Sennheiser XSW 2-865-A Wireless vocal set. Includes (1) EM XSW 2, (1) SKM 865 XSW (supercardioid, condenser), (1) NT 12-5 CW, (1) MZQ 1 clip and (1) GA 1 XSW 2, frequency range: A (548 - 572 MHz) - 507150

Product Overview

The Sennheiser XSW 2-865-A is a mid-tier analog UHF wireless vocal set featuring true diversity reception and the e865 condenser supercardioid capsule — a step up in both RF performance and microphone quality from the standard XSW dynamic vocal sets. The set includes the EM XSW 2-A true diversity receiver and the SKM 865-XSW-A handheld transmitter. Operating in the A frequency range (548–572 MHz) with 960 selectable frequencies, this set is designed for vocalists and AV professionals who require condenser microphone audio quality in a wireless configuration with reliable true diversity signal reception.

Product Description

The XSW 2-865-A combines the RF reliability of the XSW 2 platform with the audio characteristics of Sennheiser's e865 condenser capsule, making it the highest-specification vocal set in the XSW 2-A lineup. The e865 supercardioid condenser capsule provides extended frequency response and transient detail characteristic of condenser microphones, with a tighter supercardioid polar pattern that gives improved rejection of off-axis sound compared to the cardioid dynamic capsules found in other XSW sets. This makes it particularly well-suited for vocalists who want a more open, natural sound and for applications where the recording or reinforcement quality of the vocal source is a priority. True diversity reception on the EM XSW 2-A uses two independent RF receiver circuits and external antennas to continuously select the stronger of two signal paths, eliminating the dropouts associated with multipath interference in larger rooms and complex staging environments. With 960 selectable frequencies across the A band, the system accommodates dense multi-channel deployments and provides the frequency flexibility needed to avoid RF interference in challenging RF environments. Infrared sync enables rapid transmitter/receiver frequency pairing. The EM XSW 2-A's external antennas are repositionable and compatible with optional remote antenna mounting for installations where the receiver is not in line-of-sight of the performance area. Front-panel displays on both transmitter and receiver show operating status including RF level, AF level, and battery life. The XSW 2-865-A is the recommended choice for lead vocalists, touring singers, and high-end installation systems where both condenser microphone audio quality and professional-grade RF performance are required.

Key Features

• e865 Condenser Supercardioid Capsule — Extended frequency response and transient detail with tight supercardioid pattern for improved off-axis rejection.
• True Diversity Reception — Two independent RF paths with external antennas for dropout-free performance in demanding RF environments.
• 960 Selectable Frequencies — Maximum frequency flexibility for multi-system deployments and RF interference avoidance.
• External Antennas — Repositionable; compatible with optional remote antenna mounting and distribution systems.
• Infrared Sync — One-press transmitter/receiver channel pairing.
• Front-Panel Display — RF level, AF level, and battery status on both transmitter and receiver.
• Complete Kit — EM XSW 2-A receiver, SKM 865-XSW-A handheld, and power supply included.
• UHF A Band (548–572 MHz) — Stable professional spectrum allocation.

Typical Applications

• Lead vocal wireless for professional live performances
• Touring singer and performing artist systems
• High-end house of worship vocal systems
• Broadcast and studio live performance capture
• Theater vocal leads requiring condenser audio quality

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the e865 condenser and e825 dynamic capsule?

The e865 is a condenser supercardioid capsule with extended frequency response, higher sensitivity, and more transient detail than the e825 dynamic cardioid. The e865 provides a more open, natural vocal sound and has a tighter supercardioid polar pattern for better off-axis rejection. The e825 dynamic is more rugged, less sensitive to handling noise, and more forgiving in high-SPL environments. Choose the e865 for critical vocal applications; choose the e825 for high-volume live stages or less controlled acoustic environments.

Is the e865 capsule interchangeable with other XSW handheld transmitters?

The SKM 865-XSW-A uses the e865 supercardioid condenser capsule integrated into the transmitter design. The XSW handheld transmitters use a proprietary capsule connection and are not user-swappable with standard e-series capsule heads in the way the EW 500 G4 series is.

How many XSW 2-865-A systems can operate simultaneously?

With 960 selectable frequencies, the XSW 2 can support a substantially higher number of simultaneous channels than the XSW 1's 10-channel limit. The exact usable number depends on local RF conditions, frequency coordination planning, and other wireless systems in the same venue.

Can the EM XSW 2-A be used with remote antennas?

Yes. The EM XSW 2-A supports optional antenna extension cables for remote antenna placement when the receiver is rack-mounted or positioned away from the performance area. Active antenna distribution systems are compatible for larger multi-system installations.

Does the XSW 2-865-A require phantom power or batteries?

The SKM 865-XSW-A transmitter is battery-powered (standard AA batteries). The e865 condenser capsule is powered internally by the transmitter — no external phantom power is required.