New Sennheiser Wireless Generation coming out?
 

Hey all,
as I just saw on the official Sennheiser page, there seems to be a EW 100 G3 Series
coming out.
If you take a look here you can see that there is already something without text included in navigation:

Sennheiser Worldwide: Microphones, Headphones and Wireless Systems

Does anybody know something about that or am I just wrong with my assumption?

Interesting! When I looked at your link yesterday it did indeed show a page at the final stages of construction about a G3 (alas without a picture of the 'G3'). Today it just redirects me to the official home page with a message saying 'function under construction'.

I know no more than you do but this certainly suggests that a G3 (with whatever feature set it might have over a G2) is maybe just around the corner....

They have to have something to sell to all of those G2 700Mhz owners who are out in the cold!

Dan

There will be a new G3 line coming out sometime next year. I have never heard an exact date for release on this, but have spoken with someone from Sennheiser a few weeks ago, while inquiring about the new FCC rulings and asked him about the upcoming G3 series. he didn't have much info at the time, but did say that they will have a G3 system sometime next year.

It will be very similar to the G2 line, but will improve on some aspects such as pickup range and I think he mentioned better fidelity. But I don;t think that it will be anything earth shattering. Certainly nothing that could help out in regards to possible interference of new deices coming to market for wireless broadband use, PDA's, cell phones, etc., which will be using the wireless white space 500-600 mhz arena.

Thx for the information!
Somehow thats what I expected.So current G2 owners wont really feel they have to update their system.

You were right benni. Here they are. The Sennheiser ew 100 G3 Series.

Sennheiser ew 100 G3 Series

It was announced at Frankfurt yesterday.

The nice thing for the video user is that the camera-mount receiver is now diversity (it uses the output cable as the second antenna).

That's pretty cool.

I was wondering how it could have been diversity with only having one antenna.

I don't know what kind of experiences others have had with the senn ew100 G2, but mine have been pretty bad. These devices are all but useless. Despite my using the search function to try to find a free freq, the RF signal is maintained as long as the xmitter and receiver are 6 inches away from each other. As soon as the talent turns, moves, or otherwise changes position, the RF signal is lost. I spent good money on these wireless sets, and I've found them to be absolutely frustrating and useless. I don't think I would invest in another Senn wireless system.

That's very smart solution!

This sounds like it's more down to you than the equipment, I'm afraid.

It looks like you are in the USA - are you using a version "C"? These frequencies are no longer used for this purpose and this version is now no longer sold in the USA - you could be getting blatted by the new legal user of this band.

An alternative possibility is the transmitter antenna - if the antenna is touching the body you will get an attenuation of the signal by about 60dB - worse if the person is sweating. So try and get the antenna off the body by at least 1cm (1/2").

Transmission can also be affected if the person has any metal fibres in the clothing.

This very short distance is nothing to do with the equipment itself - unless you are unlucky enough to have a faulty unit or have bought a fake off the internet (you *are* sure you have a genuine system aren't you?).

G2 systems work reliably over distances of many metres (up to about 100 metres normally) all over the world and a fault as you describe can only be:-
A) It's a fake
B) Attenuation due to body absorption of the transmitter
C) Too much metal close to the receive antenna
D) You are being blatted by a powerful transmitter close by
E) You have a faulty unit.

I hope this helps.

John,
Given what little information we have to go on, it seems a little presumptious to assume this is operator error. If you do a search, you'll find a number of people in here with similar experiences with the G2. In some areas, the system apparently has a lot of trouble. In my own experience, the G2 has performed reasonably well, but no where near the reliability or range of the AT system. I'm assuming that's what this new "electronic diversity" function is supposed to correct. I've also never heard of fake G2s. This is pretty sophisticated gear. Are you sure fakes exist?

a-Purchased from B&H-one of this site's sponsors/vendors. Doubt that it's fake
b-it fails whether the antenna is touching something or not
c-no metal, unless its my zipper or my tooth fillings. I don't wear a gold necklace... ;o)
d-now, this could be a possibility, however, other locations, several miles from here, fail more miserably than in my studio
e-how can I tell if it's faulty? It has never worked, not from the day I purchased it brand new.

In my experience with RF equipment, this unit behaves like a distinctly underpowered transmitter. The level of brand loyalty astonishes me. I am not thrilled with Sennheiser equipment. It's OK stuff, just not the best on the market. I agree, the AT stuff seems better for the money.

Bill sounds like a faulty unit. I have used my G2 systems (3 of them) in very high trafficked environments and never really experienced a problem.

One quick question though...

What positions are your antennas facing?

Both your transmitter and receiver antenna should be facing in the same direction.
So if your transmitter antenna is facing up then your receiver antenna should be facing up as well. Same goes for downwards, sideways/flat etc.

You might find the best reception is having the antenna face downwards towards the ground, for both transmitter and receiver. The reason for this is that there is less of a distance for the signal to travel before bouncing the floor, than if the antenna is facing upwards and bouncing off of the ceiling or walls.

If you are still having issues with your unit, then you should contact Sennheiser and have them take a look at the unit.

Bill,
The G2 is probably the most used location wireless system in the world, so it obviously works. Still, some people, such as yourself seem to have no luck with it. I couldn't say why. It may be you have a bad block for your area, or even that the unit is malfunctioning. I'd call a wedding or event company in your area (most of them use G2s), and ask what blocks they're on and how well the system is working out for them.

Thanx for the suggestions, guys.
As for antenna orientation, I've tried them all, however, I should note that when the xmitter is belt mounted on the talent's backside, and the receiver is mounted on the cam, it's very difficult to control antenna orientation. There are specific orientations that work, however, they are extremely sensitive and the slightest variation will cause a loss of RF signal. As you must know, dropouts are definitely unacceptable.
FWIW, my freq block is 626-662

Yes - they *do* exist.

Try changing the clip over so the antenna points down - this often helps.

Antenna up and the talent sweating will reduce the transmission amazingly.

Your frequencies are block B.

From what you said, you could have a faulty unit - I would get it checked to be sure.

Thanx John...
I also have a SKP100 G2 microphone xmitter that behaves exactly the same as the ex100 xmitter. That would imply, if there is a problem, it's with my receiver. I'd be interested to try the xmitters with the new diversity receiver, but, I won't buy one until I have more confidence with this system.

These are probably a faulty units or user error. I use my G2s in (RF hell) midtown Manhattan all the time without issue, however due diligence must be used in selecting frequencies, gain staging, ect., But even my Lectros require proper set-up... but are more forgiving.

Hey John,
I'm very curious about the faux G2 issue. Can you point us to any further details about that on the net?

I'm not John but I do know something about G2 knock offs as I work for a Senny reseller and have heard this from the importer's (Syntec) rep.

I believe you can identify fake units by the country of manufacture. If it's not USA then it's a fake. Only the first prototype batch was made in Germany and that's what got cloned, right down to the label. Aside from that they are very convincing knock offs, you'd need to do an A/B comparison on the PCBs to really spot the differences. Performance is not as good as the genuine article so anyone having issues like Bill's should have their units checked out.

There are loads of fakes being sold on the internet - same thing happens with Shure.

The biggest clue is the price, normally.

The early Sennheiser fakes put fake Shure pocket transmitters in the kit with "Shure" changed to "Sennheiser".

They are getting better, though - as soon as someone points out how to spot a fake, they "correct" it.

The fakes tend to be low quality and unreliable, as all the money has gone into making them "look" like the real thinf and nothing on the quality.

In fact it's illegal to use a fake as they do not comply with the telecommunications regulations.

So what if you're using a block C device? What happens then?

Bump?????????

I wonder if the G2 receiver will work with a G3 transmitter in the same band..

Yes - and vice versa (though please bare in mind that G3 has a 42MHz window and G2 has 32MHz).

Sennheiser has a "discount" program based on how long you've owned your block C kit. It's not very good though IMHO but some feel anything is better than nothing. I'm in this situation too.

Although my problems don't sound as bad as Bill's I've also had issues and, like Bill, bought at B&H so it's reputable.

Occasionally I get either a building wall of hiss or some low level (but not low enough) constant noise. I can't find a cause or patterns. It happened before the 700MHz law changes. The issue is only periodic but when it happens it can really drag a shoot down. Yes I check for all the usual suspects including cell phones, electronic devices, bad cables and connections, body placement. There's no obvious rhyme or reason and it's intermittent (infrequent) enough that it would drive a maintenance person nuts trying to track down.

BTW Sennheiser info on counterfeiting is on their own site.

Sennheiser Worldwide: Microphones, Headphones and Wireless Systems

Sennheiser USA - Counterfit

Sennheiser 700MHz rebate news

Sennheiser USA - Headphones, Wireless, Microphones, Noise Cancelling, Reduction, Aviation, ANC, ANR, Audiology Systems, Headphone Listening and Microphone Usage

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/media/p...nge_Rebate.pdf

example

Evolution Series
Rebate Value
 EW 100 series G2 $420 - ($10 x month of ownership)
 EW 300 series G2 $800 - ($20 x month of ownership)
 EW 500 series G2 $1000 - ($25 x month of ownership)
 EM 550 w/two transmitters $2000 - ($50 x month of ownership)

Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G2 systems, C Range - Purchased between January 1, 2006 and January 1, 2008
The rebate value is calculated considering the product series and month of ownership. The new system purchased must be at the same level or higher than the traded in system, otherwise rebate values will be calculated based on the lower system that is purchased new.

Examples:
100 series C range system bought in August 2007, new system purchased in February 2009: Rebate = $420 – ($10 x 18) = $240
EM 550 with two transmitters bought in December 2007, new system purchased in December 2008: Rebate = $2000 – ($50 x 12) = $1,400

after reading thru everyone's recommendation, I've sent my xmitter/receiver off to Sennheiser. I'll let you know what comes of it.

I'll just chime in on my disappointment with my G2 100. Works great at a distance of 6 feet . . . in the field (SouthFlorida) i get interference on channels designated clear. I only have one bank available with clear frequencies (per Sen.'s frequency chart on their website). I scan for clear channels . . . get 3 clear . . . but frequently get intermittent interference at distances over 20-30 feet.
I wouldn't recommend this set to anyone . . . by my experience.

You absolutely should be getting much better performance than that. I think a trip to the repair shop is in order. The G2 isn't top-shelf like Lectro or Zaxcom but it's still fully capable of professional performance - something is definitely amiss.

Either something is broken with your g2, or somebody has started broadcasting on one of your channels. With my G2 I can easily get 100 feet with zero interference. On a whim one time we wired up talent on a mountainside and had perfect reception from well over 1000 feet (line of site) without any hint of static. Granted, this is New Zealand, so the amount of radio interference is far less.

Until you move up to a digital diversity system, the same problems crop up with all brands. If somebody is broadcasting something on your frequency with a stronger source, your wireless just wont work. Since you get it regularly, is there any chance someone else on your crew is using a similar frequency for some other wireless device?

Just a thought. I had an old crappy CRT field monitor that would wreak havoc with any wireless system that came near it. For a long time i just thought that no wireless was reliable.

Mark, I figure that you are either using the Sennehiser A (500 mHz) or B (600 mHz) systems.
Did you happen to check out Sennheiser's Frequency chart on their website to see which system might be best suited for you particular area. For your area either the A or B frequency systems might have been a better choice than what you purchased. For example, in my area of Maryland, the A bandwidth was a slightly better choice. As I saw that there was a bit more traffic in the B frequency for the areas that I shoot.

Overall the C class (700 mHz) would have been best, but as we all know this frequency is gong away.

Knowing what frequencies are in use in your particular area is half of the battle in getting good wireless pickup.

There should now also be a new "G" band for the USA.

Range G in G3 = 566 - 608 MHz

I think there was also a G version in G2 as well.

I'd thought I'd post Sennhieser's frequency USA finder for those looking at what to get for their area.

Find Available Frequencies

@Mark,

South Fla is tough, anywhere near the Miami metro is jammed, not only with the local stuff, but all sorts of additional rubbish from Cuba/Nassau/etc as some radio waves carry very well over water.

I suggest starting with this website... http://74.205.3.123/ff/ and looking up active TV by your zip code. Take special note of stations ending in DT, they are digital. I have noticed that most analog receivers don't "see" digital transmissions when they scan for open channels. Nevertheless using a channel occupied by a digital station *WILL* result in poor performance. A clear channel on the receiver will not show a single bar of RF, and the green RF LED will not come on. If they do, try another freq. remembering to check before turning on the transmitter.

The other possibility is that you units are damaged or defective. I have had broken antenna wires (inside the rubber sleeving-not noticeable at all) that result in very poor reception, but still better that 6 feet. Even in Miami...

South FLA tough?
Try NYC!
The ONLY large block of clear frequencies is in the Class C range. That's why I bought that range. In fact if you set Sennheiser's Freq Finder to 70 miles (the TV Clear range I believe) NOTHING other than Class C freq show up!

EW G2 Usable Channels NYC Radius
 

EW G2 Usable Channels NYC Radius