Sennheiser SKM 865-XSW-B

Sennheiser SKM 865-XSW-B Handheld Wireless Transmitter

The Sennheiser SKM 865-XSW-B (Article Number: 507344) is a factory-original original equipment manufacturer (OEM) handheld wireless microphone transmitter belonging to the user-friendly XS Wireless (XSW 1 and XSW 2) series. It features a factory-integrated, pre-polarized condenser capsule derived from Sennheiser's acclaimed evolution e 865 stage series.

This specific variant operates within the B Band frequency range (614.000 MHz to 638.000 MHz). This 24 MHz switching bandwidth provides a stable, flexible spectrum for singers, presenters, and worship leaders who require condenser-grade vocal detail and transient crispness in standard UHF broadcast environments.

Key Acoustic and RF Performance Attributes

• Premium e 865 Condenser Element: Unlike standard dynamic capsules, this pre-polarized condenser capsule excels at capturing delicate vocal nuances, airy top-end breath details, and rapid vocal transients. It brings studio-like transparency to live performance platforms.

• Feedback-Defying Supercardioid Pattern: The microphone capsule uses a tight supercardioid pick-up pattern. It focuses sharply on the performer directly in front of the grille while aggressively rejecting off-axis bleed from stage monitors and side-stage instrumentation.

• Integrated Mute Switch: Features a low-profile slide switch located directly on the transmitter handle. It allows presenters or vocalists to cleanly mute their own audio feed locally during stage breaks without causing popping artifacts at the mixing desk.

• Automatic One-Touch Syncing: Built to interface seamlessly with either the EM-XSW 1 or EM-XSW 2 stationary wireless receivers. It pairs automatically via a 2.4 GHz wireless data link during system setup.

Technical Specifications Matrix

In the Box: Component Inventory

• 1 x SKM 865-XSW Handheld Transmitter (B Band)

• 2 x AA Alkaline Batteries

• 1 x Instruction Manual

Field Configuration and Handling Advice

Locking the Mute Switch Function: If you are deploying this microphone for an inexperienced speaker who might accidentally trip the manual mute switch mid-presentation, look inside the battery compartment. The transmitter features an internal configuration switch that allows you to disable the physical handle control entirely, handing absolute muting authority over to the front-of-house sound engineer.

Managing Condenser Gain and Proximity: Because the condenser element inside the SKM 865 is considerably more sensitive than standard dynamic alternatives (like the 835 variant), ensure you balance your transmitter sensitivity trim. If an aggressive vocalist causes input distortion, unscrew the lower sleeve of the handle and step down the internal digital padding setting from 0 dB to -10 dB or -20 dB to protect the integrity of the audio stream.