Sennheiser EW 500 G4-Ci1 Wireless Guitar System

Product Overview

The Sennheiser EW 500 G4-Ci1 is a complete professional wireless instrument system built around the evolution wireless G4 500 series platform. It pairs the SK 500 G4 bodypack transmitter with the Ci1 compact instrument cable — a clip-in jack plug transmitter that connects directly into a guitar or bass output jack, eliminating the need for a separate cable between instrument and bodypack. The system includes the EM 500 G4 true diversity half-rack receiver, delivering up to 88 MHz bandwidth, up to 32 compatible channels, and Ethernet connectivity for Wireless Systems Manager software. Designed for guitarists, bass players, and acoustic instrument performers who demand professional reliability on stage.

Product Description

The EW 500 G4-Ci1 addresses one of the most practical challenges in wireless instrument performance: cable management between the instrument and transmitter. The included Ci1 clip-in instrument cable plugs directly into the guitar’s output jack, and the SK 500 G4 bodypack clips securely to a strap or belt without any additional instrument cable trailing between the two. This streamlined setup reduces setup time and eliminates a common failure point. The SK 500 G4 bodypack offers adjustable RF output power up to 50 mW in three steps (10/30/50 mW), compliant with regional regulations, and uses the HDX compander for transparent audio reproduction with low noise and wide dynamic range. Audio latency measures less than 3 ms, ensuring the signal feels live and responsive under any playing conditions. On the receiver side, the EM 500 G4 is a half-rack true diversity unit in an all-metal housing with an intuitive OLED display. Its 3,520 selectable frequencies across up to 88 MHz of bandwidth allow flexible frequency coordination even in congested RF environments. An Ethernet port enables integration with Sennheiser’s Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) software for advanced frequency management in multi-channel productions. The included GA 3 rack mount kit converts the half-rack receiver to a standard 1 RU rack-mount installation. Infrared synchronization between transmitter and receiver enables fast, accurate frequency matching at the start of each show. Available in two frequency bands to accommodate regional spectrum allocations.

Key Features

• Ci1 Clip-In Instrument Cable — Plugs directly into the guitar output jack; no separate instrument-to-bodypack cable required.
• SK 500 G4 Bodypack Transmitter — Compact, robust bodypack with adjustable RF output up to 50 mW (10/30/50 mW steps).
• EM 500 G4 True Diversity Receiver — Half-rack all-metal housing with OLED display; mounts in standard 1 RU rack with included GA 3 kit.
• Up to 88 MHz Switching Bandwidth — 3,520 selectable frequencies for dense multi-channel coordination in busy RF environments.
• Up to 32 Compatible Channels — Enables large-scale simultaneous wireless system deployments on a single stage.
• HDX Compander — High-performance dynamic compression for transparent, low-noise audio reproduction.
• Less Than 3 ms Audio Latency — Near-zero latency ensures live, responsive feel for guitarists and bass players.
• Ethernet Connectivity — Integrates with Sennheiser Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) software for advanced frequency coordination.
• Infrared Sync — One-touch frequency synchronization between transmitter and receiver for fast setup.
• Tunable UHF Range — Stable UHF operation; fully tunable within the selected frequency band.
• GA 3 Rack Mount Kit Included — Converts the half-rack receiver to a standard 1 RU rack-mount configuration.
• Two Frequency Band Options — Available in AW+ (470–558 MHz) and GW1 (558–608 MHz) to suit regional spectrum requirements.

Typical Applications

• Electric guitar and bass guitar performers on touring and festival stages
• Acoustic guitar and stringed instrument players requiring cable-free movement
• Club and theater productions with multi-channel wireless instrument setups
• Broadcast and television performances requiring reliable instrument wireless
• Rehearsal studios and performing arts schools with shared wireless systems
• Corporate events and private concerts where simplified setup is a priority

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Ci1 cable and how does it connect to a guitar?

The Ci1 is a compact clip-in instrument cable with a standard 1/4" jack plug. It plugs directly into your guitar’s output jack, and the cable body clips onto the SK 500 G4 bodypack transmitter. No additional instrument cable is needed between the guitar and the transmitter.

Q: What is the audio latency of the EW 500 G4-Ci1 system?

The system operates at less than 3 ms of audio latency, which is imperceptible during live performance and ensures a natural, responsive feel for guitarists and bass players.

Q: How many wireless systems can run simultaneously with the EW 500 G4?

The EM 500 G4 receiver supports up to 32 compatible channels simultaneously, making the system scalable for large productions with multiple wireless instruments and microphones.

Q: Does the EW 500 G4-Ci1 work with bass guitars?

Yes. The SK 500 G4 bodypack and HDX compander are designed to faithfully reproduce the full frequency range of both electric guitar and bass guitar signals.

Q: What is Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) and how does it connect?

WSM is Sennheiser’s software for coordinating and monitoring multiple wireless channels from a computer. The EM 500 G4 connects via its Ethernet port for advanced frequency scanning, assignment, and real-time monitoring in multi-channel setups.

Q: What frequency bands are available?

The EW 500 G4-Ci1 is available in AW+ (470–558 MHz) and GW1 (558–608 MHz). Select the band appropriate for your region’s licensed spectrum allocation.

Q: Does the system include a rack mount?

Yes. The GA 3 rack mount kit is included, converting the half-rack EM 500 G4 receiver into a standard 1 RU rack-mount unit.

Q: Is the SK 500 G4 transmitter compatible with other ew G4 microphone capsules?

The SK 500 G4 bodypack is designed to work within the evolution wireless G4 ecosystem. For instrument use, the Ci1 cable is the standard connection; other capsule and cable accessories for the G4 platform are available separately.