The Sennheiser EW-DP SKP is a plug-on XLR transmitter designed for wireless audio recording, featuring 32-bit float internal recording. Questions about its self-noise performance have surfaced. This article summarizes testing designed to assess both clinical and real-world performance of the unit’s preamps and recording quality.
Clinical Self-Noise Test of the EW-DP SKP
To measure the preamplifier self-noise, a dummy XLR connector with a 150-ohm resistor across pins 2 and 3 was used—standard procedure for isolating internal electronic noise from microphone input. This test was performed on both the Sennheiser EW-DP SKP and the Zoom F3, another device known for its 32-bit float capability.
Both units demonstrated a self-noise measurement of -129 dB RMS max, indicating extremely low internal noise—consistent with high-quality professional audio standards. These results suggest that the EW-DP SKP is well-suited for clean audio capture, even in quiet recording environments.
Real-World Dialogue Recording Performance
In a practical scenario, the EW-DP SKP and Zoom F3 were tested with a Sennheiser MKH50 supercardioid microphone. The mic was placed approximately 18 inches (45 cm) from the speaker, and a recording was made that included both speech and silence.
Post-production processing involved normalizing the audio to -26 LUFS mono (or -23 LUFS stereo). In both cases, the silent portions of the recordings yielded a noise floor of -60 dB RMS max—a strong result confirming that the low self-noise observed in lab conditions also holds in practical use.
MicroSD Card Compatibility Considerations
While the SKP performed well in noise tests, one issue noted by users relates to microSD card compatibility. In some cases, users have reported difficulty initiating recordings due to unsupported or incompatible microSD cards.
Testing showed that the device worked reliably with a basic SanDisk card, while more expensive or higher-speed cards occasionally caused issues. This is a common concern across audio recorders and emphasizes the importance of using manufacturer-recommended storage media.
Conclusion
The Sennheiser EW-DP SKP offers impressive self-noise performance, both in controlled lab conditions and real-world dialogue tests.
While the hardware meets professional audio standards, prospective users should be aware of potential microSD card compatibility limitations that may affect usability. Choosing tested, reliable storage options can help avoid these issues.
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