Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G4 System

Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G4

When it comes to wireless microphone technology, Sennheiser are the creme de la creme. The Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G4 is the fourth generation in a line of wireless microphone systems and is being touted as a worthy upgrade from previous generations. This is because it builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, the EW-G3, which was lauded for its massive success.

Sennheiser decided to release the line of G4 wireless microphones in 2018, the 20th anniversary of the Evolution Wireless systems.

The new line of gadgets promises a broader transmission range, quicker setup time, higher quality sound and longer working time.

The line of Evolution Wireless G4 microphones includes four models namely the 100 Series, 300 Series, 500 Series and the IEM Series.

The G4 100 Series

Sennheiser were focused on designing models that are suited for a particular use, and in the case of the G4 100 series video production and broadcasting is the specialty. It comes in an all-in-one system just like the EW-G3 and other fourth generation wireless microphones but features a fast setup time and simple interface. This system has strong but light aluminum housing, a LCD display for configuration, an Escape button and Blue Sync LED. A G3 rackmount is part of the set and can support up to 12 devices using daisy-chaining.

The G4 100 also has a new frequency allocation that reaches up to 12 receivers using a cutting-edge linking feature although it is compatible with 20 channels. It uses infrared for establishing wireless connection and the transmission range is 100 meters. You can tune up to 1680 frequencies in the UHF domain since the device has 42 MHz bandwidth. The G4 100 also boasts of RF output power of up to 30 mW and can scan for open frequency bands to use. Additionally the G4 100 has an operating time of 8 hours, has a signal-to-noise ratio of 110dBA and both the transmitter and receiver use 2xAA batteries.

Sennheiser G4 300 Series

The Evolution Wireless G4 300 Series on the other hand is best suited for on-stage music performances. A lot of features make this a viable option, the biggest being multi-channel capabilities. It is capable of producing 88 MHz bandwidth and has a total of 32 channels. The RF output power is adjustable and can be set at 10, 30 and 50 mW according to the size of the hall or theatre and/ or local regulations. Just like the 100 Series, the G4 300 is sporting a white design.

Body pack transmitters have moisture protection for increased durability while the receivers are fitted with an OLED display, a user-friendly jog wheel and automatic dimming feature.

Compatible with wireless equipment used for G1, G2 and G3 like the rest of G4 wireless systems.

Evolution Wireless G4 500 Series

Although the Evolution Wireless G4 500 series is similar in design to the G4 300 with OLED display and full-metal aluminum housing, it has more features that make it stand out. It is best suited for the professional sound engineer who wants to produce remarkable sound for high-profile events with a large setting e.g. a concert. The 500 series is also appropriate for large film production since it has a high RF output of 50 mW. Wireless synchronization is simplified by infrared that is used to create the link between the transmitter and the receiver.

Similarities with the 300 Series don’t end here as this unit also has a bandwidth of 88 MHz and a range of 32 channels.

However, the range of frequencies to choose from in a UHF range is higher at 3520 frequencies since the 500 series is intended for handling multiple channels. Another perk is the Ethernet connection included in the unit that enables access to the Wireless Systems Manager (WSM).

The WSM is a program used for high level frequency management that is useful in a multi-channel setup. Sennheiser EW G4 500 can continuously operate for 8 hours and has a plug-on transmitter powered by Phantom power.

Sennheiser G4 IEM Series

IEM stands for In-Ear Monitoring and it is a great fit for talks, seminars, lectures and other gigs that you may want to spruce up and avoid boring the audience. The Sennheiser G4 IEM comes with a half-rack transmitter with full metal housing and an OLED display. Transmission can reach 100 meters with a relatively high RF output of 50 mW that is adjustable to 10, 30 and 50 mW.

You can fast sync wireless devices by holding the components against a backlit infrared IR area which is extremely easy to do. G4 IEM can work with WSM software to control the frequency. The device has only 16 compatible channels and produces 42 MHz bandwidth that is sourced from 1680 frequencies in the UHF bracket. With these features, the IEM unit is leaning close to the G4 100 Series with the only major difference being the in-ear device.

IEM doesn’t share the white body design with the other three wireless systems and it has a gray finish.