Sennheiser XS Wireless System – a new affordable, high quality wireless lavalier microphone
Sennheiser are generally a benchmark for professional quality microphones. In the last few days they have released their new wireless system – XS Wireless Digital.
XS Wireless Digital uses a 2.4 GHz connection to create a wireless peer-to-peer connection. That could be a complication-free lavalier or if you just want to remove annoying, restrictive cables in your audio set up.
I’m focusing on the lavalier, as that is a useful mic for all kinds of filmmaking, Mojo and videography.
The Sennheiser G3 and G4 models have become industry favourites, known for their quality, reliability and durability. But they require some purchasing power, especially if you want to own more than one. Also popular, the Sennheiser AVX system which uses the 1.9 GHz frequency, but is again a costly option.
Entry level wireless mic system
The new Sennheiser wireless lavalier set is marketed as an “entry level” wireless option and is aiming to compete with the RØDELink Filmmaker Kit and is being sold for about the same price (the Rode can be bought a little cheaper I think).
There are different versions of the new Sennheiser, depending on your needs. Lavalier to XLR set, 3.5mm Lavalier Kit, ENG Kit and you can also purchase a simple base set (with no mics included).
Sennheiser have created a big range of options to suit many situations and cameras – for example, there are connectors to allow the mic to be used with a smartphone.
The new technology Sennheiser have developed allows these base sets to be smaller and more affordable. So what’s really interesting is that you could also, for example, use a base set to connect your shotgun mic wirelessly.
2.4 GHz frequency
One of the major features of this mic is the use of the 2.4 GHz frequency spectrum, which can be used worldwide without a license. The system can stay connected at up to 75 m (250 ft) distance.
2.4 GHz is a more consumer based wireless technology. You see it used in phones, wifi, and even toys. To get round some of the disadvantages of the frequency, it automatically searches for the strongest, most reliable signal. It will then swap to the stronger connection without you noticing. So the wireless transmitter and receiver work constantly to ensure the connection is stable.
Sennheiser says you can use up to 5 sets in one room and they will still work fine.
The use of 2.4 GHz is what allows for the system to be more affordable than the higher range options, like the G4.
Simple One-Touch Ease-of-Use and Battery Life
This new Sennheiser wireless system introduces a simple one-touch operation. Pressing the button on both the transmitter and the receiver will power up and link both devices. A short click on any of the devices will mute the audio (but hopefully not so short it can happen by accident). Pressing and holding both buttons will power them down.
The transmitter and receiver work for up to five hours on a single battery charge. You can use the USB port to recharge (about 2 hours to full charge from 0).
One possible downside is that these batteries are not removable. This may have a negative effect on the life of the device compared to other options. Because with heavy use, the rechargeable batteries will eventually become less effective – or even stop taking charge altogether. So if they are fixed into the device, the device effectively becomes useless.
Tutorials
Sennheiser have also produced a series of 5 tutorial videos to walk you through everything. In this video, they run through the 10 different sets for various audio recording situations:
Eager to learn more?
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