The Sennheiser XSW-D PORTABLE LAVALIER SET is an easy entry point into the world of wireless microphone audio for vloggers, video shooters, and mobile journalists looking for a camera-mount system that's cost effective, as well as quick and simple to use. It puts world-renowned Sennheiser sound quality in a plug-and-record, 1-button digital system that anyone can operate. Plug it in, power it up, and you're immediately up and running, instantly lightening your workload so you can concentrate on creating.
The set offers the highly popular ME 2-II omnidirectional lavalier microphone along with a bodypack transmitter and a camera-mount receiver, both featuring lightweight, miniature housings. The system connects to a DSLR, camcorder, or a tablet/smartphone (with additional adapter) to capture crisp-sounding interviews or dialog for video shoots.
- The ME 2-II lavalier microphone clips to your talent's clothing and plugs into the locking 3.5mm input on the bodypack transmitter. The transmitter is designed to only transmit signal from a mic (not from a mixer or recorder).
- The exceptionally lightweight and compact transmitter can be easily concealed in a pocket or discreetly attached to the waist with the included belt clip.
- The equally discreet and lightweight receiver mounts to your camera shoemount with the supplied adapter. Connect its 3.5mm output to the 3.5mm audio input of your camera via the included coiled cable.
- You're ready to turn it on and get started, it's that easy.
- The 1-button, 1-LED concept with single-button interface and status indicator effortlessly handles power and linking tasks for you.
- The receiver and transmitter are pre-paired at the factory so when you turn on the system, it works—without the need for any additional button pressing.
- Sennheiser wireless mic systems are an industry standard, prized by professionals for their clarity and reliability. The XSW-D system allows first-time and budget-conscious users to get their hands on genuine Sennheiser sound quality without breaking the bank.
- The ever-popular ME 2-II lavalier microphone delivers a natural sound optimized for speech intelligibility. Its omnidirectional polar pattern ensures that the sound remains consistent, even when the talent's head moves away from the mic.
- Nothing ruins a take like hearing the weather report coming through your mic. Unlike traditional analog wireless systems, the XSW-D digital system operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, away from interruptions and dropouts caused by TV and radio channel interference.
- Thanks to Sennheiser's channel allocation and interference management technology, the system selects the best operating frequency and automatically switches to a clean channel, providing reliable transmission at a distance up to 250' line of sight.
- For optimal performance, users are encouraged to maintain as direct a line of sight as possible between the transmitter and receiver.
- The functionality of this XSW-D PORTABLE LAVALIER SET can easily be expanded by adding XSW-D series transmitters and receivers, as your needs evolve.
- With this set, adding the XSW-D XLR FEMALE TX plug-on transmitter allows you to connect a dynamic handheld microphone for man-on-the-street-style interviews, or a self-powered shotgun mic for booming.
- For clearer speech in noisy environments, you can substitute the included lav mic with a Sennheiser-compatible headset mic.
- Because the XSW-D system operates in the license-free 2.4 GHz band, you don't have to worry about local licensing laws, frequency coordination, and other technical hassles.
- Simply let the system pick a channel for you and start recording, whether you're working at home or anywhere in the world.
- Eco-friendly USB-rechargeable lithium-ion batteries—1-hour charging to reach 50% of battery time
- 5-hour total battery life gives you plenty of shooting time
- Conveniently recharge batteries via USB while in operation or during breaks throughout the day
- Up to five systems can be operated simultaneously in the same environment
- Low 3.9 ms latency with aptX Live codec specifically designed to maximize digital wireless microphone performance
- Mute from either transmitter or receiver
- Multi-pairing lets you quickly switch between multiple transmitters linked to one receiver (note that only one transmitter can broadcast to one receiver at a time)
Sennheiser PORTABLE LAVALIER SET Specs
| Wireless Technology | Digital 2.4 GHz |
| Included Transmitters | 1 x Bodypack |
| Diversity | TDMA |
| RF Frequency Band | 2400 to 2483.5 MHz |
| Max Operating Range | 250' / 76.2 m (Line of Sight) |
| Max Transmitters per Band | 5 |
| Audio Codec | aptX Live |
| Latency | < 4 ms |
| Encryption | None |
| Modulation | GFSK |
| Receiver Type | Camera-Mount |
| Mounting Options | Shoe-Mount (with Included Hardware) |
| Antenna | 1 x Internal |
| Number of Audio Channels | 1 |
| Audio I/O | 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Output |
| Audio Output Level | 12 dB (Consumer Level) |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz to 18 kHz |
| USB/Lightning Connectivity | 1 x USB-C (Bus Power, Charging) |
| Power Requirements | Battery, Bus Power (USB) |
| Battery Type | 1 x Built-In Rechargeable (Included, Not Replaceable) |
| Internal Battery Capacity | 850 mAh |
| Battery Charging Time | 3 Hours |
| Approx. Battery Life | 5 Hours (Lithium Rechargeable) |
| Battery Cycle Count | Up to 1000 Cycles |
| Display & Indicators | 1 x LED (Battery Status, Mute, RF Level) |
| Housing | Plastic |
| Operating Temperature | 14 to 131°F / -10 to 55°C |
| Operating Humidity | 95% |
| Dimensions | 1.1 x 3.4 x 0.9" / 28 x 86 x 24 mm |
| Transmitter Type | Bodypack |
| RF Output Power | 10 mW |
| Audio I/O | 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Input (Lockable) |
| Muting | Off/On Switch |
| Audio Input Level | (Mic Level) |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz to 18 kHz |
| Antenna | 1 x Internal |
| Power Requirements | Battery, Bus Power (USB) |
| Battery Type | 1 x Built-In Rechargeable (Included, Not Replaceable) |
| Internal Battery Capacity | 850 mAh |
| Battery Charging Time | 3 Hours |
| Approx. Battery Life | 5 Hours (Lithium Rechargeable) |
| Battery Cycle Count | Up to 1000 Cycles |
| USB/Lightning I/O | 1 x USB-C (Bus Power, Charging) |
| Display & Indicators | 1 x LED (Battery Status, Mute, Signal Strength) |
| Housing | Plastic |
| Operating Temperature | 14 to 131°F / -10 to 55°C |
| Operating Humidity | 95% |
| Dimensions | 1.1 x 3.4 x 0.9" / 28 x 86 x 24 mm |
| Microphone Type | Lavalier |
| Sound Field | Mono |
| Capsule | Electret Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Frequency Range | 50 Hz to 18 kHz |
| Equivalent Noise Level | 36 dB |
| Maximum SPL | 130 dB SPL Peak |
| Sensitivity | 20 mV/Pa |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Male Unbalanced (Lockable) |
| Cable Length | 5.25' / 1.6 m |
| Operating Voltage | 7.5 V |
| Package Weight | 0.8 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 9.5 x 4.55 x 2.95" |
Sennheiser PORTABLE LAVALIER SET Reviews
Nice, but fragile
We ordered this to use with a MEVO Start camera. It worked great the one time we were able to use it. The camera receiver port seems to have come loose inside the housing. I cannot unscrew the coiled cable from it. I have submitted a RMA. I don't have any other complaints beside this issue. However, I am concerned the internal components will stop working with the port spinning inside.
Very nice!
For the price I'm happy with the quality. Its everything it says it is.
Great lav for observational scenes
Am shooting a documentary with a lot of spontaneous conversations/dynamic observational scenes in it. With only one of these XSW-D lavaliers on the main subject I am picking up all of the conversations in clear and very usable sound. Just got a second pair as I am anticipating a few scenes with more than one main subject plus am going to test it on interviews.
Wedding Videographers beware- the range is very short.
I work on location making Multicam wedding videos at oceanfront destinations. I generally don't work indoors. My usual audio set-up would be a small recorder/lav setup such as the H1n and the MKE lav for the Groom and the Pastor. I received a lot of requests for Live Streams because of the Pandemic. that's why I chose to go with the XSWD system. I use Sennheiser products and generally enjoy using them. However, these aren't very good for my needs. The range on this system, the XLR receiver version, and the stand-alone XLR Rx/Tx kit all suffer from very short transmission range in an open area. I get about 30 to 40 feet max from transmitter to receiver. I picked up my units on sale in September of 2020 and have not had a better experience than what I am detailing here. Keep in mind that I'm working outdoors on the beach with fifty or so guests. I can't be very close because of social distancing. This pushes my distance back from the wedding party. Plus, the radio frequency interference is horrible. This system works on the 2.4Ghz spectrum. This is a consumer product, not a pro product, but it does have a higher than average power rating and supposed intelligent channel hopping. I haven't experienced this. I can't recommend this if you do the kind of work I do. You will be disappointed. If you already have it like I do, then just make sure to get close until you get something better. If you work indoors, then you will probably have better luck than I do because the signal will be constrained to the area you are in. I bought this because I saw reviews where people were getting 100 meters+ straight line of sight distance... not me. more like 12 meters max.
Using 2 together for interview format
I already had one of these, which worked great. Ordered a second one and a patch cord to put the two receiver outputs together into one into the camera. With both receivers mounted on cold shoe brackets on the camera, the mics work perfectly together and are audible through the headphone out jack on my Canon 5D Mk IV. No feedback, no level anomalies..... With great range and good tonality as well as clarity, work well indoors and out minimizing room acoustics and environmental noise. Beats shotgun mic setup hands down. What's not to like?
Perfect Sound in Videos!
Easy to set up and use. People have commented on the sound quality present in my videos! Glad I chose to add this to a camera purchase!
Receiver Died after the 4th use within 1 year!
Bought this in 2020, but ended up not using it weekly as intended. We used it 3 times back in Oct 2020, and the fourth time was this last Wednesday 24 2021... on Friday, today the 26 of November, the receiver simply died, and won't turn on or charge AT ALL! And customer service is unreachable! Won't recommend AT ALL!
Receiver output gain/volume too hot for camera
Basically the title says it all. These types of units are great if you have a mixer that you are plugging into the camera to turn the volume down, but recording a lavalier mic into the camera (I use a Panasonic GH4 at the lowest input volume, -12db) will have your audio clipping and distorted because there is no way to turn the volume down in the receiver. The only reason I was able to salvage the audio from the shoot was because the limiter in the camera somewhat saved the day.