Sennheiser AVX System Manual

Special Note
This manual is for the entire AVX system. It covers how to use SKM AVX, SKM AVX-S, or SK AVX transmitters with the AVX EKP receiver. Note that your rental includes only the following:
• Sennheiser AVX Digital Bodypack Transmitter (CH 8)
• AVX EKP Camera Plug-On Digital Wireless Receiver (CH 8)

Important Safety Information

Safety Instructions

1. Read these safety instructions and the instruction manuals of the products.
2. Keep these safety instructions and the instruction manuals of the products. Always include these safety instructions and the instruction manuals when passing the products on to third parties.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use the products near water.
6. Do not operate near any heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
7. Only operate the products from the types of power source specified in the chapter "Specifications" on page 30 and indicated on the power supply unit.
8. Unplug the power supply units from the wall socket, to completely disconnect the products from the power supply system, during lightning storms or when not using the products for long periods of time.
9. Always ensure that the power supply units are in a safe operating condition and easily accessible, properly plugged into the wall socket, only operated within the permissible temperature range, not covered or exposed to direct sunlight for longer periods of time in order to prevent heat accumulation.
10. Protect the power cords from being walked on or pinched, particularly at the points where they exit from wall sockets, power supply units and products.
11. Only use attachments, accessories or spare parts specified by Sennheiser.
12. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the products have been damaged in any way, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the products, when the products has been exposed to rain or moisture, do not operate normally, or have been dropped.
13. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the products to rain or moisture.
14. Do not expose the products to dripping or splashing. Ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the products.

Safety Instructions for Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Batteries

If abused or misused, the rechargeable batteries may leak. In extreme cases, they may even present a risk of:

Sennheiser does not accept any liability for damage arising from abuse or misuse.

Intended Use

The microphones, the transmitters, the receiver and the accessories of the Sennheiser AVX system can be combined with each other and have been designed for use in video recordings in dry environments. In order that speech, music and vocals are transmitted in the best possible quality, the receiver has to be connected, as described in this instruction manual, to a video camera or a DSLR camera with video recording function. The products can be used for commercial purposes.

Intended use includes:

It is considered improper use when the products are used for any application not named in the instruction manuals of the products. Sennheiser does not accept liability for damage arising from abuse or misuse of the products and their accessories.

AVX - Perfect Sound You Can Rely On

AVX is the wireless digital microphone system for your film projects and is ideal for use with both video and DSLR cameras. AVX features self-configuring digital transmission which eliminates time-consuming frequency setup. The ultra compact receiver can be rotated freely around its XLR connector to avoid obstructing other devices mounted on your camera. It switches on and off automatically with your camera, thereby saving battery power. AVX matches perfectly to your camera's input sensitivity without having to adjust the audio level on the microphone. From professional wedding video to documentaries, from street interviews to corporate videos, AVX just works allowing you to concentrate on creativity.

Package Contents

The following table details the package contents for different AVX sets:

Package ContentsLavalier Set AVX-ME 2Lavalier Set Pro AVX-MKE 2Handheld Set AVX-835Combo Set¹ AVX-MMD 42-1
EKP AVX receiver1111
SK AVX bodypack transmitter1111
ME 2 clip-on microphone11
MKE 2 clip-on microphone1
SKM AVX-S handheld transmitter with mute switch incl. MMD 835-1 microphone head (cardioid)1
SKM AVX handheld transmitter without mute switch incl. MMD 42-1 microphone head (omni-directional)1
BA 10 accupack1111
BA 20 accupack11
BA 30 accupack1111
EKP AVX adapter1111
NT 5-10U power supply unit1111
CI 400 adapter cable1111
Microphone stand clamp for handheld transmitter11
Bag1111

¹ Only available in the USA.

Product Overviews

The transmitters and the receiver are available in different country variants:

The country variant can be found on the packaging and on the type plate as shown on the left. Only use the country variant permitted for use at the venue. Do not combine devices of different country variants.

EKP AVX Receiver

Diagram Description: An illustration of the EKP AVX receiver with numbered parts.
1. AF Out button: For displaying and adjusting the audio output level.
2. 4-step LED display: Indicates remaining battery life or audio output level.
3. BA 20 accupack: The rechargeable battery.
4. On/Off/Check button: Short-press to switch on or display charge status; long-press to switch off.
5. Status LED: Indicates radio link status and battery charge.
6. Pair button: For identifying or changing pairing.

When the On/Off/Check button is pressed, the LED display lights up green for remaining battery life or red for audio output level. A flashing red LED indicates less than 15 minutes of operation for the BA 20 accupack.

SKM AVX, SKM AVX-S and SK AVX Transmitters

SKM AVX and SKM AVX-S Handheld Transmitters

Diagram Description: An illustration of the SKM AVX-S and SKM AVX handheld transmitters with numbered parts.
1. Unscrewable microphone head.
2. Display panel: Shows status information.
3. MUTE switch: Mutes the audio signal.
4. ON/OFF button with status LED: Powers the device on/off and indicates status.
5. Pair button: For pairing with a receiver.
6. Antenna: For wireless transmission.
7. BA 10 accupack: The rechargeable battery.

Status LED Indicators:

SK AVX Bodypack Transmitter

Diagram Description: An illustration of the SK AVX bodypack transmitter with numbered parts.
1. On/Off button: Powers the device on/off.
2. Mic/Line 3.5 mm jack socket: For connecting clip-on microphones.
3. Status LED: Indicates radio link and battery status.
4. Antenna: For wireless transmission.

Status LED Indicators:

Transmitter Displays:

USB Power Supply/Charger

The NT 5-10U power supply/charger is suitable for recharging the BA 10 (handheld), BA 20 (receiver), and BA 30 (bodypack) accupacks. It can be used with any USB power supply/charger, computer USB port, or mobile USB power supply (power bank).

Diagram Description: Illustration of the NT 5-10U USB power supply/charger, a USB connector (Type A), and a Micro USB connector.

ME 2 Clip-on Microphone

Diagram Description: Illustration of the ME 2 clip-on microphone with its accessories: microphone clip, capsule, anti-kink protection, connection cable, and foam windshield.
The ME 2 clip-on microphone provides professional recordings with high speech intelligibility. The foam windshield reduces wind noise by up to 10 dB.

MKE 2 Clip-on Microphone

Diagram Description: Illustration of the MKE 2 clip-on microphone with its accessories: microphone capsule, anti-kink protection, microphone clip, connection cable, frequency response caps, metal windshield, and fur windshield.
The MKE 2 clip-on microphone is supplied with a metal windshield (reduces wind noise by up to 20 dB) and a fur windshield (reduces wind noise by an additional 10 dB when used with the metal windshield). Frequency response caps can be used to adjust the microphone's treble response.

Putting the Products into Operation

Avoiding Sources of Interference

The AVX system features automatic interference management, automatically moving to unused frequencies in the 1.9 GHz band without audio interruption. However, the number of usable radio links is reduced if active interference sources are present. Maintain a distance to sources of interference in the 1.9 GHz frequency band, such as DECT telephone base stations. WiFi, Bluetooth, Sennheiser ew D1, infrared remote controls, headphones, and UHF radio links like Sennheiser evolution wireless G3 do not represent sources of interference.

Direct Line of Sight

Walls and other obstacles can reduce range. Ensure a direct line of sight between the transmitting and receiving antennas for optimal performance.

Putting the Receiver into Operation

The receiver can be rotated by a maximum of 320° around its XLR-3 connector.

Mounting the Receiver to a Video Camera

  1. Plug the receiver's rotatable XLR connector into the camera's XLR-3 audio input.
  2. If the camera has P48 phantom power, the receiver will automatically switch on and off with the camera.
  3. Rotate the receiver for optimal positioning, ensuring it does not obstruct filming and maintains a direct line of sight to the transmitter.

Mounting the Receiver to a Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera

Use the supplied EKP AVX adapter, which includes a hot shoe adapter and a belt clip.

  1. Loosen the locking screw on the adapter.
  2. Remove the hot shoe adapter from the belt clip.
  3. Slide the hot shoe adapter onto the DSLR camera's hot shoe.
  4. Fasten the hot shoe adapter using the locking screw.
  5. Plug the receiver's rotatable XLR-3 connector into the hot shoe adapter.
  6. Connect the receiver to the DSLR camera using the CI 400 adapter cable (XLR-3 socket to 3.5 mm jack plug).

Attaching the Receiver Using the Belt Clip

The belt clip allows attachment to a belt or camera bag.

  1. Slide the hot shoe adapter onto the belt clip.
  2. Fasten the hot shoe adapter to the belt clip with the locking screw.
  3. Plug the receiver's rotatable XLR-3 connector into the hot shoe adapter.
  4. Use the belt clip to attach the receiver to a camera bag or belt.

Putting the Bodypack Transmitter into Operation

Removing/Inserting the Accupack

The bodypack transmitter is powered by the BA 30 accupack, which must be charged before first use. The accupack can remain in the transmitter for charging.

Before first use, remove the protective foil from the accupack.

To remove the accupack: Simultaneously press the two catches and pull the accupack away from the transmitter. Remove the protective foil.

To insert the accupack: Slide the accupack onto the transmitter until it locks with an audible click.

Attaching the Bodypack Transmitter to Clothing

Use the belt clip to attach the transmitter to clothing. Ensure the antenna is not touched or covered during transmission to maintain range. Maintain a free line of sight between the transmitter and receiver antennas.

Connecting a Clip-on Microphone to the Bodypack Transmitter

Connect only Sennheiser-recommended clip-on microphones. Connect the microphone's jack plug to the 3.5 mm jack socket (Mic/Line) on the transmitter. Lock the plug by screwing down the coupling ring.

Putting the Clip-on Microphones into Operation

Putting the MKE 2 into Operation

The MKE 2 clip-on microphone offers high sound quality and ruggedness. Use the supplied frequency response caps to boost treble or improve speech intelligibility. Slip the chosen cap onto the microphone capsule until it locks. The small MZC 2-1 cap slightly increases treble; the large MZC 2-2 cap increases treble further.

Using the Windshield (MKE 2)

Use a windshield to avoid wind noise. The MKE 2 includes a metal windshield (reduces wind noise by up to 20 dB) and a fur windshield (adds another 10 dB reduction when used with the metal windshield).

To use the metal windshield: Slip it onto the microphone capsule.

To use the fur windshield: If using the metal windshield or a frequency response cap, remove them first. Stretch the fur windshield's retaining loop, pass the microphone through it, and then slip the metal windshield onto the capsule. Carefully slide the fur windshield over the metal windshield, ensuring full coverage. Tighten the retaining loop around the connection cable.

Attaching the Clip-on Microphone to Clothing (MKE 2)

The MKE 2 clip-on microphone includes a microphone holder and a clip for attachment. The clip has three holes to adjust contact pressure for different clothing materials (Hole 1: heavy/tightly-woven, Hole 2: medium-heavy, Hole 3: thin). Snap the connection cable into the holder. Insert the holder into the desired clip hole. The clip can be attached vertically or horizontally. Guide the cable through the clip's grip. Attach the microphone to clothing (lapel, collar, tie) approximately 25 cm from the mouth. The omni-directional pickup pattern means precise positioning is not critical.

Putting the ME 2 into Operation

The ME 2 clip-on microphone provides professional recordings with high speech intelligibility. Use the foam windshield to reduce wind noise by up to 10 dB.

Attaching the ME 2 to Clothing

Use the microphone clip to attach the ME 2 to clothing. Snap the microphone into the holder. The clip can be attached vertically or horizontally. Attach the microphone approximately 25 cm from the mouth. Manage the connection cable to avoid friction noise and ensure the cable and antenna do not cross. The omni-directional pickup pattern requires no precise positioning.

Putting the Handheld Transmitter into Operation

The handheld transmitter is available with or without a Mute switch and with different microphone heads. Remove the protective foil from the accupack before first use.

Removing/Inserting the Accupack

To remove: Press the two catches simultaneously and pull the accupack away. Remove the protective foil. To insert: Slide the accupack onto the transmitter until it clicks into place.

Holding the Handheld Transmitter

Avoid covering the antenna during transmission, as this reduces range. Covering the microphone head alters the pickup pattern and sound. Hold the transmitter by its body, approximately 5 to 10 cm from your mouth. The MMD 835-1 head has a cardioid pattern (speak from above or slightly off-axis). The MMD 42-1 head has an omni-directional pattern (no precise orientation needed, can be used by multiple people).

Attaching the Handheld Transmitter to the Microphone Stand Clamp

Screw the thread to the stand, tighten, place the transmitter in the clamp, and tilt it towards the mouth.

Changing the Microphone Head

The microphone head (MMD 835-1 or MMD 42-1) can be unscrewed and replaced with another one with a different pickup pattern.

Recharging the Accupack

Accupacks (BA 10, BA 20, BA 30) can be recharged using the Sennheiser NT 5-10U USB power supply/charger, any standard USB power supply/charger, a computer USB port, a USB hub with its own power supply, or a mobile USB power supply (power bank).

Charging the Accupacks using the NT 5-10U Power Supply/Charger

The BA 20 (receiver) and BA 30 (bodypack) accupacks can remain in their devices. For the BA 10 (handheld), remove the accupack first. Open the accupack's micro USB cover flap (if present) and connect the micro USB connector. To charge via a computer or power bank, connect the USB cable's Type A connector to the power source and switch it on.

Charging Times for Accupacks:

AccupackCharging Time Required for Capacity of...
30%60%75%100%
BA 10 (handheld transmitter)1:00 h2:00 h3:00 h4:30 h
BA 20 (receiver)0:15 h0:30 h0:40 h1:15 h
BA 30 (bodypack transmitter)1:00 h2:00 h3:00 h4:30 h

Using the Products

The Sennheiser AVX system offers ease of use: devices are pre-paired, feature automatic frequency and interference management, and automatically set microphone sensitivity. This eliminates issues with sound levels being too loud or too quiet.

Switching the Devices On or Off

After switching on, devices take approximately 10 seconds to establish a radio link. More interference or more AVX devices may increase this time.

Switching the Receiver On

If connected to a video camera with P48 phantom power via XLR, the receiver switches on/off automatically with the camera. To manually switch on, short-press the On/Off/Check button. The status LED indicates the receiver's status. The radio link is established automatically when the paired transmitter is switched on.

Switching the Receiver Off

If connected via XLR with P48 phantom power, the receiver switches off automatically with the camera. If phantom power drops slowly, the receiver may take up to one minute to switch off. To manually switch off, long-press the On/Off/Check button until the status LED goes off.

Switching the Bodypack Transmitter On

Short-press the On/Off button. The display panel and status LED show the transmitter's current status. The radio link is established automatically when the paired receiver is switched on.

Switching the Bodypack Transmitter Off

Long-press the On/Off button. The display panel and status LED go off.

Switching the Handheld Transmitter On

Briefly slide the On/Off button towards the transmitter body. The display panel and status LED show the transmitter's status. The radio link is established automatically when the paired receiver is switched on.

Switching the Handheld Transmitter Off

Slide and hold the On/Off button towards the transmitter body. The display panel and status LED go off.

Checking the Charge Status of the Accupacks

Checking the Charge Status of the BA 20 Accupack in the Receiver

To check the remaining battery life, short-press the On/Off/Check button. The 4-step LED display shows the battery life in green. A flashing red right LED indicates less than 15 minutes of operation.

Checking the Charge Status of the BA 10 Accupack (Handheld) or BA 30 Accupack (Bodypack)

The remaining battery life is indicated by a battery icon on the transmitter display panel. If the accupack capacity is low (less than 30 minutes remaining), the status LED on both transmitter and receiver flashes red, and an empty battery icon flashes on the transmitter display.

Checking the RF Signal Level

The RF signal quality is shown on the transmitter's display panel. If no RF signal is detected (e.g., receiver off or out of range), all RF signal level display segments are grayed out, and "No Link" is displayed.

Muting the Bodypack Transmitter or the SKM AVX-S Handheld Transmitter

Both the bodypack transmitter and the SKM AVX-S handheld transmitter have a Mute switch. Slide the switch to "Mute" to mute the audio signal without turning off the transmitter. "Muted" appears on the display, and the status LED turns yellow. Slide the switch to "Mic" to unmute. (Note: The SKM AVX handheld transmitter does not have a Mute switch.)

Pairing a Receiver with a Transmitter

AVX sets are factory pre-paired. To establish a new radio link:

  1. Switch on the receiver and transmitter.
  2. Long-press the Pair buttons on both devices until their status LEDs flash alternately green and red (within 120 seconds).
  3. "Press pair on receiver" appears on the transmitter display. Existing links are disconnected.
  4. Wait approximately 10 seconds for the radio link to establish.
  5. Upon successful pairing, "Paired" appears on the transmitter display, and status LEDs turn green. If pairing fails, "Pairing failed" and "No Link" may appear, with red status LEDs.

Refer to page 29 for troubleshooting pairing issues.

Identifying Paired Devices

To identify which transmitter is paired with a receiver:

  1. Switch on all devices to be identified.
  2. Short-press the Pair button on the receiver or transmitter.
  3. The transmitter display shows "This is AVX" and the last four digits of the paired receiver's serial number. Paired device status LEDs flash green for 10 seconds. If a device is not paired or out of range, its status LED will not flash green.

Displaying or Adjusting the Receiver's Audio Output Level

Ensure the radio link is established. If your camera has automatic level control, deactivate it, as the receiver's automatic level control cannot be deactivated and may interfere.

  1. Short-press the AF Out button on the receiver. The 4-step LED display shows the current output level.
  2. Check the output level on your video or DSLR camera. Adjust for full deflection only during the loudest passages, ensuring no clipping occurs.
  3. If the output level is too low or too high, short-press the AF Out button on the receiver while the LED display is active. Each press reduces the level by one step. Pressing again after the lowest level resets to the highest. Alternatively, adjust the camera's input sensitivity.

Cleaning and Maintaining the Products

Important Safety Information

ATTENTION: Liquids can damage electronics. Clean devices only with a soft, dry cloth. Solvents or cleansing agents can damage surfaces; do not use them.

Use devices that are frequently worn on the body so that direct skin contact and sweat are avoided. Clean devices worn on the body from time to time with a dry cloth.

Cleaning the Sound Inlet Basket of the Handheld Transmitter

  1. Unscrew the sound inlet basket from the handheld transmitter.
  2. Unscrew the upper part of the sound inlet basket from the lower part.
  3. Remove the foam insert from the upper part.
  4. Clean the upper part of the sound inlet basket inside and out with a dry cloth.
  5. Reinsert the foam insert into the upper part.
  6. Screw the upper part back to the lower part.
  7. Replace the sound inlet basket on the handheld transmitter and screw it tight.

If a Problem Occurs...

This table lists common problems, their possible causes, and solutions.

ProblemPossible CausePossible SolutionPage
No SoundReceiver not connected properly.Connect the receiver properly.14
Bodypack transmitter or SKM AVX-S handheld transmitter is muted (Muted displayed, yellow status LED).Set the Mute switch to "Mic".25
Transmitter and receiver not paired (red status LED).Pair the devices properly.26
Sound DistortedCamera's automatic level control is active.Deactivate the camera's automatic level control.
Sound Too LowReceiver output level or camera input sensitivity is too low.Increase receiver output level or camera input sensitivity.27
Bad ReceptionDistance between transmitter and receiver is too high.Reduce distance; ensure direct line of sight; check RF signal quality.13
Devices Take a Very Long Time to Establish a Radio LinkDistance too large or many interfering sources.Move transmitter closer to receiver; reduce distance; ensure direct line of sight.13
Devices Cannot Be PairedNo radio link.Reduce distance; ensure direct line of sight.13
Different country variants.Transmitters and receivers of different country variants cannot be paired.

For more tips, visit www.sennheiser.com/AVX-support. For unresolved issues, contact your local Sennheiser partner.

Specifications

System

EKP AVX

CI 400 AF Connector

3.5 mm jack plug, unbalanced. Connector assignment: Line + (Tip), Line - (Ring), Ground (Sleeve).

SKM AVX

SK AVX

Microphones

Compliance

Europe: Radio, EMC, Safety, RoHS.
USA/Canada: FCC 47 CFR 15, Industry Canada RSS 210, CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B).
Australia: AS/NZ CISPR 22, AS/NZL 60950.1.

Approved By

Details for USA, Canada, Australia/New Zealand, and Japan including FCC IDs and IC numbers are provided.

USB Power Supply/Charger (NT 5-10U)

Compliance details for Europe, USA/Canada, and Australia are listed.

Accupacks

Compliance and certification details for Europe, USA/Canada, Japan, and Korea are provided, including UN transportation test information.

Dimensions

Diagram Description: Illustrations showing the dimensions of the Receiver (21 mm width, 81 mm height, 51 mm depth), Handheld Transmitter (approx. 275 mm length, 40 mm diameter), and Bodypack Transmitter (24 mm width, 100 mm height, 65 mm depth).

Licenses

CELT Codec

Copyright (c) 2014 IETF Trust. Redistribution and use in source and binary forms are permitted under specified conditions, including retaining copyright notices and disclaimers. The software is provided "AS IS" without warranty.

Ubuntu Font License (Version 1.0)

This license allows free use, study, modification, and redistribution of fonts. Derivative works can be bundled or embedded, but cannot be released under a different license. The license terms must be included with any distribution of the Font Software.

Accessories

The following accessories are available for the Sennheiser AVX system:

Manufacturer Declarations

Warranty

Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG provides a 24-month warranty. For current conditions, visit www.sennheiser.com or contact a Sennheiser partner.

For Australia Only: Guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law apply, in addition to this warranty. Contact Sennheiser Australia Pty Ltd for warranty claims.

In Compliance with the Following Requirements

CE Conformity

Declarations are available at www.sennheiser.com. Observe country-specific regulations before operation.

Company Information:
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
Am Labor 1, 30900 Wedemark, Germany
www.sennheiser.com

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AVX-Manual-Bodypack-Version

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