The Sennheiser XS Wireless comes in five application-specific sets. Two are vocal sets — one with the SKM 35 handheld transmitter featuring Sennheiser’s standard e835 dynamic cardioid capsule; the second, XSW 65, comes with an electret super-cardioid condenser capsule.
The other three systems — the XSW 12, XSW 52 or XSW 72 — employ an SK 20 bodypack transmitter with a 3.5mm threaded mini-TRS connector and the ME2-2 lavalier, ME-3 headset mic or ¼-inch instrument cable respectively.
All XS Wireless systems are analog, and they come in five UHF frequency ranges, with two specifically intended for the U.S., called A (548-572 MHz) and B (614-638 MHz). Until TV band devices begin operating in a few years, these wireless mics may be operated, with or without license, on any TV channel that’s not assigned for TV or Public Safety broadcast. (They also can’t be operated on channel 37, which is reserved for radio astronomy.)
Sennheiser provided a pair of the XSW 65 vocal sets in frequency group A. The system comes with the EM 10 receiver, which features 960 tunable frequencies and eight banks of 12 pre-coordinated frequency sets. There are two banks of frequencies optimized for each of the four 6 MHz TV channels it covers. Up to 8 XS systems can be fit a single 6 MHz TV channel.
When operating fewer than eight channels in a single TV channel, it works best to space units out by skipping adjacent channels in the preset banks. XS uses a Pilot Tone squelch, which helps the unit mute when presented with background noise from television, but extra spacing between frequencies is always a great idea to avoid issues.
Front panel controls include a power switch, Up, Down and Set menu select buttons, plus a Sync button. To simplify setup, the transmitter’s frequency isn’t programmed directly. Instead, pressing and holding the Sync button on the transmitter allows it to capture wirelessly (via 2.4 GHz WiFi, not IR) a receiver’s selected frequency when its respective Sync button is pressed. Works like a charm.
Typical of entry-level wireless, there’s also a front-panel volume control, which might be problematic if inadvertently bumped, changed or adjusted while programming the receiver. Experienced users often put a piece of tape on volume knobs to hold them at their desired setting.
Like the SKM 20 bodypack, the handheld emits only 10 mW of RF power, and both use dual AA batteries, providing an impressive 10 hours of use, in part due to their lower RF output. With this amount of RF power, XS users should maintain line-of-sight between transmitter and receiver and locate the receiver as close to the performer or presenter as possible. However as a true diversity system, it is somewhat immune to drop outs.
All XS Wireless transmitters emit 10 mW of RF power, and use dual AA batteries, providing an impressive 10 hours of use, in part due to their lower RF output. Maintaining a line-of-sight between transmitter and receiver always works best, as does locating the receiver as close as feasible. However, as a true diversity system, it provides the highest immunity to drop outs possible.
Both transmitters have a four position gain adjustment with 10 dB steps of attenuation and they also have a latching audio mute switch with an LED that illuminates when engaged, making it easy for performer or presenter to mute and un-mute without turning off the transmitter.
XS comes with a unique switching PSU that will run on international voltages, with a choice of either American Edison or a European Shuko prongs that can be swapped, however it’s typically bulky and awkward in AC power-strips.
The XS receiver’s half-rack chassis is only 8 inches wide and 5 inches deep. On the back is a choice of balanced XLR or unbalanced quarter-inch TS connections, along with a recessed pot for adjusting the receiver’s squelch. Musicians will enjoy the portability of XS’ compact size.
The receivers are in a metal chassis. For those who will use a pair and want to install them in a rack, there’s an optional rack-mount kit that includes two passive antenna splitters and six BNC cables to remote the quarter-wave BNC antennas to the front panel.
XS Wireless is an entry-level product that’s almost half the price of comparably equipped EW 100 G3 sets. Both vendors and users should understand their differences. XS has 10 mW instead of 30 mW of RF power and its S/N spec is 7 dB lower. The G3 has several refinements not included with XS, such as more powerful scan functionality. That said, for casual users who only require occasional use of a few wireless systems, this can be a great choice for weekend warriors on a budget.
More information at www.sennheiserusa.com
