Evolution Wireless G2

by Skylor Morgan

This year’s National Association of Broadcaster’s convention was full of new products -- especially in the Radio/Audio Hall. There was a continual buzz surrounding a myriad of digital recorders, microphones, wireless, and gadgets galore. It was a great place to get your hands on the latest gear. One of the most popular items at Trew Audio's booth was Sennheiser’s improved Evolution 100 Wireless, called the G 2 (Generation 2).

The first generation of Sennheiser’s Evolution Wireless was an excellent product with a great price point. The G2 is everything its predecessor was and more. Marketed toward digital video users, the Evolution Wireless 112PG2 (portable with omni lav) package is the most popular Sennheiser wireless we sell. It includes transmitter, receiver, omni lav, windscreen, mic clip, 2 input/output cables, and a new addition of a hot shoe adapter.

Sennheiser Evolution Wireless G2The G2 series wireless is available in five frequency ranges. Each Range spans across 36MHz and has nine banks. Banks 1-8 hold four preset frequencies each. Bank nine, which is labeled “U,” (for “User”) will let you set 4 freely selectable frequencies. The advantage of this U bank is the selectable frequencies cover the entire 1440 frequency range! The factory presets allow the user to turn on the unit, scan for open RF and go.

The Large backlit LCD display is a nice improvement on the original 100 series. The size of the display readout is nearly doubled. The glowing green backlight will make scanning, programming, and level checking quite easy. Not only does the LCD look good it also provides a large quantity of important information to the user. You can check the audio level, battery power, and RF transmission power. The menu system is easy to understand and learn. The user can change squelch, pilot tone, display, and audio output to name a few.

The G2 uses 2 AA batteries for the receiver and 2 AAs for the transmitter. The typical consumption for alkaline batteries will provide approximately 8 hours of performance. The change from a single 9-volt (Generation 1) has reduced operating costs for the wireless. Our price for a single Procell 9V is a $1.45 compared to Procell AA’s at 55 cents.

Size has also been reduced. The G2 transmitter and receiver are built in a sturdy metal housing and weigh only 4 ounces each (without batteries). The older version was closer to half a pound.

Sennheiser did a wonderful job improving on a great product. With the popularity and reputation of the first generation Evolution Wireless, the G2 will have no problem taking hold in the market. There is very little competition for the G2 in its price range. Not only is this full package under $500, you will be hard pressed to find another product that sounds as good without jumping another $500!