We are super excited to have recently expanded our inventory to include Sennheiser’s new EW-DX wireless system, both the four and two channel receiver variants. This is paired with Neumann KK205 capsules on handheld transmitters, alongside beltpack transmitters compatible with a wide range of premium lavalier and headset microphones, including our existing DPA stock of 4288, 4061, and 4099 microphones. We have also invested in some EW-DP SKP plug-on transmitters which have been really versatile, from making traditional wired microphones like the Shure Super 55 birdcage style more portable, through to transmitting high quality audio between inner-city highrise building rooftops.
Why EW-DX?
EW-DX sits in a sweet spot for the kinds of shows we primarily service: touring theatre, dance, live music and high end corporate productions that demand reliability, fast setup, and clean RF coordination. Not to mention the huuuuuge battery lifespan, upwards of 10 hours in practical use.
For us, the appeal was:
- Reliable RF with predictable performance;
- Network control and monitoring as well as Dante compatibility;
- Four-channel receivers, allowing compact racks with a high channel count;
- Two-channel recievers in the same space usually occupied by a single channel; and,
- A sound character that remains neutral and transparent, even before capsule choice comes into play.
We’ve also had a long history of using Sennheiser products including wireless systems like the G3 and G4 IEMs. The EW-DX is a platform that sits well inside our inventory, and scales well across venues, from regional theatres through to larger ballrooms.
KK205 Handheld Mic Capsules
We deliberately selected the Neumann KK205 capsules having already gotten to know and love their wired variant, the KMS105. These capsules have a lovely sonic character that works especially well in theatre, cabaret and music contexts. They offer a focussed supercardioid pattern that provides excellent gain before feedback, outstanding intelligibility, a smooth and controlled top end that doesn’t make anything poke out, and a sound that naturally cuts through a mix without heavy EQ. The low end is also excellent as plosives remain controlled. It’s a capsule that rewards good mic technique and holds together well when vocalists get dynamic – which is exactly what we were looking for.
Transmitters for Flexibility
Handhelds are only part of the story. A significant portion of our work relies on beltpacks for discreet reinforcement solutions.
The EW-DX beltpacks work seamlessly with a range of microphone options, allowing us to tailor the mic choice to the performer and the production. They are compatible with our DPA instrument mics, lavaliers and headsets – a mainstay in our inventory for theatre and dance for their consistency and durability, as well as corporate events for sound quality and wearer comfort. The plug-on transmitters have also been very useful in a number of creative and unexpected ways, from comms and PA distribution to making wired microphones wireless.
We’re also cutting back on our battery waste by making great use of Sennheiser’s rechargeable BA 70 batteries, with a practical runtime exceeding 10 hours in real-world use. We stock both the two-bay portable USB chargers, as well as the eight-bay L 6000 rackmount charger with BA 70 modules, which have been great for touring racks with higher channel counts.
We’ve already used these on several local shows as well as an international tour, and have nothing but good things to say!
If you’re planning a production and want to talk through wireless options, we’re always happy to have the conversation early, when the right decisions make the biggest difference.
