Sennheiser has launched its new EW-DX wireless line.
EW-DX is designed to simplify workflows and bring extensive feature sets to any application. Like its EW-D sister models, EW-DX offers the lowest latency on the market (1.9ms), eliminates the need for frequency calculation, and offers an ultra-wide input dynamic range of 134dB. Operating time is 12 hours with the BA 70 rechargeable battery, and eight hours with standard AA batteries. Depending on the RF environment, the transmitters have a range of up to around 100m.
EW-DX systems additionally benefit from an automatic multi-channel RF set-up, scalable remote control and monitoring, as well as AES-256 encryption for secure transmission of content. The bandwidth is higher than with EW-D, up to 88MHz, enabling a greater number of channels to be accommodated.
The systems do not generate any significant intermodulation products. From a spectrum efficiency point of view, this means that the microphones do not pollute the available spectrum with their own intermodulation products, hence more transmission frequencies can be used and distributed evenly at regular distances (the so-called equidistant frequency grid or tuning grid). A frequency calculation is no longer needed.
In standard mode –with an equidistant frequency spacing of 600kHz – EW-DX accommodates up to 146 links within its switching bandwidth, and up to 293 frequencies in Link Density Mode (LD, at 300kHz spacing).
‘The Link Density Mode will give you even more room to manoeuvre in a densely populated RF spectrum,’ Sennheiser Product Manager, Benny Franke, explains. ‘The slight reduction in range is barely noticed during productions. EW-DX will give you peace of mind, knowing that audio quality and transmission power will not suffer. Signals will sound great, and will be reliably transmitted.’
EW-DX offers a choice of two bodypack transmitters – the EW-DX SK with a 3.5mm jack for microphones and instrument cables, and the EW-DX SK 3-PIN for microphones with a special three-pin connector. The bodypacks can be used with any digital-proof Sennheiser clip-on and headset mic, the Neumann MCM system and digital-proof third-party microphones.
The handheld microphone is also available in two versions: with a noiseless, programmable mute switch (EW-DX SKM-S) and without a switch (EW-DX SKM). The mute switch can be programmed as ‘off’, AF Mute and RF Mute – the latter enabling settings to be changed inaudibly or to keep a spare mic ready for use. A wide range of 14 Sennheiser and Neumann microphone heads (standard Sennheiser capsule interface) is available for the handheld.
All transmitters feature a trim control so they can alternate on the same receiver channel – for example when multiple guitars are used – and still have the same level at the mixing desk. For guitarists and bassists who do not want to miss that typical cable sound, the EW-DX SK bodypack offers a three-step cable emulation.
The EW-DX transmitters are the first on the market to feature e-ink displays – even when switched off, essential transmitter data can still be read. They are also fitted with an adjustable low-cut filter to reduce handling noise or pop noise. Settings are ‘off’, 30Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz and 120Hz. All transmitters feature charging contacts for in-device charging of the BA 70 battery and an in-built test tone generator.
Display brightness can be adjusted, settings locked, and the green status LED of the transmitter can be turned off.
The EW-DX EM 2 is the first two-channel receiver to launch in the series. Suited to users who do not require a digital audio output, which will become available with the launch of two Dante-enabled receivers in mid-2023. It is fitted with an Auto Scan function to assist in finding good frequencies for a receiver or multiple networked receivers. Transmitters are conveniently synced via Bluetooth Low Energy: no line of sight is required. Users can choose which settings they wish to change, while all other settings remain untouched.
The receiver is also fitted with a headphone output with volume control, both balanced XLR and unbalanced 6.3mm analogue outputs, and an RJ 45 port for Power over Ethernet and integration into control and monitoring networks. An OLED display shows both channels at a glance, and a link quality indicator helps avoid surprises.
Until further charging options become available in 2023, the two-bay, stackable L 70 USB charger will recharge the BA 70 batteries. This charger is also available in the EW-D charging set, complete with NT 5-20 UCW power supply unit and two BA 70 batteries. Meanwhile, the EW-D power distribution cable and matching NT 12-35 CS power supply unit will power up to four EW-DX EM 2 receivers and keep a set-up cleaner. The EW-D ASA active antenna splitter, EW-D AB antenna booster and ADP UHF passive, directional antenna complete the system accessories available now.
For firmware updates, Sennheiser recommends using its free Control Cockpit software (Microsoft Windows). In mid-2023, new versions of the Sennheiser Wireless Systems Manager (for firmware updates and professional operation) and Smart Assist App (for convenient operation of smaller set-ups) will be available.
Following the launch of additional frequency variants and a network-enabled, two-bay, in-device desktop charger in Q1 2023, mid-2023 will see further hardware become available, such as two- and four-channel Dante receivers and a dedicated charging module for the L 6000 rackmount charging unit.
