Sennheiser's star performer at the AES was the SK 5212, one of the smallest bodypack transmitters that offers sound designers and broadcasting professionals the opportunity to conceal the latest audio technology in its most compact form, making it virtually inconspicuous on the body or in clothing. New features include its convenient menu-controlled operation and a backlit display that remains legible even in difficult light conditions.
The technical data of the mini-transmitter (5.3 x 6 x 1.7 cm) are outstanding: a 36 MHz switching bandwidth, freely selectable within the entire UHF range from 450 to 960 MHz, a bank of fixed frequencies, with the others freely tunable in 5 kHz steps, and an input sensitivity adjustable in 1 dB steps between -30 and +40 dB depending on the source. A single AA battery ensures that the SK 5212 works reliably for 5.5 hours at its full 50 mW output power. If the transmitter power is reduced to 10 mW, the transmitter can even be used for up to 11 hours. The current battery status is indicated at the bodypack transmitter and is also sent to the receiver via a battery telegram. The SKM 5200 handheld transmitter replaces the SKM 5000 / SKM 5000 N models.
"We thought about how we could make this superb microphone even better," explains Sven Boetcher, product manager professional systems, "and so we developed a new, intuitive menu that is extremely easy to operate via a multi-functional switch. Users also have two frequency banks at their disposal, one with fixed frequencies that they have pre-selected, and a bank that is freely programmable in 5 kHz steps within the switching bandwidth of 36 MHz. We then packaged the whole system inside a newly developed, specially reinforced housing."
Like its famous predecessor, the SKM 5200 (available in black, nickel and steel blue) can be combined with eight interchangeable microphone heads, including two Neumann capsules.
To ideally match the new transmitter generation, the receiver system of the 5000 Series, the EM 1046, has also been adapted to the new switching bandwidth of 36 MHz. Similarly, the EM 3532 twin receiver is now also available with the new switching bandwidth. "Older Sennheiser products are, of course, also compatible with our newcomers, as we have always taken great care to make our products a secure investment," says Sven Boetcher.
Sennheiser also presented the System 3250, a wireless monitoring system with frequencies that are also freely tunable in 5 kHz steps within the switching bandwidth of 36 MHz. The SR 3254 stereo transmitter or the SR 3256 twin stereo transmitter operate with an RF output power of up to 100 mW, provide noise reduction of up to 90 dB and have an audio frequency response of 40 to 15,000 Hz. The compact EK 3253 bodypack receiver is around 20% smaller than its predecessor and, like the transmitter, can be conveniently programmed via a menu-controlled backlit display. A scan function automatically searches for free frequencies, while the tried-and-tested focus function enables users to create their own special mix from their own vocals/instrument signal and the overall mix of the band. The receiver comes complete with a pair of IE 4 stereo ear-canal phones that offer natural, powerful sound and out
