Designed for the most demanding business and pro applications, EW-DX is Sennheiser’s latest digital wireless mic solution. With its advanced feature set, the easy-to-install EW-DX can be scaled from the smallest meeting space or classroom to the largest business, production and educational installation.
Designed to ease wireless workflow, this network-ready system with optional Dante network audio integrates seamlessly into existing digital networked environments. With the press of a button, the system quickly assesses the RF environment and deploys frequencies automatically using Sennheiser’s equidistant tuning grid, allowing more channels to operate reliably without intermodulation distortion. The wide 88 MHz bandwidth supports up to 146 individual channels in standard mode. Switching to Link Density Mode expands the capacity to 293 channels, making the system ideal for large-scale, facility-wide installs.
Sennheiser’s powerful Control Cockpit software provides detailed system configuration data and microphone control to streamline system management in complex networked environments. For live events and musical productions, Sennheiser will be adding EW-DX to its Wireless System Manager frequency coordination software soon.
Offering rock-solid Sennheiser RF performance, the EW-DX digital UHF transmission is augmented by a wide input dynamic range. Intelligent Switching Diversity technology enables antenna switching between audio frames, delivering a stable reception without audible artifacts. Sennheiser’s proprietary SePac audio codec and new conversion technology deliver outstanding audio transparency, from capsule input to system output with very low 1.9 ms latency. Selectable AES-256 encryption allows EW-DX to transmit securely in critical needs applications.
Designed to grow as its users’ wireless needs evolve, EW-DX offers multiple hardware options. Currently available in a 2-channel, half-rack receiver configuration, Dante-enabled 2-channel and full rack-width 4-channel receivers will be available in Q4 2023. The EW-DX system is designed to take full advantage of interchangeable system components across the entire Evolution Wireless Digital family. Additionally, Sennheiser offers a wide range of accessories to manage power and RF signal distribution.
Getting to Work
For this review, I received the EW-DX MKE2 / 835-S “Combo Set” along with a pair of BA70 rechargeable batteries and charger packed in an eco-friendly box. Sennheiser thoughtfully includes key accessories including a rack mount kit (one of the best designed ones I’ve seen). They also include every AC plug type known to mankind for the universal power adapter. The all-metal half-rack receiver follows the Evolution Digital silver and black styling. On the left side is a headphone jack and level control. A large bright OLED channel status display automatically dims after a short time. Push buttons and a rotary encoder access settings while dedicated buttons with multi-colored status LEDs select the channel.
In normal mode, both channels display Channel Name, frequency, RF level, AF level, battery fuel level, mute status, and which channel is connected to the headphone jack. Pressing a channel button illuminates it, switches the display to selected channel detail mode and assigns the headphone output to the selected channel. Along with frequency this mode shows transmitter gain (trim), low cut, receiver AF output level, capsule type, and transmitter model number. Pressing the encoder allows adjustments of these parameters. If a transmitter-specific parameter is modified, a small “sync me” symbol appears next to the setting reminding the user to resync the transmitter.
Syncing a transmitter is easy and quick. Simply press the sync button on the receiver and follow the prompt to “push the sync button on the mobile device.” Sync takes place over Bluetooth so I didn’t need to be next to the receiver to sync.
On the receiver’s rear panel are two antenna BNC connectors, 12 VDC power inlet, RJ-45 network port, along with balanced XLR-type analog outputs, and ¼” TS unbalanced line outputs for each channel. I noticed there was no Pin-1 ground lift switch on either output which could be an issue for some users.
Along with network control, the RJ-45 connector can supply POE (Power Over Ethernet) to operate the receiver. When operating on POE, the power switch is bypassed — a desirable situation in a networked environment. Sennheiser offers plug-ins for Extron, Crestron and Q-SYS control systems along with a downloadable Sound Control Protocol for integrating the EW-DX with third-party control systems. Network protocol can be automatic using DHCP or if desired, static network settings can be configured for the receiver.
The Transmitters
The handheld transmitter features all-metal construction and a demarked antenna. I prefer this style as it lets the user know in a subtle way their hand is covering the antenna. At the base are a small power button and the sync button. Press and holding the button turns the transmitter on and off. A short press displays battery fuel remaining. I like that the battery fuel display shows hours and minutes remaining along with the typical battery graphic. Six small charging contacts allow the transmitter to be dropped into the Sennheiser CHG 70N Networked-Enabled Charger (scheduled for release later this year). Battery life is well over 12 hours on the rechargeable pack. When the battery has about 30 minutes left, the receiver flashes a red LED and battery symbol on the receiver and the transmitter display flashes a battery time remaining warning.
Sennheiser uses a very cool concept called “Persistent eInk display,” which allows the transmitter name and frequency to remain visible even when the transmitter is turned off and batteries are removed.
On the transmitter’s side is a convenient mechanical “on/off” switch that can be defeated remotely. Transmitter settings can be configured using the transmitter’s internal function buttons, from the receiver using the Sync function or via remote control over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) at distances up to 25 meters using the Smart Assist app (app available late 2023).
The handheld transmitter uses Sennheiser’s standard capsule interface allowing it to work with a wide range of Sennheiser and Neumann capsules.
The rugged compact bodypack transmitter is made of metal with a reversible metal belt clip, plastic battery compartment door and drop-in charging contacts. A non-removable antenna and input connector are located on the top with a recessed sync button, programmable mute switch, and mute status LED between them. Under the battery door are four small buttons for power and function settings. Even though they were tiny, I had no issues with switching power on or off and navigating through the settings.
The bodypack can be ordered with a 3.5 mm TRS (EW-DX SK) or 3-pin (EW-DX SK 3-pin) input connector.
After charging the batteries, I connected the system to my studio mixer and turned it on. I noticed that it took about 30 seconds for the receiver to power up. This might be due to the system scanning and verifying available frequencies during startup. [Note: This is said to be addressed in the new firmware version.] The transmitters synced up very quickly. Next, I tried the Auto Scan. With EW-DX, you can scan individual receivers (Scan Me) or scan the entire network of connected receivers to create a frequency plan. You can also pick a starting frequency / channel for the scan. The receiver’s OLED display provided clear, concise instructions including telling me which transmitter needed to be synced for its new frequency.
As expected, audio quality was excellent and RF range exceeded my expectations. I tried the system out on several gigs and had no issues setting it up and getting it to play well with other wireless equipment on site. On spoken word, the MKE2 lav sounded clear and detailed.
Full Control
Back in the studio, I installed the Control Cockpit software on a PC. Once installed, the software quickly found my system on the network. From Control Cockpit I could see and control all parameters on my system. The software also displayed warnings including battery fuel low and transmitter out of range. Control Cockpit can be configured to send alert messages to e-mail and mobile numbers. I annoyed a few friends by including their e-mails in my “Alert List.” In a large, multi-system, multi-location installation (conference center, large festival grounds, performing arts campus, college), Control Cockpit gives the AV/IT manager full control and management of the wireless systems.
Expanded channel count, Dante digital audio, networking capabilities and powerful management tools offered by Control Cockpit make the EW-DX a formidable wireless system solution for a wide range of performance and installed applications.
At a Glance
The R(Evolution) Continues
Sennheiser’s EW-DX Advanced Digital Wireless system enhances the Evolution Wireless Digital feature set while maintaining the robust RF performance and high-quality audio Sennheiser is known for.
Sennheiser EW-DX Advanced Digital Wireless
PROS
- Huge channel count
- Network scan
- Persistent eInk transmitter display
- Control Cockpit management tools
- Dante Versions
CONS
- Receiver startup time
- Non-detachable body pack antenna
- Smart Assist App not available yet
Stats
- Technology: Digital UHF
- Number of RF Frequencies: 3,480
- Diversity: Intelligent Switching Diversity
- RF Bandwidth: 88 MHz
- RF Channel Scanning: Auto-Scan
- Max Range: 328’ (line of sight)
- Max Transmitters per Band: 293
- Bluetooth Operating Distance: 120’ (transmitter sync, app control)
- Latency: 1.9 ms
- RECEIVER I/O: Antenna: (2) ¼-wave BNC rods; Audio I/O: (2) XLR; (2) 1/4” TS unbalanced; Network I/O: (3) RJ-45
- Network Protocols: Dante, TCP IPv4, TCP IPv6, UDP
- Power: AC/DC adapter, PoE
- STREET PRICES The street price for 2-channel system with handhelds, $1,999; 2-channel system with beltpacks and MKE2 lavaliers, $2,699.
Manufacturer: Sennheiser
More Info: www.sennheiser.com
