Sennheiser Xsw 1‑ME3‑A Wireless Headset Microphone System | me 3 Cardioid Headset | True Diversity Receiver | 10 Compatible Channels | ideal For Fitness Instructors, Stage Performers & Presentations

Sennheiser XSW 1-ME3-A Wireless Headset Microphone System

The Sennheiser XSW 1-ME3-A is a UHF wireless headset system for singers, presenters, fitness instructors and performers who need both hands free. The set combines an EM XSW 1 receiver, a compact SK XSW bodypack transmitter and the ME 3-II cardioid condenser headmic, in the A range of 548 to 572 MHz. Automatic frequency management and one-touch synchronisation get the system working in minutes, with up to 10 compatible channels when several systems run together.

Key features

• ME 3-II cardioid condenser headmic for hands-free speech and singing
• A range UHF transmission, 548 to 572 MHz, with up to 10 compatible channels
• Antenna-switching diversity reception with integrated antennas
• Automatic frequency management and synchronisation via remote channel
• Approx. 10 hours of transmitter operation from two AA batteries
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced 6.3 mm jack receiver outputs

The ME 3-II headmic

The ME 3-II is a condenser headset microphone with a cardioid pick-up pattern. Because the capsule sits at a fixed distance from the mouth, the voice level stays consistent as the wearer turns, moves or demonstrates, which is why this format suits fitness classes, theatre and active presenting. The cardioid pattern concentrates on the voice and rejects sound arriving from the sides and rear, helping feedback control. Microphone sensitivity is 1.5 mV per Pa, and the system handles up to 150 dB SPL for peak deviation, so loud singing close to the capsule is accommodated.

The wireless link

Transmission is wideband FM with 10 mW RF output power and a switching bandwidth of up to 24 MHz. Eight frequency banks each hold up to 10 factory-preset channels, and the receiver uses a double superheterodyne design with antenna-switching diversity through its integrated antennas, selecting the stronger signal path to reduce dropouts. Receiver sensitivity is below 3 microvolts, squelch is adjustable from 3 to 28 dB microvolts combined with the pilot tone, and synchronisation between transmitter and receiver uses a 2.4 GHz remote channel that is active only during setup.

Sound and outputs

The audio frequency response runs from 50 to 16,000 Hz, the signal-to-noise ratio is 103 dB(A) or better, and total harmonic distortion is 0.9 percent or less. The receiver provides a balanced XLR output at +12 dBu and an unbalanced 6.3 mm jack output at +6 dBu, with a switchable 20 dB line and microphone level so it can feed either a mixing desk input or a microphone input correctly. On the transmitter, the adjustment range of 0 to -30 dB in 10 dB steps lets the input sensitivity be set for quiet speech or a powerful voice.

Hardware and power

The SK XSW bodypack measures approximately 71 x 96 x 28 mm and weighs about 95 g, light enough to clip to a waistband or costume, and its rugged ABS housing is built for stage use. It runs for approximately 10 hours on two AA batteries. The EM XSW 1 receiver measures approximately 200 x 42 x 127 mm, weighs about 340 g and is powered by the included NT 12-5 CW supply at 12 V DC. The box contains receiver, bodypack, headmic, power supply and batteries.

For presenters and performers who move while they speak or sing, the XSW 1-ME3-A pairs a proven headmic with a simple scan-and-sync UHF system that scales to a multi-channel stage setup.