Based in Old Lyme, Connecticut, Sennheiser USA represents all Sennheiser products in the United States, and distributes a variety of other pro audio lines, including Neumann (a German company based in Berlin) and Innovason (a French company based in Brittany).

Sennheiser - News - April 2003

BEN HARPER PURCHASES TWO INNOVASON CONSOLES, A NEUMANN KMS 105 VOCAL MIC AND SENNHEISER IN-EAR MONITORS FOR WORLDWIDE TOUR.

Ben Harper recently embarked on a yearlong tour in support of his newly released fifth studio album, "Diamonds on the Inside," taking to the road with a large selection of audio gear purchased from Rat Sound and Sennheiser USA. Rat Sound supplied Harper with two Innova SON Grand Live digital mixing consoles as well as a selection of Sennheiser and Neumann wired and wireless microphone systems for the world tour. Jon Monson, the man in charge of systems and tours at Rat Sound, a 20-year-old sound reinforcement rental and sales company based in Camarillo, California, reports that Harper and his production crew were drawn to the Sennheiser products by their quality and attributes. "They purchased the two Innova SON Grand Live packages, complete with road cases, because of their superior audio quality and packaging, their compact size, and their resetability," explains Monson. With a footprint of just 67 inches by 27 inches and weighing only 132 pounds, the Grand Live offers 48 fully-featured processing channels, 24 outputs, and up to 72 inputs.

"They also purchased a Neumann KMS 105 vocal mic for Ben's lead vocal - again, chosen for its superb quality," Monson continues. With its super-cardioid polar pattern, low self-noise and colorless off-axis pickup, the KMS 105 ideally complements the in-ear monitor systems. The KMS 105 employs unique acoustic, mechanical and electrical filters that minimize popping and wind noise and virtually eliminate handling noise. In addition, Monson reveals, Harper purchased three Sennheiser Evolution series e 609 microphones, which are suited to close-miking of guitar cabinets as well as drums.
Also, says Monson, "They purchased ten channels of Sennheiser in-ear monitors, including five of the SR 3056-U dual receivers and ten Sennheiser EK 3053-U belt packs. The SR 3056-U consists of two complete stereo transmitters with 16 programmable UHF transmission frequencies each. Designed specifically for touring and rock bands, the new EK 3053-U wireless personal in-ear system monitor receiver offers users 16 selectable UHF frequencies in two operational modes, stereo or "focus mix." By using the "focus mix" option, a performer can adjust his or her volume level relative to the rest of the band.
Jack Johnson and his band took an Innova SON out on his own tour in late 2002.

SR 3056-U

The SR 3056-U consists of two complete stereo transmitters with 16 programmable UHF transmission frequencies each. RF characteristics are the same as for a standard radio-microphone, making multi-channel frequency selection easy.

Its high level of operational reliability, ease of use and excellent mechanical stability make this transmitter an ideal choice for use in large shows and for touring artists.

EK 3053-U belt packs

Designed specifically for touring and rock bands, Sennheiser’s new EK 3053-U wireless personal in-ear system monitor receiver offers users 16 selectable UHF frequencies in two operational modes: stereo or “focus mix”. By using the “focus mix” option, a performer can adjust his or her volume level relative to the rest of the band. A larger-than-usual volume knob provides easy tactile control.
The rugged all metal receiver provides in ear system monitoring protection via Sennheiser’s HiDyn stage noise reduction system which maximizes effective signal to noise ratio and a separate switchable limiter to help insure hearing protection. The receiver is designed for use with most transducers including the custom molded type suggested by many audiologists. To meet the demands of touring and rock bands, the EK 3053-U offers a higher output level than its broadcast IFB counterpart, the EK 3052-U.

The EK 3053-U has an operating range of 500 - 1000 feet. It incorporates the same unique RF architecture found in Sennheiser’s other RF products, which allows operation of over 80 channels simultaneously with retuning flexibility to address forthcoming DTV TV channels.

In-Ear Monitors
The concept of in-ear monitoring was brought to the forefront about ten years ago as a means to eliminate feedback from conventional stage monitors that are typically located in the front of the musicians in close proximity to their microphones on stage. By placing high-fidelity miniature speakers in custom earmolds, stage monitors could be eliminated, allowing the vocal microphones to be turned louder without the risk of feedback (source : audioconsult.com).

Evolution 609 Silver

The e609 Silver is based on the legendary MD 409 microphone. Able to withstand high SPLs without distorting, the e609 Silver's flat-profile capsule facilitates extremely close miking of guitar cabinets and is also suitable for drum miking, particularly toms.
The e609 Silver's super-cardioid design improves isolation in live sound reinforcement and recording applications while its increased output and wider frequency response improves performance. Its sound inlet basket, made of refined steel, is distinguished by a unique silver address side.