Sennheiser
Sennheiser XSW 2-835-A Wireless Vocal Microphone System
★★★★★
The Sennheiser XSW 2-835-A delivers the headroom and clarity of an evolution capsule to live vocal work — without the setup complexity of professional-tier systems.
$428.24*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
Excellent live sound featuring renowned evolution microphone capsules
True diversity receiver with metal housing and External antennas
Fully tunable over a wide range of UHF frequencies with up to 12 simultaneous channels
Automatic frequency management and synchronization, Power supply: 2 AA size batteries, 1.5 V
Rackmount kit included
Specifications
Microphone Capsule
Evolution e835 (dynamic, cardioid)
Receiver Type
True Diversity with metal housing and external antennas
Frequency Range
Wide UHF range (A-band: 516–558 MHz)
Simultaneous Channels
Up to 12
Frequency Management
Automatic frequency management and synchronization
Transmitter Power
2 × AA batteries, 1.5V
Rackmount
Rackmount kit included
Color
Black
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- The e835 capsule produces a vocal sound with genuine presence and warmth — it doesn't have the compressed, lifeless quality that plagues capsules on comparably priced wireless systems.
- True diversity reception handles performer movement across a stage without dropouts, which is the single most important reliability metric in live vocal work.
- Automatic frequency management removes the expertise requirement from multi-system RF coordination — the system finds clean frequencies without manual scanning.
- The metal receiver housing and included rackmount kit make this a credible option for installed or touring racks, not just tabletop use.
- AA battery format in the transmitter means zero dependency on proprietary chargers — a practical advantage at venues with short changeover windows.
👎 Cons
- The XSW 2 series doesn't offer interchangeable capsule options — you're committed to the e835 cardioid pattern, so applications requiring a supercardioid or omnidirectional pattern require a different system entirely.
- At moderate-to-high gain, the dynamic capsule's output is lower than a condenser-based wireless capsule, which means the downstream preamp in your mixer has to work harder to reach optimal gain structure.
- The UHF frequency band is region-specific — verify that the A-band (516–558 MHz) is legal for use in your country before purchasing, as spectrum allocations vary internationally.
- No onboard compander setting adjustments are exposed to the user — the system's dynamics processing is fixed, which limits fine-tuning for unusual source material.
Frequently Asked Questions
What microphone capsule does the XSW 2-835-A use, and how does it affect vocal sound?
The system uses Sennheiser's evolution e835 dynamic cardioid capsule — the same capsule found in the wired e835. It has a slightly forward presence peak that adds definition and cut-through on vocals in loud stage environments, with a smooth low-mid body that avoids the thin, brittle sound of budget wireless capsules.
How does the true diversity receiver improve performance in a live venue compared to single-antenna systems?
True diversity continuously compares signals from two independent antenna paths and selects the stronger one in real time, so the audio signal stays clean even when the transmitter rotates or moves behind obstructions. On a busy live stage, this effectively eliminates the dropouts and static bursts that non-diversity systems suffer when a performer turns away from the house.
How many simultaneous wireless systems can operate in the same frequency range?
The XSW 2 series supports up to 12 simultaneous channels within its UHF frequency band. The automatic frequency management system scans the RF environment and assigns clean frequencies, which simplifies multi-system setups significantly compared to manual coordination.
Does the receiver's metal housing affect its rackmount practicality?
The metal housing is a build quality asset — it resists the dents and flex that plastic chassis suffer in touring racks. A rackmount kit is included in the box, so the receiver can be mounted in a standard 19" rack without additional hardware purchases.
What batteries does the handheld transmitter require, and what is the expected runtime?
The handheld transmitter runs on two AA-size batteries at 1.5V. AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries work. Runtime varies by output power setting, but the AA format means batteries are universally available at any venue if you run short mid-show.
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