You don't have to talk to Sennheiser Marketing Manager Dan Woodall for long to get the impression that he believes in his product. Sennheiser make sound equipment for the discerning audiophile. They have headphones from the HE 1, with "truly life-changing audio reproduction", to the HD800S, which is "virtually an industry standard". Their mics cover a range of recording needs "from models aimed more at the project studio through to top-flight mics for the most critical classical recordings". He cites specifically the MK4, with its "super smooth sound and low noise... You'll find it for around $300, which is a bargain for a true top-quality professional mic that any engineer would be happy to have in their studio".
"It's what we do," say Woodall. "We don't make TVs, or phones, or toasters. We specialise in sound, and we are the best at what we do."
HE 1s and MK4s aside though, the latest creation from Sennheiser's best and brightest is the D1. "D1 is the next generation digital wireless microphone system. Built from the ground up for live use, it features extraordinary sound quality, a choice of capsules, on-board EQ/de-essing and control via an iOS app.
"Working in the license-free 2.4GHz band for operation anywhere in Australia and NZ, the system automatically scans the RF environment 133 times per second, optimising signal strength and if necessary moving transmission channels for flawless audio. Up to 15 channels of D1 can be used simultaneously, with the system automatically looking after frequency allocation."
You can show up, then "Just turn the system on, wait for the green light - and go for your performance, knowing the audio will be perfect. No hassles, no set-up, no drop outs. Concentrate on your performance, not your gear."
When Woodall describes the D1, it sounds almost like the little black dress in a live musician's arsenal. "D1 is specifically designed for use on smaller stages, and by bands who do not have lots of time to set up, or don't have a sound engineer. You just turn it on, and it works. Every time, anywhere you go. If you are a singer or guitarist who wants freedom of movement on stage, and doesn't want technical hassles - then it's the system for you."
