TEST: Sennheiser EW 300

 Even though I have experienced it countless times in my career as a sound engineer and musician, it always surprises me how products that were only available to a very elite circle of top 10 artists a few years ago due to their price are now treated like bread and butter items.

This product category undoubtedly includes the wireless system, which most people will know better by its street name "in-ear monitoring". While the first practical wireless transmitters for guitar and bass were already a revolution, the same system enabled a singer, who could walk through the entire stadium of an open-air concert with the same monitor sound every time, using a wireless microphone, to make the ultimate quantum leap in performance.

Prices in the five-figure range with limited radio frequencies, dropouts every minute thanks to reinforced concrete and a battery life of a maximum of 70 minutes were not uncommon at the time, and yet the products were worshipped like a holy grail. In-ear = superstar, basta!

How practical, on the other hand, is a product like the Sennheiser EW 300 IEM today, which offers many times more operational reliability and flexibility at a price of a tenth of the price at the time.

One should not forget that said radio links are not only used in the music sector, but also, as is often forgotten, in the audio/video sector, or reporter work, whereby the requirements vary according to the area of ​​application.

While the music sector primarily places value on sound and operational reliability, in the video sector, interference resistance and in the reporter sector, signal stability even under adverse conditions are of great importance.

Construction:

The scope of delivery of the EW 300 radio link consists of a stereo receiver, stereo transmitter, a telescopic antenna, power supply, a set of earphones, two batteries for the transmitter and an instruction manual, packed in a sturdy foam case.

The EW 300 has five frequency ranges in the UHF band, each with 1440 transmit/receive frequencies, available for signal transmission. These ranges are divided as follows:

Range A: 518 - 554 MHz
Range B: 626 - 662 MHz
Range C: 740 - 776 MHz
Range D: 786 - 822 MHz
Range E: 830 - 866 MHz

The small EK 300 IEM G2 transmitter unit has a moderate weight of 170 grams, including the two Mignon AA batteries it requires for operation. Depending on the volume used, according to the manufacturer, one set of batteries should provide between 6 - 10 hours of operation.

The transmitter can also be operated with a battery pack, whereby the transmitter can be inserted directly into an external Sennheiser charger (L 2015) via two external contacts. The charger is not included in the scope of delivery and must be purchased separately.

A small but easy-to-read display provides all current information such as channel selection, transmission frequency, radio level, audio level, muting, pilot tone evaluation and locking of the device. A small, very flexible antenna with a plastic coating is used for signal transmission.

The receiver counterpart weighs a hefty 1100 grams due to its solid sheet steel coating. The device is supplied in half 19" size, 1 HE, and can be expanded to a full 19" width using the adapter supplied. An antenna extension cable is supplied for this so that the antennas can now be screwed onto the front of the extension. A small but very useful detail!

The receiver has 2 symmetrical XLR females on the back for signal feed-in, the data port is only designed for service purposes. The connections for the antenna and the strain-relieved connection for the external power supply are also located here. The EW 300 can handle anything between 10.5 - 16 volts at 300mA.

There is an additional headphone connection on the front for monitoring purposes, the volume of which can be adjusted using a volume control. The on/off switch is also located here, as well as two rocker switches and a set switch. The easy-to-read display is located in the middle of the panel and provides information about the channel bank, channel number, frequency range and audio level parameters.

In order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio for wireless sound transmission, the transmitter and receiver are equipped with the patented, non-switchable HDX noise reduction system, a broadband compander that compresses the audio level on the transmitter side in a db 2:1 ratio and expands it again on the receiver side.

The earphones supplied have various plastic attachments to accommodate different sized ear canals.

In practice:

After the power supply has been plugged in, a red ring around the on/off switch informs us that the device is being supplied with power. After activation, the EW 300 automatically searches for a free frequency on which it can transmit the signal. Activation works without problems on the first attempt.

The transmitter can be attached to your trousers or belt in a few simple steps, where it stays during the entire test without wobbling or even slipping.

I would describe the sound of the earphones as good with a light to medium high-mid emphasis. Personally, I find the basic sound a bit too "biting", but this is a purely subjective criterion and does not affect the evaluation.

In order to make it really difficult for the EW 300 in terms of its operational reliability, it was allowed to demonstrate its transmission capabilities from the basement of my house. The facts: 1960s construction, very high steel content in the reinforced concrete ceilings and blessed with a "Faraday cage effect" up to the stand-up collar. You can't make it more difficult for a transmitter.

None of my Macs' Airport Stations made it across more than one ceiling here, and with the second ceiling, any detection of even the smallest field strength is a pure stroke of luck. Whatever comes through here has outstanding transmission power!

And off we go. The fed-in signal is at full deflection and I start walking. First solid wall, still at full deflection. The first floor, the first reinforced concrete ceiling, one beam less, full sound without any dips. The second reinforced concrete ceiling, one more beam less, still no problems.

Now I want to know! Two reinforced concrete ceilings plus a walk outside. After 20 meters the first dropouts in the stereo image, after 30 meters the first distortions in the earphones, after 40 meters it's time to call it a day!

But oops! Now that's what I call a transmission! The values ​​given by the manufacturer of up to 150 meters with direct line of sight do not seem exaggerated at all. Anyone who can master this hellish structure in my basement has nothing to fear!

Conclusion:

All respect, Sennheiser has pulled off a remarkable feat with the EW 300! The device is excellently manufactured, extremely easy to use and impresses with its outstanding transmission and reception performance.

A very good product, Made In Germany, which will not disappoint its users!

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Additional Informations:

In the realm of audio technology, few names command the respect and recognition that Sennheiser does. Known for its innovative contributions and high-quality products, Sennheiser has played a significant role in the development of wireless microphone systems. This article provides a detailed account of the evolution of Sennheiser's wireless systems, tracing their history from the early days of analog technology to the sophisticated digital systems used today.

### Early Beginnings: Post-War Innovation

Sennheiser was founded in 1945 by Fritz Sennheiser and a group of seven engineers from the University of Hanover. Initially named Laboratorium Wennebostel (Lab W), the company focused on measuring devices. However, it quickly diversified into audio technology. By the early 1950s, Sennheiser had made significant strides in the development of microphones and other audio equipment.

The concept of wireless microphones began to take shape in the 1950s, driven by the need for greater mobility and flexibility in live performances and broadcasting. Early wireless systems were rudimentary, often plagued by issues such as interference and limited range. However, Sennheiser's engineers were undeterred, recognizing the potential of wireless technology to revolutionize audio recording and transmission.

### The SK 1002: Pioneering Wireless Technology

One of Sennheiser's first major breakthroughs in wireless technology came in 1957 with the introduction of the SK 1002. This portable wireless microphone system marked a significant advancement in the field, offering a more reliable and user-friendly solution compared to its predecessors. The SK 1002 utilized VHF transmission and was designed for use in television and radio broadcasting, as well as live stage performances.

The SK 1002 featured a compact transmitter that could be easily clipped to the user's clothing, along with a receiver that connected to the audio system. This design allowed for greater freedom of movement, making it ideal for performers and broadcasters who needed to move around without being tethered by cables. Despite its relatively primitive technology by today's standards, the SK 1002 laid the groundwork for future developments in wireless audio.

### Advancements in the 1970s: Refining Wireless Systems

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Sennheiser continued to refine its wireless technology. The introduction of the SK 50 in 1972 marked another significant milestone. The SK 50 was one of the first wireless systems to use frequency modulation (FM), which offered improved sound quality and reduced interference compared to earlier amplitude modulation (AM) systems.

The SK 50 also introduced the concept of diversity reception, which used two antennas and two receivers to minimize signal dropouts and ensure a more stable transmission. This technology became a standard feature in many of Sennheiser's subsequent wireless systems, significantly enhancing their reliability and performance.

### The Evolution of UHF Technology: Entering a New Era

The 1980s saw a major shift in wireless technology with the advent of ultra-high frequency (UHF) systems. UHF offered several advantages over VHF, including a greater range of available frequencies and improved resistance to interference. Recognizing the potential of UHF, Sennheiser introduced its first UHF wireless system, the SK 2012, in 1982.

The SK 2012 represented a significant leap forward in terms of both performance and versatility. It was designed to operate in the UHF spectrum, which allowed for more channels to be used simultaneously without interference. This made it ideal for large-scale events and complex audio setups where multiple wireless systems needed to operate in close proximity.

### The Evolution Continues: Digital Technology and the Evolution Wireless Series

The transition to digital technology in the late 1990s and early 2000s marked another major turning point for Sennheiser's wireless systems. Digital wireless systems offered several key advantages over analog systems, including better sound quality, reduced interference, and more efficient use of the available spectrum.

In 1999, Sennheiser launched the Evolution Wireless series, which quickly became one of the company's most popular product lines. The Evolution Wireless series was designed to provide high-quality, reliable wireless performance for a wide range of applications, from live music and theater to broadcasting and corporate events.

The Evolution Wireless series featured digital signal processing (DSP) technology, which allowed for more precise control over the audio signal and improved sound quality. It also included a range of advanced features, such as automatic frequency scanning and synchronization, which made it easier to set up and operate.

### Recent Developments: Digital 6000 and Beyond

In recent years, Sennheiser has continued to push the boundaries of wireless technology with the introduction of the Digital 6000 series in 2017. The Digital 6000 series was designed for professional use in demanding environments, offering superior audio quality, reliability, and ease of use.

The Digital 6000 series uses Sennheiser's proprietary Long Range (LR) mode, which provides a more robust and reliable transmission even in challenging RF environments. It also features advanced intermodulation-free operation, which allows for more channels to be used simultaneously without interference.

Another key feature of the Digital 6000 series is its ability to transmit audio in the AES 256-bit encrypted format, ensuring that the signal is secure and protected from eavesdropping. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where security is a top priority, such as corporate events and government functions.

### Looking Forward: The Future of Sennheiser Wireless Systems

As Sennheiser looks to the future, the company remains committed to innovation and excellence in wireless audio technology. The ongoing development of new technologies, such as 5G and advanced digital signal processing, promises to bring even greater performance and flexibility to wireless systems.

Sennheiser is also focused on sustainability, with a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its products and manufacturing processes. This includes the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient production methods, and recycling programs for end-of-life products.

### Conclusion

The history of Sennheiser's wireless systems is a testament to the company's dedication to innovation, quality, and reliability. From the early days of the SK 1002 to the advanced digital systems of today, Sennheiser has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in wireless audio technology.

While challenges remain, particularly with the ever-changing regulatory landscape and the increasing demand for spectrum, Sennheiser's commitment to excellence ensures that it will continue to be a leading force in the industry. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, Sennheiser's wireless systems are poised to meet the needs of the audio professionals of today and tomorrow.