Sennheiser HS 2 Neckworn Microphone

Product Overview

The Sennheiser HS 2 is a professional neckworn microphone designed for theater performers, television presenters, and corporate speakers who require a secure, hands-free miking solution that moves naturally with the performer's body. Built around Sennheiser's renowned MKE 2 omnidirectional capsule, the HS 2 delivers broadcast-quality transparency in a lightweight neckband form factor that holds the microphone consistently in front of the speaker's chest or chin regardless of body movement. The robust steel wire cable connects reliably to Sennheiser bodypack transmitters including the SK 100, SK 300, SK 500, and SK EW-D series, and is available in beige or black finishes to suit different costume and wardrobe requirements. A short adjustable gooseneck allows precise capsule positioning, ensuring optimal pickup placement for any performer or presenter.

Product Description

The HS 2 Neckworn Microphone solves one of the most persistent challenges in live performance and broadcast miking: keeping a high-quality microphone capsule in a consistent, optimal position on a moving performer without visible rigging or complex attachment systems. The neckband form factor wraps around the performer's neck, positioning the MKE 2 capsule on a short gooseneck at a fixed, adjustable distance from the mouth — eliminating the level variations and off-axis rejection issues that plague lavalier microphones when performers turn their heads or move unexpectedly. The MKE 2 capsule at the heart of the HS 2 is the same precision omnidirectional condenser element used in Sennheiser's standalone MKE 2 Gold lavalier microphones, carrying the same reputation for transparent, natural frequency response and broadcast-grade clarity. The omnidirectional polar pattern ensures consistent pickup regardless of the precise angle between capsule and mouth, making the HS 2 forgiving of the small positional variations that occur during energetic performance. The lightweight neckband construction minimizes the physical presence of the microphone on the performer, reducing the risk of clothing noise or costume interference while remaining comfortable during extended performances. Available in beige (HS 2 BE) and black (HS 2 BK) color options, with both 3.5 mm locking jack and 3-pin connector variants to match different Sennheiser bodypack transmitter input requirements, the HS 2 covers the full range of professional wireless system configurations in use today. The steel wire cable is rated for the rigors of daily touring and repertory theater use, where microphones are repeatedly donned, removed, stored, and re-deployed across hundreds of performances. Precise capsule positioning via the gooseneck neck arm ensures that sound engineers can establish a consistent gain structure from performance to performance, simplifying mixing on demanding live productions with large casts and complex wireless systems.

Key Features

• MKE 2 Omnidirectional Capsule — The same broadcast-grade condenser capsule used in Sennheiser's premium standalone lavalier microphones, delivering transparent, natural sound quality.
• Neckband Form Factor — Wraps securely around the performer's neck, keeping the capsule in a consistent position regardless of head movement or body orientation.
• Short Adjustable Gooseneck — Allows precise capsule positioning for optimal pickup distance and angle, accommodating different performer physiques and sound engineering requirements.
• Robust Steel Wire Cable — Durable construction rated for repetitive daily use in touring and repertory theater environments with high microphone turnover.
• Available in Beige and Black — Two color options (HS 2 BE, HS 2 BK) to suit skin tones, costumes, and wardrobe requirements.
• Multiple Connector Options — 3.5 mm locking jack and 3-pin variants for compatibility with Sennheiser SK 100, SK 300, SK 500, and SK EW-D bodypack transmitters.
• Lightweight Construction — Minimal weight reduces fatigue during extended performances and ensures the neckband remains comfortable across multi-act productions.
• Consistent Gain Structure — Fixed capsule position relative to the performer's mouth enables predictable, repeatable level setting for sound engineers on complex productions.
• Omnidirectional Pickup — Forgiving polar pattern compensates for minor head movements and capsule angle variations during dynamic performance.
• Theater and Broadcast Proven — Designed specifically for the demands of live theater, television presentation, and corporate event applications.

Typical Applications

• Live theater and musical theater — performers requiring secure, consistent miking that moves with them through energetic choreography and stage movement
• Television presentation — on-camera hosts and presenters needing a stable, low-profile microphone that remains correctly positioned during movement
• Corporate events and keynotes — executives and speakers requiring comfortable, hands-free amplification during presentations and panel discussions
• Houses of worship — clergy and worship leaders needing discreet, reliable miking for services and live-streamed broadcasts
• Conference and exhibition — presenters on trade show floors and conference stages requiring durable, repeatable wireless miking
• Opera and classical performance — vocalists who need a neckworn solution that does not interfere with costume or movement

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the HS 2 and a standard lavalier microphone like the MKE 2?

The key difference is the mounting system. A lavalier like the MKE 2 is clipped to clothing and can shift position as the performer moves, causing level variations. The HS 2 neckband holds the MKE 2 capsule at a fixed, adjustable distance from the performer's neck via a rigid gooseneck, maintaining a much more consistent capsule-to-mouth distance regardless of head movement. This makes it particularly valuable for energetic theater performances where clip-on placement is unreliable.

Q: Which connector variant do I need for my Sennheiser wireless system?

The HS 2 BE and HS 2 BK variants use a 3.5 mm locking jack compatible with Sennheiser SK 100, SK 300, SK 500, and SK EW-D bodypacks. The HS 2 BE 3-pin and HS 2 BK 3-pin variants use a 3-pin connector for SK transmitters that require the larger locking connector format. Check your bodypack transmitter's input specification, or contact Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net for guidance.

Q: Is the HS 2 suitable for singers in musical theater?

Yes. The MKE 2 capsule delivers excellent vocal clarity and the neckband's fixed positioning ensures consistent level and timbre even during physically demanding choreography. The omnidirectional pattern also helps with consistent pickup from different head positions. Many musical theater productions worldwide use Sennheiser neckworn microphones precisely because of this combination of reliability and sound quality.

Q: How do I choose between beige and black?

The choice is primarily based on visibility. Beige is generally preferred for performers with lighter skin tones or nude/flesh-colored costuming, as it blends into the skin when the neckband is visible. Black suits darker skin tones, black costuming, or production designs where the microphone hardware is intentionally visible or matched to dark wardrobe.

Q: Can the gooseneck arm be adjusted for different performers?

Yes. The short gooseneck arm on the HS 2 allows the capsule to be bent into the optimal position for each performer's physique, adjusting the capsule distance and angle relative to the mouth. Sound engineers typically set this position during technical rehearsals and the steel wire gooseneck retains the set position reliably through performance.

Q: How durable is the HS 2 for touring productions?

The HS 2 is built with touring in mind. The robust steel wire cable is substantially more durable than the lightweight cables used on standard lavalier microphones, and the neckband construction is designed to withstand the repeated donning, removal, coiling, and storage that occurs across hundreds of performances in a touring or repertory production.

Q: Is the HS 2 compatible with EW-D and EW-DX series transmitters?

The HS 2 variants with the appropriate connector are compatible with the SK EW-D bodypack. For EW-DX series transmitters, verify the connector type required by your specific EW-DX bodypack model. Contact Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net for compatibility confirmation before ordering.