Sennheiser EK 100 G3 User manual

WORKING WITH
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
TO SETTING UP, CONFIGURING AND USING
EVOLUTION WIRELESS G3 SYSTEMS

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APPLICABLE FOR USE IN THE U.S.
CONSUMER ALERT
Most users do not need a license to operate a wireless microphone system. Nevertheless, operat-
ing a microphone system without a license is subject to certain restrictions: the system may not
cause harmful interference; it must operate at a low power level (not in excess of 50 milliwatts);
and it has no protection from interference received from any other device. Purchasers should also
be aware that the FCC is currently evaluating use of wireless microphone systems, and these rules
are subject to change. For more information, call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC)
or visit the FCC’s wireless microphone website at: www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones

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Table of Contents
Introduction .......................................................................... 4
The Building Blocks of a Wireless System...................... 5
The Transmitter.................................................................... 6
The Receiver......................................................................... 7
Antennas ............................................................................... 8
Wireless Monitoring Systems ........................................... 9
Choosing a Wireless System............................................10
Selecting Systems and Components .............................11
Accessorizing a Wireless System ...................................11
Operation: Frequency Considerations ...........................12
Putting Together a System..............................................13
Four Channel Wireless System....................................13
Eight Channel Wireless System ..................................14
Single Channel Wireless Monitor System ................15
Four Channel Wireless Monitor System....................15
Antenna Distribution and Mounting Packages...........16
Frequently Asked Questions ...........................................17
Conclusion............................................................................19
Appendix: Frequency Preset Charts...............................19
Visit Sennheiser's YouTube channel at:
www.youtube.com/sennheiserUSA
to watch several video clips that will help
you set up and operate the evolution
wireless G3 systems

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Welcome to evolution wireless G3
Wireless microphone and monitoring systems have become standard equipment for musicians,
broadcasters, theatre productions, television shows, and sound contractors alike. Sennheiser has
been the industry leader in wireless systems for over 50 years, and is proud to bring its Emmy Award-
winning advances in RF (radio frequency) to evolution wireless G3.
Sennheiser’s evolution wireless G3 systems elegantly solve two classic challenges: avoiding
interference and building complex, multi-channel systems. Sennheiser evolution wireless G3 offers
1,680 tunable UHF frequencies across 42 MHz and an easy-to-use “Easy Setup” function that scans
for interference and recommends “free” frequencies that will yield the most reliable operation.
For setting up multi-channel systems, evolution wireless G3 includes 20 banks of coordinated
frequencies, each set calculated to work together without interference – an undesirable effect called
intermodulation. With evolution wireless G3, building a reliable, interference-free multi-channel setup
has never been easier!
From small clubs to boardrooms to Broadway stages or stadium-sized concert halls, Sennheiser
evolution wireless G3 is used with confidence every day by professional users the world over.
About UHF Wireless
Sennheiser wireless systems operate in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) range. UHF is the most
common, most reliable format for wireless systems today. Within the US, wireless systems are
allowed to operate from 470 – 698 MHz. Within this available spectrum, Sennheiser evolution
wireless G3 systems are available in three frequency ranges: A(516-558 MHz), G(566-608 MHz),
B(626-668 MHz)

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The Building Blocks of a Wireless System
Every wireless system consists of three main components:
1) Transmitter
The transmitter accepts a (mic or line) input signal, converts it into an RF
(radio frequency) signal, and then transmits it.
2) Receiver
The receiver picks up the transmitted RF signal, converts it back into an audio signal,
and then outputs it for mixing and amplification.
3) Antennas
Antennas handle the sending and receiving of the RF signal between the two components.
Antennas may be either active or passive, depending on the system configuration.
A1031-U
Passive Omnidirectional
UHF Antenna
A2003-UHF
Passive Directional
UHF Antenna
G3 EM Rack-Mount Receiver G3 EK Camera-Mount Receiver
G3 SKM Handheld Transmitter G3 SKP Plug-On Transmitter G3 SK Bodypack Transmitter

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The Transmitter
The transmitter has a fairly straightforward job: take a microphone or line-level input signal, convert
it into an RF signal, and transmit it. It sounds easy, but there are a number of variables involved in
producing accurate and dependable transmissions.
Professional events demand reliability and extensive operating range, regardless of conditions.
Sennheiser’s evolution wireless G3 transmitters meet that challenge with 30 mW of output power,
which can deliver approximately 300 feet of operating range (line of sight) in a good RF environment.
With rugged metal housings, G3 series transmitters are built to endure wear-and-tear, for consistent
results, night after night.
To preserve every nuance of your performance, evolution wireless G3 employs a proprietary noise-
reduction system called HDX™, which maximizes audio quality and avoids the noise inherent in most
RF systems. HDX™ converts the analog audio signal to RF and back to analog again, all with stunning
accuracy and quality. With a wide frequency response of 25 Hz to 18 kHz (line), evolution wireless G3
sounds as good as our wired microphones.
There are three basic types of wireless transmitters:
1) Handheld transmitters
Handhelds are the most recognizable form of
transmitter, most closely resembling traditional wired
microphones. All evolution wireless G3 handheld
transmitters (SKM 100 G3, SKM 300 G3, and SKM 500
G3) are designed to offer exceptional sound, with user-
swappable dynamic and condenser capsules from our
evolution 800 (e835, e845, e865) and 900 (e935, e945,
e965) series wired microphones.
2) Bodypack transmitters
Sennheiser evolution wireless G3 bodypack transmitters
(SK 100 G3, SK 300 G3, and SK 500 G3) offer adjustable
input sensitivity control to complement a wide range of
lavalier microphones (ME2 omni, ME4 cardioid, MKE 2
Gold omni), headmics (ME3-ew, HSP4-ew, Ear Set 4-ew),
or line-level signals such as electric guitars and basses.
With compact, rugged designs, bodypack transmitters
are commonly used in musicals, theatrical stages, film
and television sets.
3) Plug-on transmitters
Plug-on transmitters are often used on location news-
casts, reality TV, and movie sets to convert traditional
wired microphones or line level signals into wireless
devices. The SKP 100 G3 plug-on is ideal suited for dy-
namic mics, such as the MD 42 or MD 46. For condenser
mics requiring 48v phantom power, such as the MKH
416 shotgun microphone, Sennheiser also offers the
phantom power-equipped SKP 300 G3.
ME2 and 4
Lavalier Mics G3 Bodypack Transmitter
ME3 Headset Mic
G3 Handheld Transmitter
G3 Plug-On Transmitter

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Sennheiser’s G3 portable transmitters can operate for up to 8 hours on a pair of AA batteries. Audio
and RF transmission quality is never compromised as batteries run down, thanks to dedicated
circuitry that maintains a constant internal system voltage. G3 transmitters also relay battery
strength to their receivers, allowing sound engineers to remotely monitor battery life at a glance. G3
handheld and bodypack transmitters also feature external charging contacts, for use with optional
BA 2015 rechargeable battery packs and the L 2015 charging station.
The Receiver
The heart of every wireless system, the receiver is designed to pick up an RF signal sent from
the transmitter, convert it back into an audio signal, and output it for mixing, recording, and
amplification.
There are two basic types of wireless receivers:
1) Fixed (rack-mount) receivers
The most common version, G3 series fixed receivers (EM 100 G3, EM 300 G3, and EM 500 G3)
are compact, half-rack sized units which can be mounted in standard 19” equipment racks using
the optional GA3 rack-mount adapter. Sennheiser employs True Diversity antenna technology
in its G3 rack-mount receivers, to ensure the most stable, uninterrupted wireless reception.
True Diversity receivers contain two independent tuning modules and a comparison circuit
that continuously routes the stronger signal to the receiver’s output. Put simply, True Diversity
maximizes system reliability.
2) Portable (camera-mount) receivers
Portable receivers are used in film, television, and video applications to wirelessly feed audio
into a video camera or other portable recording device. The EK 100 G3 portable camera-mount
receiver is compact, lightweight, battery-powered, and can mount directly onto a wide variety
of motion-picture or video cameras which have a standard shoe mount. Adaptive Diversity
antenna technology is featured on evolution wireless G3 portable receivers to increase stability.
In Adaptive Diversity, the receiver utilizes the output cable as a secondary antenna, enhancing
reception and reducing dropouts.
G3 Rack-mountable Receiver G3 Portable Receiver

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Antennas
For basic wireless applications, the supplied antenna rods provide excellent results. For more
complicated systems, remote antennas can further enhance reliability and reception.
There are two common remote antennas used for multi-channel systems:
1) Omnidirectional Antennas
Omnidirectional antennas, such as the passive A1031-U, receive or radiate
UHF signals in a circular, ‘donut’ shaped pattern. Omnidirectional antennas
are an excellent choice for indoor applications and situations where the
transmitter’s range of movement is unpredictable.
2) Directional Antennas
Directional antennas, such as the passive A2003-UHF, provide superior
passive forward gain and ‘reach’ by suppressing unwanted RF signals
from behind. Directional antennas excel in outdoor applications and
situations where the transmitter’s range of movement is contained to
a specific area, such as a stage.
Remote antennas often enhance system performance through better placement. Stand-mountable
remote antennas can be located physically higher than antenna rods, which improves line of sight
and reduces disruptive reflections. Wider antenna spacing is also possible, which enhances stability
by maximizing diversity. In multi-channel setups, receivers are often rack-mounted, which can place
numerous metal housings in the transmission path. By relocating the antennas out of the rack, signal
quality can also be significantly enhanced.
In multi-channel applications, the signal from a master pair of remote antennas can be distributed to
multiple receivers simultaneously by an antenna splitter.
Active Antenna Distribution
The ASA 1 is an active, dual 1:4 splitter, capable of feeding up to four diversity receivers from
a pair of master antennas. Two ASA 1s can be coupled together to feed up to eight receivers.
The ASA 1 maintains unity gain by first boosting the incoming signal before passively splitting
it to multiple outputs. In addition to antenna distribution, the ASA 1 also provides DC power
distribution for all connected G3 series receivers, streamlining wiring by eliminating numerous
individual power supplies.
A1031-U
A2003-UHF
ASA 1 Active Antenna Splitter

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Wireless Monitoring Systems
Wireless monitor systems are quietly revolutionizing live sound. In-ear monitor receivers allow
musicians to hear themselves and other instruments while performing, without the need for loud
monitor wedges. Monitor systems not only reduce stage volume and the risk of feedback, they also
provide freedom of movement and excellent hearing protection due to reduced listening levels.
Similar to the wireless microphone systems discussed earlier, wireless monitoring systems utilize very
similar building blocks:
(Rack-mount) Transmitter:
The SR 300IEM G3 transmitter can send either a mono or stereo-multiplexed signal via a pair
of balanced ¼” / XLR combination jacks. With 1,680 available UHF frequencies and easy multi-
channel operation, the system can provide wireless monitoring for every performer on stage.
Robust output power (30 mW) provides extended range and signal stability.
(Portable) Receiver:
The compact EK 300IEM G3 bodypack receiver provides the performer
with clear, interference-resistant monitoring. A unique “Stereo / Focus”
mode toggles between standard stereo monitoring and Focus (mono)
mode. In Focus mode, users can freely adjust the balance of the system’s
two channels to create a custom monitor mix (for example, to create a
balance between vocals with instrumentation). A large, easy-to-use knob
allows users to control volume, while an adjustable Audio Limiter can be
engaged to protect against hearing loss. Multiple receivers can receive
and listen to the same signal, allowing performers to share a monitor mix.
The ew 300IEM G3 monitor system includes Sennheiser’s high quality IE4 stereo earphones, which
provide lightweight, comfortable listening. The receiver can also be used with custom ear molds
(ordered separately) for the ultimate in wireless comfort, fit and performance. The EK 300IEM G3
receiver utilizes Adaptive Diversity, which uses the IE4’s output cable as a secondary antenna,
increasing system stability.
Antennas / Antenna Combiners:
Monitor systems use a single transmit antenna to send
their signal to the receiver. The A2003-UHF passive
directional antenna is an excellent choice for a remote
IEM transmit antenna, particularly in situations where
the performers are in a set location, such as a stage.
For larger systems, Sennheiser offers the AC3 antenna combiner, which can combine up to
four transmission signals onto a single transmit antenna, greatly reducing the possibility of
intermodulation.
AC3
SR 300IEM G3 Transmitter
EK 300 IEM + IE 4

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Choosing a Wireless System
Sennheiser’s evolution wireless G3 line is available in three performance grades – ew 100 G3,
ew 300 G3, and ew 500 G3. All three lines are fully compatible, sharing identical RF technology with
1,680 tunable frequencies, 30 mW of output power and True Diversity reception on all rackmount
receivers. Every component features Sennheiser’s proprietary HDX™ compander circuitry for
crystal-clear audio, and an innovative infrared sync that allows the receiver to quickly program the
transmitter to a new frequency. With the press of the SYNC button, the receiver transfers the desired
frequency into the transmitter, greatly simplifying the setup process.
Looking beyond the shared core RF platform, each series offers unique features that address
increasingly complex multi-channel applications. The ew 100 G3 series offers streamlined, portable
wireless solutions. The ew 300 G3 series enhances control with integrated mute functions and remote
control over Ethernet. The ew 500 G3 series delivers with Sennheiser’s top-of-the-line mic capsules
and lavalier elements, for the best possible audio quality.
EW 100 G3 EW 300 G3 EW 500 G3
Switching bandwidth 42 MHz
Tunable frequencies 1,680
Synchronization Infrared
Noise Reduction HDX
RF output power 30 mW selectable 10 / 30 mW
Frequency Banks 20 Preset (intermod free)
1 User Programmable
20 Preset (intermod free)
6 User Programmable
Channels per Bank 12 24 32
Mic capsules (handheld) e 800 series e 900 series
Mic elements (lavalier) ME 2 / ME 4 MKE 2 Gold
Audio Control (handheld) - Mute button on body -
Audio Control (bodypack) - Optional RMS 1 -
Receiver Display Small / 1 color Large / 2-color
Networkable (remote
monitoring, media control) - Ethernet / RJ45
Squelch Adjustable in 3 levels
(low/medium/high) Adjustable in 2dB steps
One of the most important considerations in selecting the right wireless series for an application is
the number of channels required. G3 systems offer 20 “Banks” of coordinated frequency presets,
known as “Channels.” For reliable operation, all systems in a given frequency range should be set to
the same Bank, each to a unique available Channel. The number of Channels per Bank increases with
the series, up to 32 per bank in ew 500 G3. Larger multi-channel systems will be easier to set up and
coordinate with the more advanced series, like ew 500 G3.
One of the more powerful features found in ew 300 and ew 500 G3 systems is an Ethernet RJ 45
port, which allows users to remotely program and monitor their systems using Sennheiser’s Wireless
Systems Manager software, on either a Mac or PC. When interconnected with an Ethernet switch, ew
300 and 500 series systems can also perform a networked Easy Setup, distributing the results of a
common scan to all connected receivers - resulting in faster setup and coordination.