Audio specialist Sennheiser launches new generation of broadcasting headsets

The improvements include new design elements that further enhance wearing comfort, improved protection against electromagnetic interference and handling noise as well as higher overall stability for the headsets. The Mark II version of the monitoring headsets will be unveiled in its full range for the first time at the IBC.

The 26-II headset series includes models with a dynamic microphone (HMD), a pre-polarised condenser microphone (HME), a headset with P48 phantom power, a model with NoiseGard active noise cancellation for noisy monitoring environments, a single-sided headset and the HD 26 PRO monitoring headphones. All models are equipped with Sennheiser's automatically opening two-piece headband, while their switchable ActiveGard or Peak Level Protection features ensure that they comply with the EC directive on noise at the workplace.

Outstanding audio transmission A broadcasting headset must provide excellent sound on air, while behind the scenes a high level of speech intelligibility and clear audio transmission are also absolutely essential. Dorit M ller, product manager for broadcasting headsets at Sennheiser: For that reason, we have embedded the already outstanding microphones of the 26 Series into a new mechanical design to further enhance audio transmission. The dynamic hyper-cardioid microphone of the series now has a new capsule suspension system that further reduces handling noise. Various shielding measures have been applied to the pre-polarised condenser microphone to offer even more effective protection against electromagnetic interference.

Improved protection against handling noise is also ensured by the new cables for all headsets and the headphones. Three or four coils in the cable acoustically decouple the headphones from noise interference that is normally transmitted through the cable.

There is now also a special headset for use with audio codec devices: the HME 26-II-100(4)-P48 with phantom power together with the II-X3K1 cable provides interference-free operation with such converters.

Even better wearing comfort The wearing comfort of a headset is just as important as its sound quality, explained Dorit M ller. We have integrated many of our customers' wishes in this area. For example, we have increased the overall length of the headband, provided it with wider, softer padding and designed the end pieces with a different angle in order to achieve a more even contact pressure. But the headset is still as lightweight as always: without a cable, it weighs only around 200 grams - ideal for long production sessions.

The headsets and the headphones now fit even more comfortably and securely due to the 20 wider opening angle of the two-piece headband. For those users who prefer a conventional headband, a wide headband padding is included that converts the two-piece headband into a compact single piece.

Sturdy design The 26-II series also features an impressively sturdy overall design. The new -II cables have been reinforced with DuPont Kevlar , while the headsets' microphone boom, which can be rotated through 180 , has now been made much stronger by the use of new materials to keep it securely in its set position. For single-sided listening, the angle through which the ear cup can be swivelled backwards has been limited to 45 , thus ensuring that the headset fits particularly securely.

The models As usual, the new 26-II Series offers a selection of complete headsets or ones that can be combined with individual cables to suit the application:

HD 26 - PROdynamic monitoring headphones, 100 ohms impedance, 3.5/6.3 mm jack plug

HMD 26-II - headset with a dynamic hyper-cardioid microphone, available as 100 and 600-ohm versions, complete headset combinations with open cable ends, 600-ohm version also with XLR-3/6.3 mm jack plug

HMD 26-II-600S - single-sided headset with a dynamic hyper-cardioid microphone, 600 ohms impedance

HMDC 26-II-600 - headset with NoiseGard active noise cancellation, a dynamic hyper-cardioid microphone, 1200 ohms total impedance

HME 26-II - headset with a pre-polarised condenser microphone, available with cardioid or omni-directional pick-up pattern, as a 100 and 600-ohm version; the HME 26-II-100(4)-P48 version has been specially optimised for codec devices with P48 phantom power

Users can choose from a selection of straight and coiled copper cables, straight steel cables and a cable with a battery pack to supply the NoiseGard system, as well as XLR-3/6.3 mm jack plugs, XLR-4F plugs, XLR-5 plugs and open cable ends.

The 26-II Series headsets will go on sale after the IBC.

Hi res images can be downloaded from here

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