Sennheiser Launches Evolution Portable Wireless Mic Sets

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Published on April 14, 2023
Christopher Piccione
Adorama ALC

Sennheiser has long been recognized as a leading name in the world of microphones, synonymous with quality and durability. While they’ve already established themselves in the wireless systems market for musicians, the new Sennheiser Evolution Portable Digital Wireless Sets takes an entirely different approach by catering specifically to content creators, podcasters, and filmmakers. With a focus on simplicity, these Sennheiser wireless mic sets are designed to meet the needs of small production teams.

Wireless systems can be confusing to operate, especially in small production settings. However, Sennheiser has addressed this issue with the Evolution Portable Digital Wireless sets. These sets offer user-friendly features that make it easy for content creators to capture professional-grade audio.  

New Sennheiser Evolution Portable Digital Wireless Sets

The EW-DP line represents the digital evolution of the G4 portable sets. It delivers a versatile and feature-laden system designed for videography, filmmaking, news reporters, podcasting, and other video-related audio applications. Here are some the Sennheiser products now available:

  • EW-DP ME-2 Lavalier Wireless Mic Set includes EW-DP EK digital portable single channel receiver, EW-D SK digital bodypack transmitter, ME 2 omnidirectional lavalier microphone.
  • EW-DP ME-4 Lavalier WirelessMic Set includes EW-DP EK digital portable single channel receiver, EW-D SK digital body pack transmitter, ME 4 cardioid lavalier microphone.
  • EW-DP EK Portable Receiver includes portable digital UHF receiver for use with EW-D SK bodypack, EW-D SKM-S handheld, and EW-D SKP plug-on transmitters.
  • EW-DP 835 Handheld Wireless Mic Set includes EW-DP EK digital portable single channel receiver, EW-D SKM digital handheld transmitter, MMD 835 cardioid dynamic microphone module.

These new sets showcase user-friendly interfaces for a seamless experience adaptable mounting solutions for streamlined workflows. You’ll have the advantages of a digital UHF system in a compact and portable form factor. Lets dive deeper into the unique features and benefits of each wireless microphone set.

sennheiser wireless mic set
Photo by Sennheiser

Sennheiser EW-DP ME-2 Set – Overview 

This compact digital UHF wireless mic system features the ME 2 omnidirectional lavalier or ME 4 cardioid lavalier. It features integrated Bluetooth for synchronization and control of the wireless transmitter pack. It provides intelligent management for battery life up to 12 hours on the transmitter and seven hours on the receiver. Magnetically stackable components for versatile mounting options on tables, carts, and racks make storage solutions endless. Charging is available via USB-C which also powers the receiver with exceptionally low latency around 1.9 ms. 

Your package isn’t complete without the included accessories. You’ll receive a mounting kit which consists of the mounting plate, cold shoe, belt clip & screws, a li-ion battery, (2) AA batteries, locking 3.5mm to TRS plug, locking 3.5mm TRS plug to XLR plug cable, and USB-C charging cable.

Who Should Use the EW-DP ME-2 Set?

With the Sennheiser EW-DP ME-2 Set, you get one of the most impressive digital wireless lavalier sets around. Equipped with lavaliers designed for recording dialogue in a variety of circumstances, this set is the perfect solution for any speaker. Since this set gives you an option of choosing the omnidirectional or cardioid lavalier microphone, it’s helpful to know which one you should choose and which circumstances they’re best suited for. 

Cardioids are generally a single direction pick up source. So, they must be pointed directly towards the user’s mouth to pick up any dialogue. This makes them perfect for interviews, studio environments, or in spaces where there’s not a  lot of outside noise that would otherwise get picked up.

Omnidirectional lavaliers, on the other hand, are best suited to run-and-gun style filmmaking, documentaries, and social media content. Of course you’ll inevitably have environmental noise sneak into your recordings. However, you don’t have to be as careful with placement and direction since it picks up sound from all around the capsule.

Sennheiser EW-DP ME-4 Set –  Overview 

The EW-DP ME-4 Lavalier Set boasts ultra-low noise and quiet operation, paired with seamless ease of use. It’s a portable digital UHF wireless microphone system that features the ME-2 omnidirectional lavalier or ME-4 cardioid lavalier. These digital wireless audio systems bypass traditional analog noise and interference issues, delivering an impressive dynamic range of 134dB. With UHF transmission, Evolution Portal Wireless Digital devices have greatly enhanced range and reliability. 

Moreover, with 2,240 selectable frequencies on a 56MHz bandwidth, you have unmatched flexibility in any RF environment. Additionally, enjoy extended battery life up to 12 hours on the transmitter and 7 hours on the receiver. The integrated Bluetooth allows for synchronization and control, while Smart Notifications provide troubleshooting and system guidance.

There are several product variants to choose from for the EW-DP ME4 lineup: Q1-6 Frequency: 470-526 MHz, the R1-6 Frequency: 520-576 MHz, and the R4-9 Frequency: 552-607 MHz. Frequencies are equally spaced every 600kHz resulting in measured spacing that simplifies frequency coordination and helps with the system’s scalability and high channel count.

Who Should Use the EW-DP ME-4 Set?

The Sennheiser EW-D ME4 presents a comprehensive wireless mic system that caters to theater actors, lecturers, podcasters, and even houses of worship. It’s perfect for those who need to keep their hands free, while also being able to hold iPads, notes, products, and more. 

The system comes complete with all the essentials for a single user, including a ME-4 cardioid-pattern lavalier (compatible with ME-2 omnidirectional lavalier as well), a body pack transmitter, a receiver, and a mounting kit.

sennheiser wireless mic set
Photo by Sennheiser

Sennheiser EW-DP EK Portable Receiver – Overview 

The EW-DP EK is compatible with both the EW-D SK bodypack, EW-D SKM-S handheld, and EW-D SKP plug-in transmitters. It is available in various frequency ranges to suit different needs. It is a single channel receiver that boasts industry leading dynamic range, allowing it to automatically secure the most reliable signal within seconds. With 56MHz of tuning bandwidth, the system can be scaled up to accommodate up to 90 channels, providing flexibility for various setups.

One of the standout features is its equidistant tuning grid. This eliminates intermodulation between transmitters, spacing frequencies evenly every 600kHz. This simplifies frequency coordination, enhances system scalability, and supports high channel counts. To further streamline setup and control, the Sennheiser Smart Assist App puts full control in the palm of your hand. With remarkably quick automatic setup, mobile access to system settings, and remote monitoring, this app offers convenient and efficient management of the wireless system. 

There are several product variants to choose from for the EW-DP EK Portable Receiver lineup. There is the Q1-6 Frequency: 470-526 MHz, the R1-6 Frequency: 520-576 MHz, and the R4-9 Frequency: 552-607 MHz. These frequency selections will have to be evenly matched if purchasing the separate lavalier microphones and transmitter packs. Overall, the Sennheiser EW-DP EK Portable Receiver is a cutting-edge solution for wireless audio needs. They provide reliable performance and user-friendly features for a seamless experience.

Who Should Use the EW-DP EK Portable Receiver? 

If you’re looking for a wireless system for your podcast, YouTube channel, news broadcast, live church events, small room music shows, or just running some local speaking gigs, the EW-DP EK Portable receiver is an excellent place to start. It’s compatible with the new EW-D SK bodypack, EW-D SKM-S handheld, and EW-D SKP plug-on transmitters. You can buy the receiver separately or as part of one of the available sets. General rule of thumb is to use a compatible microphone or lavalier to match with a receiver in the same frequency range.

Podcasters and independent filmmakers use mixing boards or field recorders. They will find this fits right at home in the studio or on an equipment cart on set. Just power up the receiver and connect it via XLR or TRS to your recording device. Pair the unit with the microphone via Bluetooth for instant connection and you’re set to start.

sennheiser wireless mic set
Photo by Sennheiser

Sennheiser EW-DP 835 Set – Overview 

The EW-DP 835 Portable digital UHF wireless mic system is the same that comes in the previous sets. Although, this package comes with a SKM-S handheld transmitter and MMD 835 cardioid dynamic microphone module. The MMD 835 features a metal grille and replaceable capsule without a need for having to replace the wireless transmitter as well. 

Interchangeability with the SKM-S wireless transmitter is also still available here from the popular G4 series. If you prefer to swap out the MMD 835 capsule, you’ll be pleased to hear the SKM-S wireless transmitter can be used with MMD, MMK, MME cardioid and dynamic microphone capsules. It can even be using with the Neumann KK 204, 205 and the ME 9002, 9004, and 9005 pre-polarized condenser capsules. This gives you the ultimate flexibility in any recording situation. Bluetooth synchronization and control is almost instantaneous between the transmitter and the receiver. Due to dynamic cardioid features, this microphone eliminates background noise and feedback. 

Those familiar with the G4 series of wireless SKM series transmitters will notice it looks pretty much the same. However, it is without a red “mic” button. Instead, it has a mute switch, an upgraded transmitter itself for better connectivity, and Sennheiser’s logo prominently featured on the base. There are several variants to choose from for the EW-DP 835 portable receiver and SKM-S wireless transmitter: Q1-6, R1-6, and the R4-9 frequency. To avoid interference when using multiple wireless microphones in a production, receivers need to transmit on different frequencies. They need to be sufficiently spaced apart, and be matched appropriately.

Who Should Use the EW-DP 835 Set?

When it comes to vocals of any kind, dynamic mics are popular due to their noise rejection and warmth. Where both the capsule and SKM-S wireless transmitter really shine is in heavy dialogue settings when holding a microphone is necessary for presentation. It’ll provide ease of movement without worrying about getting tangled or tripping on a XLR cable.

In general, a wireless handheld microphone is best suited to situations where mobility and freedom of movement are important. It’s critical to choose the right type of microphone based on your specific needs and the environment you’ll work in. This will ensure the most effective results.

For example, interviews would benefit from a wireless handheld system since it allows for freedom of movement. It can ensure that the audio quality remains consistent even if the host and guest move around.

Final Thoughts

Sennheiser Evolution Portable Digital Wireless Mic Sets have ushered in the next era of wireless microphone technology accessible to all content creators. These sets prioritize simplicity, durability, and quality. They provide a dependable and efficient solution for capturing professional-sounding dialogue.

Thanks to its ultra-low latency for accurate Bluetooth sync and extended battery life, you can spend less time charging and more time recording — whether you’re on location or in the studio. As the audio industry evolves, Sennheiser remains at the forefront of innovation. With the Evolution portable digital wireless sets, Sennheiser demonstrates its unwavering commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for content creators, podcasters, and filmmakers. As the audio industry evolves, Sennheiser remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering the gold standard of wireless audio for video.

Christopher is a freelance podcast and video editor, actor, and screenplay writer living in New York City. He is incredibly passionate about traveling, hobby photography, and filmmaking when he can afford it. A fan of dogs, cats, & a mean burrito. You can occasionally catch him on TV, the silver screen, or a film festival near you.