Known for its high-performance RF products, Sennheiser IEM systems are seen on major tours worldwide. With the XSW IEM set, Sennheiser is shaping new standards for easy to use, flexible, reliable, wireless in-ear monitoring. Designed for simple setup, the affordable ($599/street) XSW IEM set offers features and functionality found in higher-end IEM systems and is designed to scale as your IEM needs grow. The system can be configured in mono, stereo or a two-channel “focus” mode to match various performance and mixing demands.
What’s in the Box? Everything!
The XSW IEM set comes complete with everything needed to set up a personal monitoring system in minutes. Included are a rugged, rack-mountable transmitter, lightweight bodypack receiver, Sennheiser IE4 starter earphones and all the required accessories.
Offering eight pre-configured frequency banks, each with 12 selectable channels, the system operates in the UHF range. Frequency bank/channel selection is straightforward and once the transmitter is set; receivers can be synced using an IR function. Multiple receivers can be used with a single transmitter, allowing performers to share the same IEM mix. Transmitter power output is factory set to 10 or 30 mW (region dependent).
The half-rack transmitter has a rugged metal housing and detachable antenna. Operating on 12V DC, the transmitter includes a compact universal power supply. Included with the system are rack ears for single or dual side-by-side transmitters. Sennheiser even includes the ubiquitous “joining plate” and hardware — a nice touch. Transmitter inputs are combo XLR/1/4” connectors for balanced line-level audio. Input gain can be set from -21 to 0 dB in 3 dB steps. The system has a 45 Hz to 15 kHz frequency response with THD <1%.
The transmitter’s front panel has operating controls, a headphone jack with level control and a power button. The front panel LC display provides visual indication of key operating parameters and can be easily seen under bright stage lights. A set of up/down arrow buttons along with a “set” button are used to configure the transmitter, while a sync button sends the transmitter’s operating frequency to receivers over an IR link. Along with the operating frequency, the display shows RF bank and channel, audio level, input gain, and stereo or mono configuration. Pressing the up or down arrow buttons cycles through the configuration settings (Audio, Preset, Tune).
The RF bank/channels are configured so the system operates interference-free with the XS 1 and 2 wireless mic series. I like the preset bank/channel concept as Sennheiser has done the heavy lifting calculating frequencies that play well together, making the system easy to set up for non-technical users. But, if you’re at a gig where RF frequencies are assigned by a coordinator (not uncommon on larger gigs), you can easily tune to your given frequency.
The stereo receiver bodypack is designed with live stages in mind. Configuration controls and batteries are secured behind a latching panel. The non-removable antenna, headphone jack and volume control/power switch are conveniently located on the top. An LED link light glows green when the receiver is linked to a transmitter and red when there is no wireless reception. This LED also indicates low battery level (flashing red), audio level (flashing yellow) or audio overmodulation (steady yellow), providing visual information without having to activate the receiver’s LC display. A metal clip secures the receiver to a belt or waistband and the receiver’s case design lets it stand upright on a table — unlike curvier units.
Opening the latched front panel reveals the configuration controls, IR sensor and battery compartment. Like the transmitter, the LC display shows key operating parameters including RF signal level, audio (AF) level, selected RF Bank/channel, frequency and pan.
The receiver operates on two standard AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries. Although Sennheiser states a 6 hours operating time (depending on volume), I ran my system for well over 8 hours with the volume set a little over 50% and the battery indicator still showed one bar. Obviously if you are cranking your ears, the mileage may vary. The receiver also provides an EQ function where you can enhance the higher frequencies for more detail and a limiter to reduce the phones output by -10 dB to help protect hearing. Although the limiter can be defeated, Sennheiser does not recommend doing it.
Along with standard mono and stereo operation, the bodypack receiver can create an individual mix thanks to its multiple audio modes and balancing options. Engaging “Focus” mode lets users prioritize one input over another directly from the bodypack receiver for a user-specific monitoring experience.
Each XSW IEM set includes a pair of Sennheiser IE4 earphones. Although they are described as “starter level” earphones, they sounded quite good. The earphones include a set of multiple-sized ear tips for “customizing” the fit. Sennheiser also offers a line of professional in-earpieces that work with the system.
Can I Hear Me Now?
Sennheiser sent a complete XSW IEM set. I set the system up in my shop for an initial trial, using the bodypack to find an open bank/channel in my area. This is done by turning the transmitter off and cycling through the receiver’s banks/channels until a clear one is found. As the receiver has full RF and AF metering, this process was quick and easy. Once I found a useable bank/channel, I turned on the transmitter and set it to match. The green LED on the receiver meant I was in business.
I connected the transmitter to a set of aux outs on the shop mixer and trimmed my input levels using the transmitter’s gain function. Plugging in the IE4 earphones, I listened to several different types of program material (jazz, rock, folk). With the volume control set at about one o’clock, the level was quite loud, and the sound was detailed and clear. I engaged the high frequency boost and noticed a bit more overall brightness. Overall, I was pleased with the performance of the system and the earphones. However, I don’t know how well the IE4’s will hold up to the abuse of a gigging musician. For fun, I tried my expensive, high-end triple-armature IEM earphones with custom ear molds. As expected, they sounded much better.
I did a walkout test and was well over 100 feet from the transmitter with no dropouts.
At the Gig.
I had a local club gig with a friend’s band. The lead singer/keyboard player had been talking about moving to an IEM system, so I let him give the XSW IEM set a go. With minimal instruction from me, he had the system set up in no time. We configured a band-mix on one channel and isolated his vocal mic on the other. Using “Focus” mode, he quickly balanced his voice against the band mix. His comment was “I can finally hear myself!”
Why Did the RF Cross the Road?
Every spring, I do sound for an event featuring large hot-air balloons. My setup has a main P.A. and a set of powered satellite speakers located across an active driveway. Although I have AC power for the speakers in both locations, I still have to run an XLR feed across the road. Invariably, the cable would be trashed or broken. This year, I used the XSW IEM set as a wireless audio hop with great success. I set the transmitter at FOH and placed the receiver on the remote speakers. As the transmitter has a detachable antenna, I used an LPDA directional paddle antenna on a tall stand. An 1/8” TRS patch cable connected the beltpack’s headphone out to the powered speaker’s line in. The system had excellent RF range and the audio performance was rock solid.
The Ears Have It
With more working musicians looking to move away from monitor wedges, the XSW IEM set is viable solution that can grow as a band’s needs change. Although Sennheiser markets it as a starter kit, the XSW IEM has features and functions on the pro level.
Steve Savanyu operates Buford T. Hedgehog Productions in Hudson/Macedonia, OH.
At a Glance
Stepping Up to IEMs
Sennheiser’s XSW IEM system is an affordable, easy-to-use IEM system offering excellent RF stability, advanced UHF design and renowned Sennheiser sound at an attractive price.
XSW IEM System
PROS
- Easy set up for non-technical users
- Focus Mode allows for custom IEM “mix”
- Solid RF performance
- Long beltpack battery life
CONS
- Non-detachable receiver antenna
- IE4 earphones not as robust as others
- No recharge contacts on receiver
STATS
- Operating Frequencies (Region Dependent): A, 476-500 MHz; B, 572-596 MHz; C, 662-686 MHz; E, 823.2-831.8 MHz; K, 925.2-937.3 MHz
- Antenna Output: BNC socket, 50 Ω
- RF Output Power: 10 to 30 mW (not adjustable; preset for local regulations)
- Audio Frequency Response: 45 to 15,000 Hz
- Transmitter Audio Inputs: (2) electronically balanced XLR/Combo jacks
- Audio THD: ≤ 1%
- Receiver Batteries: (2) AA batteries
- Battery Life: approx. 6 hours
- Street Price: $599
Manufacturer: Sennheiser
More Info: www.sennheiser.com; InfoComm booth #W957
