable distances will be more than sufficient and potential channel counts – under optimum conditions – could stretch to a dozen or more. But, not much more.
Of course, just because a church needs only a limited quantity of wireless systems does not mean it's not interested in higher quality. And certainly everybody likes a system that is essentially foolproof to set up and operate. Such seems to be the thinking behind D1.
When it comes to system set-up, the D1 is custom tailored to the newbie volunteer. It's basically turn it on, press the “pair” button and go. Microphone transmitters automatically pair themselves and select the best frequencies in the usable spectrum. Also, the moment you start using it, your D1 system automatically measures the transmitter input and instantly sets optimum system gain. This is very cool, as there's no fumbling with switches or waltzing through menus when, for example, you switch a beltpack from lav to guitar.
Once up and running, according to Sennheiser, the D1 continually scans the RF environment, and will seamlessly hop to another frequency if any interference is detected. The system always runs a redundant back-up channel, and fast-switching antenna diversity further safeguards signal integrity.
Another noteworthy automatic feature is adaptive transmission power. If you need maximum range, or if the local RF environment is dense, the transmitter will pump out the maximum 100 milliwatts of power. But if you're close by and the spectrum is otherwise clear, the receiver will tell the transmitter to power down a bit to preserve battery life. Very green idea.
With the basics all automated, the D1 at least gives you some DSP options if you really want to fiddle with it. Selections include a seven-band graphic equalizer, de-esser and low-cut filter.
Another cool feature that separates D1 from the entry-level systems – analog or digital – is replaceable capsules on the handheld transmitters. Standard systems are supplied with evolution e835 and e845 dynamic heads, which I can vouch for as our church has them on our venerable Sennheiser G2 analog systems. But, unlike with our G2s, with D1 you can unscrew those capsules and exchange them for any of the evolution series condenser capsules – all the way up to the exquisite e965. But, is the D1's wireless performance really up to snuff for that kind of capsule? With intelligent gain control boosting effective dynamic range to a claimed 145 dB, apparently yes.
Other available options include rechargeable “accupack” lithium ion battery packs, which can be recharged in a docking charger or via a USB charging device. And, as an add-on bonus, Sennheiser also promises a dedicated set-up control app for Apple iOS and Android devices. Exactly how this works is a bit vague at the moment, but the possibilities are intriguing.
The evolution wireless D1 series will pre-packed handheld systems and beltpack systems with instrument jack, lavaliere mic or headset mic. Individual components will be available as well, for add-ons or mix-and-match.
Finally, as with all 2.4 GHz systems, we come down to the big question with a fuzzy answer: How many channels can we have in our system? Sennheiser's literature states that six channels are “typical” but with the “Channel Boost” you can pack in up to 15 under “optimum conditions”. Optimum here means transmitters in close proximity to receivers with open line of sight (e.g. stage-side, open-back rack) and little or no other wireless activity in the vicinity. As a practical matter, figure a max somewhere in between.
I serve a smaller church with seven channels of wireless mics currently in use. Although all our frequencies are (as of now) outside the 600 MHz danger zone, I'm nervously looking into the future. Certainly the D1 system will get serious consideration when we plan our next upgrade. Pricing is not available as of my deadline, but I suspect a basic dynamic handheld system will fall well above the $300 street price of the stripped-down, semi-pro entries in this category. But with all the extras, even at double that figure D1 will be a strong contender as a flexible, upgradable and future-safe option for churches like ours.
[Editor's Note: On January 22, 2015, Sennheiser revealed the hand-held version of the D1 digital wireless system will carry a list price of $699]