TEST: Sennheiser XSW-D

 Guitarists and bassists who want to play with a transmitter are familiar with the problem. Apart from the differences in sound, there is sometimes the problem, especially with 19-inch solutions, that the transmitted signal that arrives in the rack has to be fed back to the floorboard via cable, especially since this is where the tuner is usually located. With the Sennheiser XSW-D Pedalboard Set, Sennheiser has a combination of radio link and tuner in its luggage, which at least makes cable routing obsolete.

The design of the Sennheiser XSW-D Pedalboard Set

The Sennheiser XSW-D Pedalboard Set is a member of the XS Wireless family, which also includes models from the microphone and camera sector. They all have the function of wireless signal transmission in common. The guitarist version comes with a tuner / receiver floor pedal combination, a plug-in transmitter, 2 cables and a multi-voltage power supply, which also offers worldwide use thanks to the power adapter supplied.

The transmitter, which can either be plugged directly into the guitar's jack socket or attached to the guitar strap as a body pack using the extension provided, can be operated with one hand, provided you can remember the different color schemes of the built-in LED and push button. The battery life is specified as up to 5 hours, which corresponds to about 2 extended shows with your own songs or a cover band show with 4 - 5 sets.

Sennheiser promises a range of up to 75 meters, but this refers to an open field with no obstacles. My experience tells me that for practical use you should assume half the manufacturer's value, which in this case would still cover the largest open air stages in the country, especially since you should keep in mind that the receiver is located at the front edge of the stage due to the pedal design, which adds a few meters to the range.

The Sennheiser XSW-D Pedalboard Set also operates on 2.4 GHz and therefore has to deal with the big problems of thousands of cell phones in the audience area and, even worse, the sometimes very strong radiation from the stage radio, which is always used on large stages and, depending on the orientation, simply "knocks out" the signal. In order to be able to judge this, I will use the transmitter at several large festivals that I am attending in the next few weeks, including a tour in Japan. If there are any unexpected failures, I will mention them in an addendum. In general, however, I believe that the Sennheiser trademark, with a retail price of just under 400 euros, offers a more stable option than the various plug-and-play solutions in the almost three-digit range.

The play of colors of the Sennheiser XSW-D Pedalboard Set

The entire appearance of the Sennheiser XSW-D Pedalboard Set is designed for simple yet elegant handling, which should visually get by with as little information as possible. Therefore, the LED installed on the transmitter uses the following color play to provide an easily understandable information policy:

Briefly press the LED button for max. 1 second = switch on the transmitter - LED lights up green

Press the LED button again for max. 1 second = mute the transmitter - LED lights up yellow

Press the LED button for min. 3 seconds = switch off the transmitter

After switching on the transmitter, the LED briefly lights up green = battery power over 75%

After switching on the transmitter, the LED briefly lights up yellow = battery power between 5% - 75%

After switching on the transmitter, the LED briefly lights up red = battery power under 5%

Alternating red and green flashing = the range is exhausted

Charge level solid green = battery fully charged

Charge level flashing green = battery over 75% charged

Charge level flashing yellow = battery between 5% - 75% charged

Charge level flashing red = battery under 5% charged

The Floor pedal of the Sennheiser XSW-D Pedalboard Set

The floor pedal of the Sennheiser XSW-D Pedalboard Set contains not only the receiver but also a chromatic tuner, which does not have the usual red and green LEDs, but rather a monochrome, fairly large display. This has the advantage that the letters and symbols can be seen much better than with LEDs, especially in direct sunlight. Anyone who has ever played on an open-air stage at midday in direct sunlight knows what I'm talking about.

The pedal itself is very solid and should be able to withstand any tough stage use. If it is used without a pedal board, two rubber pads on the underside of the housing ensure the necessary grip on smooth surfaces. For floorboard use, Sennheiser also takes the really tough route if necessary. The scope of delivery includes a drilling template with which you can drill holes in your board to secure the pedal with the appropriate screws. If the Velcro / cable tie solution does not seem stable enough, here is the solution.

On the front side, in addition to the jack output for the other pedals or the amp, there is also the input for the included power supply and a 5V USB-C output for charging the transmitter. The transmitter can also be charged using a standard mobile phone power supply. It is only advisable to make sure that it is USB-C, as the increasingly popular plug variant has not yet arrived in all electronics stores.

The transmitter of the Sennheiser XSW-D pedalboard set

The transmitter of the Sennheiser XSW-D pedalboard set has a foldable jack plug that can be bent depending on the guitar model and personal preference. While this works very well with Strat-type models, it is a little more problematic with the LP-style side solution. Due to the long housing shape, the lateral torque is quite strong when used at an angle and sometimes twists the plug. If you don't move around much, you can of course also insert the plug straight down. In general, however, I would recommend backpack operation, which is also offered.

The Sennheiser XSW-D pedalboard set in practice

Switch on, pair, done. In fact, it is as easy as it sounds. The transmitter and receiver found each other within 2 seconds, which is really extremely fast. Let's start with the sound. In order not to start the cable discussion for the umpteenth time, here is a general statement. Yes, a transmitter sounds different to a cable. Yes, every transmitter, regardless of its design and retail price, sounds different to a cable. No, a transmitter does not sound worse, just different!

It is more than just tiring to read the forums about the eternal pros and cons of transmitters and cables. The fact is that a cable represents the most stable signal transmission and is a decisive criterion in the overall sound, especially with passive, high-impedance pickups. But it is also a fact that an entertaining stage presence suffers massively as a result. Anyone who only moves in the beer mat area should stay away from a transmitter. On the other hand, anyone who covers longer distances on stage and would like to entertain the audience with artistic interludes will not be able to avoid a transmitter.

In terms of sound, the Sennheiser XSW-D pedalboard set differs from a 6 meter (Cordial) cable in that the sound is a touch louder, a little more pronounced in the highs and a little more compressed. Especially for high gain guitars, these are all attributes that you would otherwise get from the amplifier and any floor pedals you might use. I personally really liked the overall tighter sound, especially since a latency of around 4 ms is no longer noticeable when playing.

The product had to pass a tough range test. I placed the product in the recording room of my recording studio, which was built like a room-within-a-room, closed both doors and looked at how far the signal could now reach. The device, which was shielded in this way, was still able to send the signal about 30 meters through the walls before it started to drop out. A really very good value when you consider that other products of this type gave up the ghost when the two doors were closed. Otherwise, the system generally leaves an excellent impression in terms of workmanship, practical use and performance data.

Conclusion

With the Sennheiser XSW-D Pedalboard Set, one of the big German flagship companies has launched an excellent product that shines with very good workmanship, practical implementation and very good performance data on a broad level. Anyone looking for a combination of tuner and transmitter system for string instruments should definitely try out this product.

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Additional Informations:

The story of Sennheiser, a name synonymous with high-quality audio equipment, began in the wake of World War II. In June 1945, Dr. Fritz Sennheiser, along with seven fellow engineers from the University of Hannover, founded the Laboratorium Wennebostel, known as "Lab W," in a farmhouse in Wennebostel, Germany. This small team, with limited resources but boundless determination, embarked on a journey that would transform the audio industry.

Initially, Lab W focused on producing measuring devices, with its first product being a voltmeter. However, the shift towards audio equipment began shortly thereafter. The company’s early forays into audio technology laid the foundation for its future success. By 1947, Lab W had developed its first microphone, the MD 2, a significant step towards establishing its reputation in the field of acoustics.

### The Transition to Sennheiser Electronic

In 1958, the company rebranded itself as Sennheiser Electronic, a move that marked the beginning of a new era. This period was characterized by rapid growth and innovation. Sennheiser's engineers were at the forefront of audio technology, continually pushing the boundaries of what was possible. The development of the MD 21 in 1953, an omnidirectional dynamic microphone, exemplified the company’s commitment to innovation. The MD 21 became widely used in radio and television broadcasting, further solidifying Sennheiser's position in the market.

### Breakthrough with the MD 421

The introduction of the MD 421 dynamic microphone in 1960 was a significant milestone. Known for its versatility and durability, the MD 421 found widespread acceptance across various applications, from broadcasting to music recording. Its success can be attributed to its robust design and exceptional sound quality, traits that have made it a mainstay in the audio industry for decades.

### Innovation in Wireless Technology

Sennheiser’s entry into the realm of wireless technology began in earnest in the late 1950s. In 1957, the company introduced the first wireless microphone system, the SK 1002, which utilized VHF transmission. This system was groundbreaking at the time, offering greater mobility and flexibility for performers and broadcasters. The development of the SK 1002 underscored Sennheiser’s commitment to innovation and its ability to anticipate the needs of the market.

### Advancements in the 1970s and 1980s

The 1970s and 1980s were a period of significant advancement for Sennheiser. The introduction of the HD 414 headphones in 1968 marked the beginning of a new chapter. The HD 414 was the first open-back headphone, a design that allowed for a more natural and spacious sound. This innovation revolutionized the headphone market and set a new standard for audio quality.

In the realm of wireless technology, the 1980s saw the development of UHF wireless systems, which offered improved range and reduced interference compared to VHF systems. The introduction of the SK 2012 in 1982 was a key development in this area. These advancements reflected Sennheiser’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the performance and reliability of its products.

### The Evolution of Digital Technology

The transition to digital technology in the late 1990s and early 2000s marked another major turning point for Sennheiser. Digital wireless systems offered numerous advantages, including better sound quality, reduced interference, and more efficient use of the available spectrum. The launch of the Evolution Wireless series in 1999 exemplified this shift. Designed for a wide range of applications, from live music to broadcasting, the Evolution Wireless series incorporated digital signal processing (DSP) technology, which allowed for more precise control over the audio signal.

### Expansion and Diversification

Throughout its history, Sennheiser has consistently expanded and diversified its product range. The company’s portfolio now includes a wide array of products, from professional microphones and headphones to consumer audio equipment. This diversification has allowed Sennheiser to cater to a broad audience, from audiophiles to professional sound engineers.

One notable development in recent years has been the growth of the consumer electronics segment. The introduction of the Momentum series of headphones in 2012 marked Sennheiser’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio products for everyday use. These headphones combined stylish design with superior sound quality, appealing to a new generation of consumers.

### Research and Development

Sennheiser’s commitment to research and development has been a driving force behind its success. The company invests heavily in R&D, with a focus on developing new technologies and improving existing products. This commitment is exemplified by the opening of the Innovation Campus in Wedemark, Germany, in 2015. The campus serves as a hub for research and development, bringing together engineers, designers, and acousticians to collaborate on new projects.

### Environmental Responsibility

In recent years, Sennheiser has also placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. This commitment to sustainability reflects Sennheiser’s broader mission to create products that are not only exceptional in performance but also responsible in their production.

### Challenges and Adaptation

Despite its many successes, Sennheiser has faced its share of challenges. The rapidly changing technology landscape, increased competition, and shifting consumer preferences have all posed significant hurdles. However, the company’s ability to adapt and innovate has allowed it to navigate these challenges effectively. The decision to spin off the consumer electronics business in 2021, forming a partnership with Sonova, is an example of how Sennheiser has adapted to changing market dynamics while continuing to focus on its core strengths in professional audio.

### Conclusion

The history of Sennheiser is a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. From its humble beginnings in a farmhouse in Wennebostel to its current status as a global leader in audio technology, Sennheiser has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in sound. Through continuous innovation and a steadfast dedication to excellence, Sennheiser has not only shaped the audio industry but has also set the standard for what high-quality audio equipment should be. As the company looks to the future, it remains well-positioned to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence in the world of audio.