Sennheiser Digital 1092 Wireless Microphone System

by Will James

For as long as I have been doing pro audio - about 30 years - Sennheiser has been as one of the most popular and widely used microphone manufacturers. The company just introduced a wireless guitar/instrument system - the Digital 1092 ($795).

Features

The Sennheiser Digital 1092 system is actually three parts: the model SK1093D RF digital bodypack; the model EM1090D digital receiver; and the optional GA1031AM antenna mount. The bodypack is a rugged aluminum package containing a 4-inch antenna, a unit on indicator, a low battery indicator, a mute switch and 1/8-inch connector (Sennheiser provides the 1/8-inch-to-1/4-inch cable adapter with the unit).

Inside the pack are the sensitivity control, on/off switch and channel selector, as well as the 9V battery housing. The electronic package boasts a 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion with 4-bit shift register and no compression/expansion of signal, thus providing CD quality signal transfer.

The receiver in the Digital 1092 system is equally stout, containing both XLR balanced and 1/4-inch unbalanced output connectors. The front panel is clean and to the point, displaying power on and RF signal present from a matching transmitter that emits a digital signature to the receiver, ensuring proper communication between the components.

Indicators that confirm digital data reception, signal strength and battery strength are also present. The receiver module is powered by a 12V adapter, which plugs into the rear panel. The entire package comes in a durable polymer foam-lined case.

In use

Securely packed in the convenient case, I transported the elements of the Digital 1092 to a weekend show where I was providing audio production. I provided the entire kit to a local acoustic guitarist, and with no instruction whatsoever, he had the RF system up and running in three minutes.

He was most pleased with the ease of assembly and operation, and we both commented on the clean signal quality. I have experienced nasty compression with some wireless units, but that was not the case with the Sennheiser Digital 1092. I was impressed with the system's consistent clarity and performance.

Summary

The Sennheiser Digital 1092 is a solidly constructed wireless system with great sound. It exhibited all the quality I have come to expect from Sennheiser. If you are in the market for an outstanding wireless instrument rig, I highly recommend the Sennheiser Digital 1092.

Contact Sennheiser at 860-434-9190; www.sennheiserusa.com;

Will James, owner and chief engineer of Atlantis Audio and Lighting, is a contributor to Pro Audio Review.