Sennheiser, the first choice for advanced audio technology that makes collaboration and learning easier, has announced that new components of the EW-DX microphone system are shipping and available to customers. With initial components released last year, EW-DX simplifies professional workflows by utilizing refined technologies to deliver a digital UHF system that can be scaled with ease.

Among the newly available products are a two-channel Dante receiver in a half-rack size, a network charger with cascading, and an active directional wall-mounted antenna. In addition to the new hardware, Sennheiser’s Control Cockpit, Wireless Systems Manager and Smart Assist App software has been updated to include support for the new EW-DX components.

The Two-Channel Dante Receiver
​Adding to the two-channel receiver without Dante, Sennheiser now offers the EW-DX EM 2 Dante, a half-rack (9.5”) two-channel receiver, which allows for various network modes to flexibly integrate into existing workflows. The receivers have a switching bandwidth of up to 88 MHz, which can translate – thanks to Sennheiser’s equidistant spacing – to up to 146 channels in standard mode and up to 293 in link density mode.

The Network Charger with Cascading ​
​Earlier this year, CHG 70N, a non-cascading variant of the EW-DX 2-bay network charger, began shipping to customers. Today, Sennheiser announces the replacement for CHG 70N, a network charger that can be cascaded (up to 5 x network charger units), named CHG 70N-C.

The Wall-Mount Antenna
​The AWM wall-mount antenna is an active directional antenna for use with Evolution Wireless Digital microphone systems. It can be connected to any stationary Evolution Wireless Digital receiver or EW-D ASA antenna splitter. AWM is available in the following product variants:

AWM UHF I (470-694 MHz)

AWM UHF II (823-1075 MHz)

AWM 1G8 (1785-1805 MHz)

The Central Software for Easy Handling, Control and Maintenance
​Sennheiser offers customers the ability to monitor and control its audio solutions with centralized software for a variety of use cases. For customers using EW-DX in corporate or educational environments during lectures or meetings, Sennheiser Control Cockpit version 7.1.0 now includes support for the following new EW-DX products:

EW-DX EM 2 Dante Receiver

EW-DX Table Stand Transmitters (available early 2024)

EW-DX CHG 70N-C Cascading Network Charger

The easy-to-use Sennheiser Control Cockpit provides a global overview of all network-enabled devices at all times. It shows all status information at a glance and makes setting adjustments for one or multiple devices at the same time very easy. ​ ​

For operators in multi-channel live audio environments, such as music or theatre performances, the Sennheiser Wireless Systems Manager 4.7.0 supports all EW-DX products for set-up, monitoring and control.

For convenient operation of smaller set-ups, Sennheiser’s new Smart Assist App version 2.1.1 provides automated setup, operation and monitoring using any iOS or Android device. An intelligent setup function automatically creates reliable wireless connections, no wireless expertise required.

The Additional Components to Come
​In addition to the EW-DX TS 3 and 5-pin table stand transmitters in all frequency ranges, a four-channel Dante receiver with full 19” rack size is expected to be available mid-2024.

We have already seen great adoption of EW-DX in the market and look forward to helping our current customers build upon their EW-DX systems, while enticing new customers with these new components,” says Michael Altemark, Lead Product Manager Wireless, Business Communications at Sennheiser. “By adding Dante enabled receivers, a cascading charger and support from our multiple software control platforms, we are delivering on our commitment to provide the wireless microphone system features our customers need and demand.”

For more information about EW-DX, please also visit www.sennheiser.com/ew-dx-business or www.sennheiser.com/ew-dx-professional.

Austrian Audio has announced MiCreator Studio, an ultra-flexible pocket recording system that combines a condenser microphone and a USB-C audio interface in a compact, rugged design that lets you record what you want, where you want, and when you want.

First and foremost, MiCreator’s microphone maintains the top-notch audio quality that Austrian Audio has become known for. Add to this an audio interface with an additional input for quick-and-easy multi-tracking and optional stereo recording, higher SPL handling than other USB mics on the market, intuitive on-board controls and you have an eye-catching, compact and plug-and-play recording studio in your pocket.

“Many times a quick riff, a scratch vocal, or unplanned content creation is the best performance, so why not capture everything with studio quality sound,” says Martin Seidl, CEO of Austrian Audio. “​Whether you’re at home or on the go, MiCreator Studio always keeps Austrian Audio recording quality within reach.”

Bryan Bradley, President of Group One Limited, Austrian Audio’s US distributor, adds: “This is an exciting new direction for Austrian Audio and we’re excited to put this high-quality mic into the hands of musicians, songwriters, and content creators, making it easier for them to record premium audio whenever and wherever they feel inspired.”

Key Features:

• Plug-and-play USB-C microphone and audio interface
• Condenser capsule for top-notch audio quality
• Max SPL: 130 dB
• Input for connecting a second device (MiCreator Satellite, Y-LAV mic, Instrument) – great for interview situations
• Two headphone outputs: Easily collaborate with fellow musician
• Two gain settings and one knob jogwheel for easy volume control
• ‘FlexTilt’ vertical adjustment of the mic head for ideal positioning
• Latency-free direct monitoring of the mic and input while recording
• Rugged metal housing with changeable faceplates for a variety of colour combinations and customisation
• Austrian Audio Open Acoustic Technology
• Designed and engineered in Vienna, Austria

PRICES, ACCESSORIES & BUNDLES

MiCreator Studio:
MSRP US$199

MiCreator System Set:
The ultimate recording toolkit for music and content creation. Record high-quality audio with MiCreator Studio and Satellite microphones. Achieve perfect stereo recordings with the MiniBar stereo bar. Even customise your look with swappable faceplates. And when it’s time to hit the road, keep your set protected with the custom case.

• MiCreator Studio
• MiCreator Satellite
• All cables
• 2x face plates for each mic
• MiCreator MiniBar stereo bar
• Custom MiCreator Case

MSRP US$299

Both MiCreator Studio and MiCreator System Set come with Steinberg Cubase LE digital audio workstation or Wavelab Cast for podcasts and social media. Plus, Cubase LE is unlocked as soon as the MiCreator Studio is connected to an iOS device.

MiCreator Satellite:
Satellite is a powerful microphone that pairs seamlessly with MiCreator Studio to expand your creative possibilities. Link Satellite and MiCreator Studio via the in/out ports to track two sound sources. Achieve true stereo recordings and capture the energy of the moment.
MSRP US$99

MiCreator Y-Lav:
Lavalier Microphone with an additional headphone jack. Y-Lav turns your MiCreator Studio into a mobile content creation powerhouse. Record two speakers simultaneously by tethering Y-Lav to your Studio. Hear your audio in realtime thanks to the additional headphone output.
US$49

Fifty years after its introduction in 1973, Shure has launched a new member of its iconic SM7 family. Designed for podcasters, streamers, and vocalists, the new SM7dB XLR dynamic vocal microphone delivers the extraordinary sound of the SM7B with the addition of a Shure-designed, built-in active preamp for a simplified audio workflow that removes the need for inline amplification.

More Gain. Simpler Setup. Same Iconic Sound.

The SM7dB provides creators and audio engineers with the exact rugged construction and legendary audio quality of the SM7B, with the addition of a phantom-powered, built-in preamp designed by Shure. This integrated preamp provides a supplementary +18 or +28dB of clean gain, eliminating the need for a separate preamp, and freeing users from the hiss and noise introduced by many audio interfaces when their preamps are driven to the levels necessary to provide enough gain for the SM7B.

Ideal for users of all experience levels, the SM7dB’s additional gain brings the microphone’s sensitivity up to a level optimised for typical audio interfaces. This guarantees users enough gain on hand for their audio to be heard with maximum clarity in a recording, on a broadcast, or while streaming, regardless of their audio interface. For situations not requiring additional gain, users can simply set the integrated preamp to ‘bypass’ to revert to original SM7B performance.

Delivering the smooth and controlled sound of the SM7B, the SM7dB’s wide-range frequency response is perfectly suited to pristinely capture singing, spoken word, and podcasting, as well as loud sound sources, including drums, loud vocals, and amplifiers. Sporting the same EQ controls as the SM7B, the SM7dB’s bass roll-off and presence boost can be applied to best fit the sound source and recording environment.

A dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, the SM7dB is designed to reject off-axis audio, making certain your voice is heard clearly, without distractions. The microphone’s air suspension shock isolation technology and pop filter eliminate unwanted noises and breathiness, while advanced electromagnetic shielding defeats hum from computer monitors and other audio equipment.

“Over the last 50 years, the SM7 microphone family has been adopted by the world’s best recording and broadcast studios, entertainers, artists, and creators,” said Eduardo Valdes, Associate Vice President of Global Marketing & Product Management at Shure. “The SM7dB removes the need to buy an additional preamp, making it even easier to achieve the remarkable Shure sound that has come to define the last five decades of audio.”

Now, users can unlock the superior audio of the Shure SM7 microphone line without requiring the purchase of a secondary inline preamp, streamlining the setup necessary to achieve professional-grade recordings at a more effective price.

Pricing & Availability

The SM7dB is available now in a sleek, black-on-black finish from the Shure website and at select retailers starting at US$499.

Audio-Technica, an innovator in transducer technology for over 60 years, is launching the BP3600 Immersive Audio Microphone, a premium broadcast audio tool capable of capturing stable, three-dimensional sound beds at sporting events, concerts, festivals, movie sets, and more. The microphone has eight compact capsule assemblies with excellent high-frequency characteristics integrated into the body while remaining compact and lightweight enough for single-operator usability and easy setup.

Direct routing is also possible, with no need for additional decoding or latency processing with 5.1.4-channel speaker layouts. This practical, state-of-the-art broadcasting solution captures realistic sound that will bring the recording location directly to listeners without the need for extensive equipment.

The BP3600’s eight microphone modules extend from the body to form a cube with 15cm between each microphone assembly. Each microphone assembly in the eight-channel near-coincident array is equipped with a 12mm hypercardioid capsule to produce ideally separated, discrete signals and deliver immersive audio experiences with ample spaciousness.

When used in typical a 5.1.4 immersive scenario, the four upper microphone channels can be assigned to the upper speaker channels, and the four lower channels can be assigned to the lower speaker channels. This eliminates the need for additional decoding or latency processing during routing.

User-friendliness is enhanced with the main unit’s highly visible colour-coded and numbered channel indicator rings that allow for easy identification of channels. To ensure that on-site setup is simple when time is limited, each microphone assembly features a lock that guarantees precise, repeatable positioning and prevents accidental removal. These connector locks additionally protect the microphone terminals from the elements, including rain, and make disconnecting an assembly quick and reliable. Also included is a safety strap that can be connected to drop-prevention wires when used above spectators in stadiums, auditoriums, or other venues.

The end of the microphone’s grip includes a LEMO 2B multi-pin output connector for attaching the included 8x LEMO-to-XLRM breakout cable for routing the eight channels to a mixing console or audio interface. LEMO-to-LEMO 2B multi-pin connector extension cables are available separately for use between the microphone and the breakout cable to increase the cable run length. 48VDC phantom power is required for each channel.

The BP3600 comes standard with eight dedicated windscreens and a microphone stand clamp with a 5/8–inch 27 to 3/8–inch 16 threaded adapter. The microphone can be quickly disassembled and placed in the included case for easy protection during storage or transportation. Additional accessories, including Rycote BBG Windshields for increased noise protection and Rycote BBG Windjammer synthetic fur covers to attenuate extreme wind noise, are sold separately.

Record, produce, and perfect any sound with Arturia’s all-in-one package. The MiniFuse Recording Pack combines a next-level audio and MIDI interface, accessories, and software. MiniFuse 2 features 2 audio inputs and outputs, MIDI for connecting synths and drum machines, and easy to use controls that work right out the box. Capture voice and instrument recordings with supreme clarity without hassle with the included CM1 cardioid microphone. This comes with a shockmount and pop filter to keep recordings clean and noise-free.

Low-Noise Headphones
Monitor any mix in studio-grade detail and comfortably smash out long sessions with the included EF1 closed-back monitoring headphones — great for home production and live recording.

What’s Included

• MiniFuse 2, a 2-in/2-out audio & MIDI interface
• CM1 cardioid microphone with shockmount & pop filter
• EF1 closed-back monitoring headphones with adapter
• 3m XLR cable
• 6 premium music-making software titles

Premium Software Bundle
All the software and sounds needed to freely explore music production and create inspiring tracks.

• Analog Lab Intro
• Ableton Live Lite
• Arturia FX – Rev PLATE-140, Pre 1973, Delay TAPE-201, Chorus JUN-6
• Native Instruments GUITAR RIG 6 LE
• Auto-Tune Unlimited (3 month subscription)
• Splice Creator Plan (3 month subscription)