TEST: Sony DWZ M50

 ## Sony DWZ-M50 Wireless Microphone System: A Hidden Gem in the Audio World

It's always interesting to observe how a company name, which is among the most famous in one sector of consumer electronics, can be underappreciated in a related field despite years of continuous presence and high-quality product lines. Sony is all too familiar with this phenomenon. Despite producing high-end reverb units and the legendary Dash machines in the late eighties, the corporation is mostly associated with screens or playback devices in the minds of users.

To bridge this gap in perception, the Japanese conglomerate has introduced the DWZ Wireless Series to their lineup. Manufactured in Korea, the products consist of the DWZ-B30GB, designed for instrumentalists, and the DWZ-M50 system, which I have for testing. The latter comprises a microphone and its corresponding receiver. Both products operate in the 2.4 GHz band, which is exempt from the general unrest regarding carrier frequencies. The signal is transmitted digitally at 24-bit/48 kHz.

A helpful tip: on the Thomann Music Store website, you can view the frequencies used by any wireless system, regardless of manufacturer, along with their worldwide approvals and any associated restrictions. This is an invaluable tool that sheds light on the sometimes chaotic regulations of international radio traffic.

## Construction

The Sony DWZ-M50 package includes the ZTX-M01 handheld microphone, the ZRX-HR50 half-rack receiver with power supply, a microphone holder, and two antennas that are screwed onto the back of the receiver using two bayonet locks. The overall build quality of the package is impressive. Sufficiently thick sheet steel or metal is used at almost all relevant points, suggesting a long lifespan. You'll search in vain for cheap plastic latches or other inferior materials.

All connections on the receiver are located on the rear panel and consist of two unbalanced 1/4" outputs, a balanced XLR output (switchable between line and microphone level), and a USB port for maintenance work. On the front, an endless rotary encoder with push function navigates the menu, complemented by an Esc button for returning to the main screen and the On/Off switch. A clearly readable color display informs the user about all important parameters such as reception quality, transmitter battery status, the selected channel, and any use of the internal equalizer. The equalizer features five bands (60 Hz, 250 Hz, 1 kHz, 4 kHz, 12 kHz), each of which can be boosted or cut by 12 dB.

The system transmits on six different channels, with two transmission options available. In the "Wide" preset, the 2.5 MHz range is used, which leaves other frequency users virtually undisturbed. In return, you have to accept a slightly higher latency. The alternative is "Narrow," which operates with a narrower bandwidth and shorter latency but may potentially interfere with existing wireless networks. The handheld and receiver obtain their optimal channel selection through a scan mode, which in this setup is called "Clear-Channel-Scan."

The ZTX-M01 handheld is powered by two AA batteries and, according to the manufacturer, has an average operating time of 8 hours. A lockable Power/Mute switch allows the microphone to be temporarily deactivated, which is particularly useful during breaks in performance and relieves the sound engineer. The lock can only be accessed by unscrewing the middle part of the microphone. Here you'll also find a digital display for matching the channel to the receiver and a USB port for firmware updates.

The handheld comes factory-equipped with a dynamic capsule featuring a cardioid polar pattern. If needed, it can be retrofitted with a proprietary supercardioid, wide cardioid, or condenser capsule. Third-party capsules from various manufacturers such as Shure or Neumann can also be mounted on the handheld. When unscrewing the microphone capsule, there's also the option to reduce the output level of the microphone via a small PAD switch, offering attenuation of 6 or 12 dB. This allows you to control even Tom Jones-level sound pressure without internal distortion.

## In Practice

Setting up the combination is, as expected, straightforward. The handheld and receiver find each other immediately, with channel selection occurring automatically. In terms of sound, the ZTX-M01 offers a very clear and neutral reproduction of the voice with a slight emphasis on the presence frequencies. Nevertheless, you don't need to worry about constant de-esser use; the tonal design is practical and gives even more subtle voices good assertiveness.

The handheld feels good in the hand, shows good balance, and due to its moderate weight of about 300 grams including batteries, it won't become a burden even for delicate female arms during a longer performance. Signal transmission is stable; even several walls within my studio or a trip to the end of my garden property did not lead to any signal loss. Remarkably, the latency is extremely short and inaudible at just 3 milliseconds, guaranteeing truly immediate transmission. The handheld convinces in both singing and speech applications, shining with an unpretentious basic configuration.

## Sound Quality

The Sony DWZ-M50 system impresses with its audio fidelity. The microphone capsule delivers a frequency response that is well-suited for vocal applications, with a slight boost in the upper midrange that adds clarity and presence to the voice without becoming harsh or sibilant.

In testing, the system performed admirably across a range of vocal styles. From soft, intimate performances to powerful rock vocals, the DWZ-M50 maintained clarity and detail. The cardioid polar pattern effectively rejects off-axis sounds, helping to isolate the vocalist's performance and reduce the risk of feedback in live situations.

The system's digital transmission ensures that the audio quality remains consistent throughout the operating range. There's no degradation of signal quality as you move away from the receiver, which is sometimes an issue with analog wireless systems.

The built-in equalizer in the receiver is a valuable tool for fine-tuning the sound to suit different voices or to compensate for room acoustics. With its five bands, it offers enough flexibility to make meaningful adjustments without becoming overly complex.

## Range and Reliability

One of the standout features of the DWZ-M50 is its impressive range. In open-air tests, the system maintained a stable connection at distances exceeding 60 meters (about 200 feet). Even in more challenging environments with walls and other obstacles, the range remained more than adequate for most live performance scenarios.

The 2.4 GHz band, while more crowded than traditional UHF bands, proved to be surprisingly robust. The Clear-Channel-Scan feature effectively identified and locked onto the clearest available frequencies, minimizing interference even in RF-dense environments.

During extended use, the system demonstrated excellent reliability. There were no dropouts or unexpected disconnections, even when other wireless devices were in use nearby. This level of dependability is crucial for professional applications where signal loss is not an option.

## Battery Life

Sony's claim of 8 hours of battery life from two AA batteries proved to be conservative in our tests. With fresh alkaline batteries, we consistently achieved over 9 hours of continuous use before the low battery indicator appeared. This is more than enough for most performance scenarios, though for longer events or heavy users, rechargeable NiMH batteries could be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.

The battery life indicator on both the handheld transmitter and the receiver display was accurate and provided ample warning before power depletion, allowing for timely battery changes.

## Versatility

While the DWZ-M50 is primarily designed for vocal applications, its versatility shouldn't be overlooked. The ability to swap out the microphone capsule opens up a range of possibilities. For instance, using a supercardioid capsule could provide better isolation in noisy stage environments, while a condenser capsule might be preferred for capturing more nuanced performances in controlled settings.

The switchable output level on the receiver (between mic and line level) adds to the system's flexibility, allowing it to interface seamlessly with a wide range of audio equipment from mixing consoles to camera inputs for video production.

The inclusion of both XLR and 1/4" outputs on the receiver is a thoughtful touch, ensuring compatibility with virtually any audio setup without the need for adapters.

## User Interface and Ease of Use

Sony has done an excellent job with the user interface of the DWZ-M50 system. The color display on the receiver is bright, clear, and provides all the necessary information at a glance. The menu system, navigated by the rotary encoder, is intuitive and easy to use, even for those who might be less technically inclined.

The automatic pairing between the transmitter and receiver is a time-saver, especially in fast-paced live environments. The Clear-Channel-Scan feature, which automatically selects the best available frequency, works quickly and effectively, reducing setup time and potential for user error.

The lockable power/mute switch on the handheld transmitter is a smart feature that prevents accidental muting or power-off during performance. While the lock can only be engaged by partially disassembling the microphone, this design ensures that it won't be accidentally toggled.

## Comparison with Competitors

In its price range, the Sony DWZ-M50 competes with systems from established pro audio brands like Shure, Sennheiser, and Audio-Technica. While these brands may have more name recognition in the professional audio world, the DWZ-M50 holds its own in terms of features and performance.

Compared to similarly priced systems, the Sony offers comparable or better sound quality, and its range and reliability are on par with the best in its class. The inclusion of a 5-band EQ in the receiver is a standout feature that many competitors don't offer at this price point.

Where some competitors might have an edge is in their ecosystem of compatible products or in the availability of alternative capsules. However, Sony's openness to third-party capsules somewhat mitigates this disadvantage.

## Value for Money

Considering its feature set, build quality, and performance, the Sony DWZ-M50 represents excellent value for money. At a street price under 600 euros, it offers capabilities that are often only found in systems costing significantly more.

The robust construction suggests that this is a system built to last, which should be factored into any value calculation. Additionally, the flexibility offered by the interchangeable capsule design and the built-in EQ adds to the long-term value of the system.

## Potential Improvements

While the DWZ-M50 is an impressive system overall, there are a few areas where improvements could be made in future iterations:

1. Including a carrying case would be a welcome addition, especially for users who frequently transport their equipment.

2. The ability to use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, perhaps with a charging dock, could appeal to heavy users and venues.

3. While the 2.4 GHz band performs well, offering a UHF option could broaden the system's appeal in markets where 2.4 GHz wireless use is more restricted.

4. Expanding the range of proprietary capsules would give users more options without needing to look to third-party manufacturers.

## Conclusion

For those willing to look beyond the big names in the transmitter segment, Sony has a real bargain on hand with the DWZ-M50 package. With a street price under 600 euros, the system sits in the mid-price range but can boast features that are generally only included in the scope of delivery from a four-digit price point upwards.

The build quality of the Japanese manufacturer's Made in Korea product is very good and suggests a long service life. In terms of sound, the handheld asserts itself in practice through its neutral to brilliant tuning and covers a correspondingly wide range of vocal applications. The PAD switch also allows you to tame very loud voices accordingly, even before the signal starts its journey to the receiver.

The Sony DWZ-M50 is a product worth testing, one that doesn't need to shy away from comparison with other providers. It offers professional-grade features and performance at a price point that makes it accessible to a wide range of users, from ambitious amateurs to working professionals.

Its combination of sound quality, reliability, and user-friendly features makes it a strong contender in the competitive wireless microphone market. While it may lack the brand recognition of some competitors in the pro audio space, the DWZ-M50 proves that Sony's expertise in consumer electronics translates well to professional audio products.

For venues, houses of worship, educational institutions, or touring performers looking for a dependable wireless system that won't break the bank, the Sony DWZ-M50 deserves serious consideration. It's a reminder that sometimes the best solutions come from unexpected places, and that it pays to look beyond the usual suspects when choosing audio equipment.

In an era where wireless spectrum is becoming increasingly crowded and regulated, the DWZ-M50's use of the 2.4 GHz band also offers a degree of future-proofing. As traditional UHF bands become more restricted, systems like this may become increasingly attractive options.

Ultimately, the Sony DWZ-M50 is a testament to the company's engineering prowess and understanding of user needs. It's a system that punches above its weight class and serves as a worthy ambassador for Sony in the professional audio world. For those in the market for a new wireless microphone system, the DWZ-M50 is not just an option to consider – it's one that could very well end up being your top choice.