From microphones for stage and studio, to headphones for consumer and professional use, to meeting and conference systems for business use, Sennheiser sets the bar for the audio industry. As a leader in both microphone and wireless technology, Sennheiser is committed to forward-thinking, future-proof products. As systems evolve, updates are deployed to maintain operational integrity. With its latest firmware updates, Sennheiser provides enhanced functionality and minor bug fixes for its EW-DX wireless transmitter and receiver line. Learn more about these updates and enhancements below.
What’s New with the Firmware Version 1.2.13?
802.1x Protocol
The new firmware updates include support of the 802.1x protocol. This offering for IEEE network authentication provides secure deployment of the EW-DX devices in your network. The 802.1x protocol (sometimes referred to as WPA-2 Enterprise) is the top-tier industry standard for securing wireless and wired networks. If your company is transmitting sensitive or protected data, the 802.1x protocol is mandatory. With the firmware update to 802.1x, you can utilize Sennheiser’s renowned audio quality safely and securely across wireless networks.
Support in WSM
This update also includes support of the EW-DX line in Sennheiser’s Wireless Systems Manager (WSM). This proprietary application allows users complete monitoring and control of one or more receivers via a network connection. As an additional benefit, the network does not have to be a homogenous, receiver-only network. WSM operators can integrate the receivers and other devices into their pre-existing network architecture. Users can access their WSM data from up to six different computers.
WSM streamlines the initial setup and coordination of frequencies by handily displaying all the key parameters on one screen. Even more time can be saved as your wireless network can be configured without active devices and without being on location.
Users can plan and design their broadcasts and events in advance — saving time, money, and stress. A spectrum analyzer and groupable scenes offer an intuitive and easy-to-manage overview of your setup, guaranteeing a smooth show. Operators can define system regions within that spectrum and control in-ear monitoring and wireless microphones from a single page.
WSM carries the additional benefit of handling all future firmware updates, thus optimizing efficiency and system integrity. The ease-of-use and integrated design makes Sennheiser wireless systems and WSM software ideal for live events, musical and theater productions, and TV stations. WSM is available for both Mac and Windows systems.
Implementation of AF Peak Warnings
As always, a clean and clear signal is of utmost importance. Firmware version 1.2.13 includes the implementation of AF peak warnings. This gauge notifies users of potential audio frequency over-modulation. The advanced warning system notifies operators of potential peak signals, allowing quick adjustment to maintain optimum operating levels.
Other Minor Fixes
Minor bug fixes have also been implemented. In previous firmware versions, the cable emulation settings for the SK could also be synced to the SKM. This bug has now been resolved. Additionally, the “Manual” IP mode was not working correctly after a previous update. This bug has also been resolved.
Affected Products
All components from the EW-DX series can receive this firmware update. The EW-DX is Sennheiser’s most adaptable and flexible wireless transmitter and receiver system. Let’s take a look at a few of those esteemed setups below.
EW-DX EM 2 Rack Receiver
The EW-DX EM 2 Rack Receiver is the centerpiece of the entire line. Available in a two-channel, half-rack design, the EW-DX EM 2 receiver offers a wide range of available frequencies to match your current system or other design parameters. In “Standard Mode,” 146 channels of equidistant spacing are possible and “Link Density Mode’ provides up to 293 channels. Ethernet connectivity (IPv4 and IPv6) and Secure AES 256 encryption provide easy and safe connections in a scalable size.
EW-DX SKM or EW-DX SKM-S Handheld Transmitter
This robust handheld transmitter features 10 mW RF power for a range of up to 328 feet. A programmable mute switch and function buttons offer direct control of all transmitter settings. Advanced Lithium-Ion batteries offer up to 12 hours.
EW-DX SK | EW-DX SK 3-PIN Bodypack Transmitter
Slim and versatile, the EW-DX SK bodypack transmitter works with all Evolution Wireless Digital receivers. Users can employ both 3.5 mm and three-pin variants for connections. As with the EW-DX handheld transmitter, in-device charging is possible with the CHG-70N Network Charger.
Sennheiser offers a variety of packaged sets to make your system design fast and easy. Our favorites are listed below:
EW-DX 835-S SET | Handheld Set
This combination pack includes:
- EW-DX EM 2 rack receiver
- 2x EW-DX SKM-S handheld transmitters
- 2x MMD 835 microphone modules
- 2x BA 70 rechargeable batteries
EW-DX MKE 2 SET | Lavalier Set
This combination pack includes:
- EW-DX EM 2 rack receiver
- 2x EW-DX SK bodypack transmitters
- 2x MKE 2 lavalier microphones
- 2x BA 70 rechargeable batteries
EW-DX MKE 2-835-S SET | Combo Set
This combination pack includes:
- EW-DX EM 2 rack receiver
- 1x EW-DX SK bodypack transmitters
- 1x MKE 2 lavalier microphones
- 1x EW-DX SKM-S handheld transmitters
- 1x MMD 835 microphone modules
- 2x BA 70 rechargeable batteries
EW-DX SK-SKM-S BASE SET | Base Set
This combination pack includes:
- EW-DX EM 2 rack receiver
- 1x EW-DX SK bodypack transmitters
- 1x EW-DX SKM-S handheld transmitters
- 2x BA 70 rechargeable batteries
How to Implement Firmware Version 1.2.13
As always, Sennheiser recommends upgrading your firmware to the newest release in order to maintain conformity, consistency, and compatibility. Complete instructions on the implementation of Firmware Version 1.2.13 can be found in the “Download” section of the product page at www.sennheiser.com/ew-dx
Note: This update for the Sennheiser EW-DX firmware requires the Wireless Systems Management or Sennheiser Control Cockpit software. Future system updates can be handled entirely by the WSM software, making the process smooth and easy for all your Sennheiser wireless systems.
- Control Cockpit software is available at www.sennheiser.com/control-cockpit-software
- WSM software is available at www.sennheiser.com/wsm
Conclusion
Whether you use Sennheiser home theater sound systems, or operate its state-of-the-art pro audio wireless systems, you know the Sennheiser name means superb quality. Sennheiser maintains a dedication to continuing excellence in both its new designs and system updates. The latest firmware updates showcase various enhancements and upgrades for the EW-DX Digital Wireless Systems. Users will equally appreciate the updated system integrity provided by the 802.1x protocol and the simple organizational command furnished by the WSM software.
