Sennheiser has launched the EW-DX EM 4 Dante receiver, completing the company’s Evolution Wireless Digital EW-DX microphone line-up.
The network-ready, four-channel receiver is intended for use in large multichannel systems for live audio, touring, broadcasting, theatre and system integration applications. The receiver integrates into existing workflows and infrastructures, offering versatile connectivity via Dante (including AES 67 support) for audio over IP, balanced XLR-3 audio outputs and unbalanced quarter-inch jacks.
‘With the introduction of EW-DX, we created a new standard for wireless microphones and have built a worthy successor of our evolution wireless G4 series,’ says Michael Altemark, Lead Product Manager Wireless, Business Communication. ‘With the EM 4 Dante, we have further enhanced the standard, and the EW-DX line is complete.’
As the systems emit no intermodulation products, frequencies can be placed at 600kHz intervals, or 300kHz intervals in Link Density (LD) Mode, making the job of the frequency manager a lot easier. The switching bandwidth of 88MHz leaves room to manoeuvre in a congested spectrum and will, under ideal conditions, accommodate up to 146 channels in standard mode (600kHz spacing) or up to 293 channels in LD Mode (300kHz spacing).
Ease of use has been a paramount objective in the design of the receiver, starting with its auto-switching PSU that adapts to local power supply. Up to four EW-DX EM 4 (16 channels) can be daisy-chained directly without the need for any additional devices, as the receiver is fitted with an integrated antenna splitter with antenna power and signal loop-through.
For network-based systems, the receiver’s four network ports allow for flexible configuration modes, with the ports configured as: Control & Dante Primary combined (Single Cable Mode), Control and Dante Primary separate (Split Mode), Control, Dante Primary, and Dante Secondary separate (Redundancy Mode). Ethernet connectivity is IPv4.
Once the receivers have been set up, a quick frequency scan can be initiated via one EW-DX EM 4 Dante. The receiver will auto-deploy free frequencies across all connected receivers, including EW-DX EM 2 and EW-DX EM 2 Dante receivers, saving time and effort. Custom frequency lists can be loaded into the receiver,.
Transmitters are conveniently synchronised via BLE from a distance of up to 20m – the operator does not have to crouch in front of the rack to link receivers and transmitters. Parameters to be synchronised can be determined via the receiver menu. The EW-DX receiver also gives you the option to perform a walk test to check signal integrity across the stage or performance area.
For remote control and monitoring, Sennheiser offers network-enabled software like the Wireless Systems Manager or Sennheiser Control Cockpit. Third-party media control systems can be accommodated, too, via the SSC Sennheiser Sound Control protocol. For small set-ups with a maximum of 16 channels, the system can also be handled via the Smart Assist App.
The user interface of the EW-DX EM 4 Dante is well structured with ready access to all functions via jog wheel and control buttons, and an OLED display that helps to read off settings even in less than ideal lighting conditions. In addition to displaying RF levels, a Link Quality Indicator gives information about RF health, and a switchable headphone output on the front panel allows monitoring of the audio signal.
EW-DX uses the proprietary Sennheiser Performance Audio Codec (SePAC), which ensures a latency of 1.9ms. ‘This codec has been developed especially for high-quality audio transmission,’ says Ulf Sikora, Product Management Pro Audio. ‘The audio quality and clarity you get is much better than with off-the-shelf-codecs.’
All transmitters have an input dynamic range of 134dB, which removes the pressure of having to find the correct gain for spontaneous performances or unrehearsed presentations.
Besides the EW-DX EM 4 Dante, the EW-DX line comprises two half-rack, two-channel receivers with and without Dante outputs, handheld and bodypack transmitters with various mic options, a wireless table stand, remote and wall mount antennas, as well as a variety of table-top and rackmount charging solutions.
‘Evolution Wireless Digital EW-DX has been designed with ease of use in mind and offers a comprehensive portfolio to flexibly adapt to almost any digital wireless microphone need,’ Sikora says.
See also:
Aventem makes major Sennheiser investment
More: www.sennheiser.com
