Description
Sennheiser is no stranger to wireless technologies that pros can depend on, ranging from entry-level systems to its flagship System Digital 6000. Over the past years, one of its most successful RF series has been the evolution G3 line, which includes not only wireless mics, but also IEM transmission hardware. The G3 series was intended to provide solid, dependable performance from mid-priced offerings. Recently, Sennheiser continued to build on that legacy, unveiling the first products in its next-generation G4 line, and we had to check one out.
Operating in the U.S. within the (completely legal) 470 to 558 MHz UHF band, the GW1 ew 500 wireless G4 handheld mic system we tested has an e965 capsule. This, the G4’s top of the line package, carries a $1,295 street price and includes the half-rack EM 300-500 G4 single-channel, dual-diversity receiver with rackmount kit; SKM 500 G4 handheld transmitter; and the MMK-965 — an interchangeable cardioid / supercardioid capsule based on Sennheiser’s flagship e965 condenser vocal mic. Options in the G4 system are many, and these include rechargeable battery packs, bodypack transmitters (with a wide array of available headworn and lavalier mics) and a selection of other capsules for from both Sennheiser and Neumann for the handheld transmitter.
One bonus of the G4 system is that its components are fully compatible with all preceding generations of evolution wireless products, so system users aren’t suddenly thrust into the “sorry, but the gear you bought last year is obsolete” dilemma. This will certainly be appreciated by owners of existing systems. At the same time, there are plenty of reasons to step up to the G4 platform, including a sleek new user interface, expanded switching bandwidth and higher RF output power (up to 50 mW) in the 300 and 500 series.
Renowned sound engineers rely on ew 500 G4’s flexibility, especially when handling multi-channel settings on the world’s music stages. Up to 88 MHz bandwidth, up to 32 channels. Ethernet connection for Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) control software included for advanced frequency coordination in multi-channel setups.
Key Features
- True diversity half-rack receiver in a full-metal housing with intuitive OLED display for full control
- Easy and flexible wireless synchronization between transmitter and receiver via infrared
- Up to 32 compatible channels
- Up to 88 MHz bandwidth with 3520 selectable frequencies, fully tunable in a stable UHF range
- Ethernet connection for Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) control software for advanced frequency coordination in multi-channel setups
- High RF output power (up to 50 mW, adjustable in three steps 10/30/50) depending on country regulations
What’s in the Box
- EM 300-500 G4 true diversity receiver
- SKM 500 G4 handheld transmitter
- MMD 935-1 microphone head (only 935 variants)
- MMD 945-1 microphone head (only 945 variants)
- MMK 965-1 microphone head (only 965 variants)
- MZQ 1 microphone clamp
- 2 AA batteries
- power supply
- GA 3 rackmount set
- 2 rod antennas
- quick guide
- safety guide
- manufacturer declaration sheet
Renowned sound engineers rely on ew 500 G4’s flexibility, especially when handling multi-channel settings on the world’s music stages. Up to 88 MHz bandwidth, up to 32 channels. Ethernet connection for Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) control software included for advanced frequency coordination in multi-channel setups.
Key Features
- True diversity half-rack receiver in a full-metal housing with intuitive OLED display for full control
- Easy and flexible wireless synchronization between transmitter and receiver via infrared
- Up to 32 compatible channels
- Up to 88 MHz bandwidth with 3520 selectable frequencies, fully tunable in a stable UHF range
- Ethernet connection for Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) control software for advanced frequency coordination in multi-channel setups
- High RF output power (up to 50 mW, adjustable in three steps 10/30/50) depending on country regulations
What’s in the Box
- EM 300-500 G4 true diversity receiver
- SKM 500 G4 handheld transmitter
- MMD 935-1 microphone head (only 935 variants)
- MMD 945-1 microphone head (only 945 variants)
- MMK 965-1 microphone head (only 965 variants)
- MZQ 1 microphone clamp
- 2 AA batteries
- power supply
- GA 3 rackmount set
- 2 rod antennas
- quick guide
- safety guide
- manufacturer declaration sheet
Renowned sound engineers rely on ew 500 G4’s flexibility, especially when handling multi-channel settings on the world’s music stages. Up to 88 MHz bandwidth, up to 32 channels. Ethernet connection for Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) control software included for advanced frequency coordination in multi-channel setups.
Key Features
- True diversity half-rack receiver in a full-metal housing with intuitive OLED display for full control
- Easy and flexible wireless synchronization between transmitter and receiver via infrared
- Up to 32 compatible channels
- Up to 88 MHz bandwidth with 3520 selectable frequencies, fully tunable in a stable UHF range
- Ethernet connection for Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) control software for advanced frequency coordination in multi-channel setups
- High RF output power (up to 50 mW, adjustable in three steps 10/30/50) depending on country regulations
What’s in the Box
- EM 300-500 G4 true diversity receiver
- SKM 500 G4 handheld transmitter
- MMD 935-1 microphone head (only 935 variants)
- MMD 945-1 microphone head (only 945 variants)
- MMK 965-1 microphone head (only 965 variants)
- MZQ 1 microphone clamp
- 2 AA batteries
- power supply
- GA 3 rackmount set
- 2 rod antennas
- quick guide
- safety guide
- manufacturer declaration sheet
Best choice for your business, top of the class in education. The G4 300 Series uses the power of an increased switching bandwidth of up to 88 MHz. New frequency ranges allow to operate multi-channel setups with dozens of channels while securing reliable operation – despite digital dividend.
The best choice if you need a handheld transmitter and maximum flexibility. This base set consists of the stationary receiver as well as a handheld transmitter. Just add your favorite capsule.
Key Features
- Easy to use, fast setup time
- Integrated network port allows control, monitoring and setup via Sennheiser Control Cockpit and WSM Software
- Broad range of products and existing accessories (such as microphones) allows usage in any kind of environment
- Up to 88 MHz bandwidth, up to 32 channels
- Increased RF output power (10/30/50 mW)
- Transmission Range: up to 100 meters / 330 feet
- Compatible with wireless speaker system LSP 500 PRO
- RC (remote control) switch available for the bodypack transmitter
What’s in the Box
- EM 300-500 G4 true diversity receiver
- SKM 300 G4-S handheld transmitter
- GA 3 rackmount set
- MZQ 1 microphone clamp
- power supply
- 2 AA batteries
- 2 rod antennas
- quick guide
- safety guide
- manufacturer declaration sheet
The pro‘s choice. Renowned sound engineers rely on ew 500 G4‘s flexibility, especially when handling multi channel settings on the world‘s music stages. Up to 88 MHz bandwidth, up to 32 channels. Ethernet connection for Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) control software included for advanced frequency coordination in multi channel setups.
The pro‘s choice for impressive presentations. The professional MKE 2 Gold omni-directional condenser microphone resists the test of time on any big live stage and ensures a high speech intelligibility on any stage, indoors and outdoors.
Key Features
- True diversity half-rack receiver in a full-metal housing with intuitive OLED display for full control
- Easy and flexible wireless synchronization between transmitter and receiver via infrared
- Up to 32 compatible channels
- Up to 88 MHz bandwidth with 3520 selectable frequencies, fully tunable in a stable UHF range
- Ethernet connection for Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) control software for advanced frequency coordination in multi-channel setups
- High RF output power (up to 50 mW, adjustable in three steps 10/30/50) depending on country regulations
What’s in the Box
- EM 300-500 G4 true diversity receiver
- SK 500 G4 bodypack transmitter
- MKE 2 clip-on microphone
- GA 3 rackmount set
- 2 AA batteries
- 2 rod antennas
- power supply
- quick guide
- safety guide
- manufacturer declaration sheet
The pro‘s choice for perfectly balanced but upfront guitar and bass. Powerful bodypack transmitter and Ci1 instrument cable for unforgettable performances. Renowned sound engineers rely on ew 500 G4‘s flexibility, especially when handling multi channel settings on the world‘s music stages. Up to 88 MHz bandwidth, up to 32 channels. Ethernet connection for Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) control software included for advanced frequency coordination in multi channel setups.
Key Features
- True diversity half-rack receiver in a full-metal housing with intuitive OLED display for full control
- Easy and flexible wireless synchronization between transmitter and receiver via infrared
- Up to 32 compatible channels
- Up to 88 MHz bandwidth with 3520 selectable frequencies, fully tunable in a stable UHF range
- Ethernet connection for Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) control software for advanced frequency coordination in multi-channel setups
- High RF output power (up to 50 mW, adjustable in three steps 10/30/50) depending on country regulations
What’s in the Box
- EM 300-500 G4 true diversity receiver
- SK 500 G4 bodypack transmitter
- Ci 1 instrument cable
- 2 AA batteries
- GA 3 rackmount set
- power supply
- 2 rod antennas
- quick guide
- safety guide
- manufacturer declaration sheet