At ISE 2015 in Amsterdam, Sennheiser unveiled SpeechLine Digital Wireless, a digital wireless microphone system designed exclusively for speech applications.
“Our aim was to develop the first microphone to be optimally designed for the spoken word and public speaking,” explains Kai Tossing, portfolio manager at Sennheiser Business Communication. “Therefore, we wanted to know exactly which features are the most important, not only for users but also for technicians and decision-makers, and we needed to find out what their special requirements are when it comes speech applications.”
Following detailed discussions with focus groups of users as well as intensive research, the findings were that the most important requirements placed on microphones for speech applications are easy installation and operation, a high level of reliability and future-proof technology.
“In order to meet the needs of our customers, our engineers developed a completely new wireless microphone from scratch,” says Tossing. “Installation, operation and adjustment are easier than those of any other microphone. Once the microphone has been configured, users do not require any audio know-how – it’s already built-in. This enables speakers to focus entirely on their speech during meetings, lectures or presentations instead of having to think about the microphone they are using.”
SpeechLine Digital Wireless has an Automatic Frequency Management feature that automatically searches for free frequencies on-site, eliminating the need for frequency planning in advance.
In addition, Integrated Audio Level Management automatically adapts the system to the application scenario and the person speaking in order to optimize speech intelligibility. Network integration enables the system status to be remote controlled and monitored “at a glance” using the Wireless System Remote (WSR) app, AMX or Crestron.
If wireless transmission is disturbed, Automatic Interference Management automatically and seamlessly switches the system to an alternative free frequency. The lithium-ion battery technology provides a battery life of more than 15 hours. In addition to various flexible charging possibilities, the battery can also be recharged via USB if required.
Speech intelligibility is further optimized by various selectable sound profiles and processing algorithms, such as presets for more bass-intensive male voices or higher female voices.
SpeechLine Digital Wireless operates in the license-free 1.9 GHz frequency band, and no registration is required. It also incorpoates 256-bit AES encryption for additional security.
Systems are available with handheld transmitter or beltpack that accomodates lavalier or headset mics. All three include a mobile transmitter unit – a handheld or a bodypack system, a battery, and a receiver station that can be integrated.
The SpeechLine Digital Wireless systems and the Wireless System Remote (WSR) app will be available in June 2015.
