Sennheiser introduces its G3 third generation of evolution wireless technology

Five years after the launch of Sennheiser's G2 series at Winter NAMM show 2004, Sennheiser introduced the third generation of its evolution wireless technology at prolight+sound show 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany. Sennheiser presented the new 100, 300 and 500 G3 series, the new 300 IEM G3 wireless monitoring system, and ENG sets for reporters and filmmakers. The G3 series will also be exhibited at LIMS 2009, London, stand E25. All systems allow for quick and easy set-up. Transmitters and receivers are syn­chronised by an infrared connection, the frequency management function makes more compatible frequencies available, and all third-generation series now have a switching bandwidth of 42 MHz. “As a result, we have an optimum combination of more switchable frequencies – up to 1,680 for the new generation – and a high selectivity,” explained Martin Fischer, Product Manager Music Industry Wireless at Sennheiser.“Reliable, absolutely professional systems that make virtually every­thing possible – that’s how I’d describe the new generation. The evolution wireless G3 systems offer the widest range of performance features in their class.” G3 features reliable technology in a rugged metal housing and improved sound - the system’s audio range now starts as low as 25 Hz. All G3 series now feature a Soundcheck Mode, which previously was only available with the 500 Series. Audio level and field strength level are now continuously montored, with the receiver recording the maximum values for AF and the minimum values for RF. The highly popular equalizer from the 500 Series is now fitted to all series. The operating menu features a “User Level” and an “Advanced Level”. While the User Level offers functions like the selection of the frequency presets and the audio level, the Advanced Level is reserved for more specialised programming that is not performed every day, such as direct frequency selection, reset to factory settings and – for the 300 and 500 Series – synchronisation and warning settings. All portable transmitters and receivers can be powered not only by standard batteries but also by special Sennheiser rechargeable battery packs. The portable devices (excep the plug-on transmitter) are fitted with external charging contacts. “Using rechargeable battery packs has never been more convenient. The battery charge status is securely displayed in four steps," added Martin Fischer. For convenient PC control, the 300 and 500 Series have now been fitted with an Ethernet interface. Connected to a standard Ethernet switch, the rack-mount devices can be directly wired to a PC using Sennheiser’s “Wireless Systems Manager” software which makes monitoring and data management much easier to handle. In order to further improve multi-channel capability, the standard output power in both series can be reduced from 30 mW to 10 mW, making it possible to accommodate even more channels in a given frequency range. The 500 Series also has the highest quality acoustics: the handheld transmitters are equipped with capsules from the evolution 900 stage series, while the clip-on microphone is the legendary MKE 2-Gold.