Sennheiser Esfera 5.1 Surround Microphone System

The Sennheiser Esfera 5.1 Surround Microphone System is developed to setup the surround gear during sports broadcasts that also manage to convey the spirit and atmosphere of the venue in which the sports take place at. All you need is the SPM 8000 microphone on location and the SBP 8000 basic unit at any given point within the production or post-production process before the audio signal is aired.

The Sennheiser Esfera 5.1 Surround Microphone System is developed to setup the surround gear during sports broadcasts that also manage to convey the spirit and atmosphere of the venue in which the sports take place at. An atmosphere, however, is something that surrounds you, while most of the time broadcasters have to resort to conventional stereo equipment. Mainly because of tight timing or owing to the fact that setting up surround sound gear is not supported by the infrastructure. These problems are now solved with Sennheiser Esfera 5.1 Surround Microphone System. The Sennheiser Esfera 5.1 Surround Microphone System contains a Sennheiser SPM 8000 Stereo Microphone and a Sennheiser SBP 8000 Processing Unit to complete the package.

Two Capture It All
Surprisingly compact and easy to set up the SPM 8000 actually consists of two RF condenser mics in XY-array. Fitted with technology of the legendary MKH series, it features a natural and detailed sound, and is also weatherproof and rugged, making it the perfect choice for outdoor use. Sports broadcasters will appreciate its extremely low inherent noise, which lets even the softest sound details be heard. The SPM 8000 comes with an all-in package including a basket windshield and a swing mount. Just as complete as the atmosphere you will be getting across to the audience.

Making It Sound Spatial
The 19" SBP 8000 Processing Unit is fitted with the unique chip brains to convert a perfectly normal stereo audio signal supplied by two standard cables into a full-fledged 5.1 surround experience at a sampling rate of 96 kHz. For a broadcast- friendly signal the built-in compressor can be engaged. The SPB 8000 excels with a clear design and four directly selectable presets that can be modified via the Ethernet interface. The processor software allows you to individually define your surround soundscapes via the PC interface.

Sennheiser Esfera SPM 8000 Stereo Microphone
The Sennheiser Esfera SPM 8000 Stereo Microphone has two high quality capsules in XY configuration and can be used as a stereo microphone or a compact 5.1 microphone in combination with the SPB 8000 Processing Unit. It is easy to install and very easy to use. Esfera provides 5.1 surround sound from just two channels, making complicated surround mic installations a thing of the past. The system consists of the SPM 8000 stereo microphone and the SPB 8000 processing unit that converts the signals of the microphones into a complete 5.1 audio signal. Two RF condenser microphone capsules in XY configuration are at the core of the Esfera SPM 8000 stereo microphone. When used in conjunction with the SPB 8000 central units, the two microphones can create a 5.1-channel surround effect. The microphone is supplied complete with basket windshield, suspension with pistol grip, “hairy” cover and stereo cable (XLR-5 to 2x XLR-3).

Sennheiser Esfera SPB 8000 Processing Unit
The Sennheiser Esfera’s SPB 8000 Processing Unit converts the signals of the SPM 8000 stereo microphone into a complete 5.1 audio signal. Esfera is a surround microphone system which is easy to install and very easy to use. Esfera provides 5.1 surround sound from just two channels, making complicated surround mic installations a thing of the past. The system consists of the SPM 8000 stereo and the SPB 8000 processing unit that converts the signals of the microphones into a complete 5.1 audio signal.

Sennheiser Esfera 5.1 Surround Microphone System Features

• Sennheiser Esfera SPM 8000 Stereo Microphone
  • Can be used as a high-quality stereo microphone or – with the SPB 8000 – as a compact 5.1 microphone
  • Very natural, detailed sound
  • Weather-proof and rugged
  • Exceptionally low inherent self-noise prevents masking of delicate sound structures
  • Symmetrical transducer technology ensures extremely low distortion
  • Transformerless and fully floating balanced microphone outputs: no coupling of spurious signals
  • High output signal voltage ensures interference-free signal paths
  • Supplied complete with basket windshield, suspension with pistol grip, “hairy” cover and stereo cable (XLR-5 to 2x XLR-3)
• Sennheiser Esfera SPB 8000 Processing Unit
  • Supplies microphones with 48 V phantom power
  • Input switchable between analog and digital AES3 signals
  • Switchable compressor
  • 4 programmable presets for storage of 5.1 surround parameters
  • SPB 8000 adjustable via a web interface

Sennheiser Esfera 5.1 Surround Microphone System Specifications

• Sennheiser Esfera SPM 8000 Stereo Microphone:
  • Dimensions: Length Approx. 237 mm
  • Frequency Response: 35 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Max. Sound Pressure Level: 142 dB SPL
  • Weight: Approx. 595 g (670 g with “Hairy” Cover)
  • Diameter: Approx. 106 mm
  • Pick-Up Pattern: Cardioid
  • Phantom Powering: 48 + 4 V (P48, IEC 61938)
  • Operating Temperature: -10C to +60C
  • Equivalent Noise Level (DIN-IEC 651): 13 dB(A)
  • Equivalent Noise Level (CCIR 268-3): 22 dB
  • Current Consumption: 3.3 mA
  • Sensitivity: - 34 dbV/Pa (20 mV/Pa)
• Sennheiser Esfera SPB 8000 Processing Unit:
  • Microphone Input:
    • Impedance: Approx. 4 kO, Balanced
    • Phantom Powering: 48 V, Switchable
    • Connection: 2 XLR-3F Sockets, Transformerless Balanced
    • Dimensions:
      • Depth with Controls and Sockets: Approx. 44 mm x 482 mm x 275 mm (H x W x D)
      • Depth with Sockets: Approx. 44 mm x 482 mm x 260 mm (H x W x D)
      • Depth of Housing: Approx. 44 mm x 482 mm x 240 mm (H x W x D)
    • Weight: Approx. 3.9 kg
  • Power Supply:
    • Connector: (Mains) 3-Pin, Protection Class I As Per IEC/EN 60320-1
    • Power Consumption: Max. 15 W
    • Fuse 115 V AC: T 160 mA L 250 V
    • Fuse: T 315 mA L 250 V
    • Voltage Range: 115 V~ / 230 V~, 50/60 Hz
  • Audio Characteristics:
    • THD, Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.03% at 64 dBu, Gain; -12 dBFS at 1 kHz
    • THD, Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.004% at 30 dBu, Gain; -12 dBFS at 1 kHz
    • Signal-to-Noise Ratio (CCIR 468): –82.6 dB, 64 dB Gain at 48 kHz Sampling Rate, –106,1 dB, 30 dB Gain at 48 kHz Sampling Rate
    • Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted): –85.5 dB, 64 dB Gain at 48 kHz Sampling Rate, –109.3 dB, 30 dB Gain at 48 kHz Sampling Rate
    • Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Unweighted): –84 dB, 64 dB Gain at 48 kHz Sampling Rate, –104,3 dB, 30 dB Gain at 48 kHz Sampling Rate
    • Gain: +64 dB (max.)
    • Dynamic Range: 130.3 dB 30 dB Gain (A-Weighted)
    • Crosstalk: –70 dB at 10 kHz (–30 dBu Input, 30 dB Gain)
    • Frequency Response Measured at AES3 Out ½:
      • At 44.1 kHz Sampling Rate: 10 Hz - 21 kHz
      • At 48 kHz Sampling Rate: 10 Hz - 22.5 kHz
      • At 88.2 kHz Sampling Rate: 10 Hz - 42 kHz
      • At 96 kHz Sampling Rate: 10 Hz - 45 kHz
  • Digital Input:
    • AES3 Standard: Channels L/R
    • Connection: 1 XLR-3F Socket
  • Digital Output:
    • AES3 Standard: Channels L/R, C/LFE, SL, SR
    • Sampling Rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz
    • Bit Rate: 24 bits
    • Format: Professional
    • Connection: 3 XLR-3M Sockets
  • Ethernet:
    • Communication: HTTP (POST Request Method), JSON-Compliant
    • Ports: 80, 9050 with Multicast
    • Connection: RJ 45 Socket
    • Firmware Update: via HTTP
  • Synchronization:
    • Word Clock: via Input Socket B (BNC)
    • AES3 Input Clock: via In Socket D (XLR-3F)

Sennheiser Esfera 5.1 Surround Microphone System Includes

• 1 x Sennheiser Esfera SPM 8000 Stereo Microphone w/ 2 Mic Capsules & 1 Suspension w/ Pistol Grip
  • 1 x Basket Windshield
  • 1 x “Hairy” Cover
  • 1 x Y-Adapter Cable (XLR-5 Socket to 2x XLR-3 Connector)
• 1 x Sennheiser Esfera SPB 8000 Processing Unit
  • 1 x Mains Cable
  • 1 x Network Cable
  • 4 x Self-Adhesive Feet
  • 1 x Instruction Manual
• 2 Year Warranty