Sennheiser ESFERA 5.1 Surround Microphone System

Sennheiser's ESFERA is a surround sound microphone system that enables its users to create and broadcast 5.1 surround sound simply using only two ordinary, standard audio cables. All you need is the SPM8000 microphone on-location and the SBP8000 basic unit at any given point within the production or post-production process before the audio signal is aired. The compact build of this microphone unit, which can easily be mounted on a camera, allows even sideline interviews or the application in tight spaces.

• One (1) SPM8000 Stereo Microphone, consisting of 2 microphone capsules and a suspension with pistol grip
• SPM8000 Microphone:
• SPM8000 Microphone:

For as small as it is, the SPM8000 is quite the formidable microphone. It consists of two RF condenser microphones in an XY-array, and can either be used as a standalone stereo microphone, or as a 5.1 surround microphone when used alongside the SPB8000 processing unit. Fitted with the technology of the legendary MKH series, it features a natural yet detailed sound, and is also weatherproof and rugged, which makes it the perfect decision for any outdoor use. This package comes with the full package, including a basket windshield and a swing mount.

• One (1) Basket Windshield
  • Can be used as a high-quality stereo microphone or – with the SPB8000 – as a compact 5.1 microphone
  • Dimensions: length: approx. 237mm

Included in this system is the SPB8000, a 19" processing unit that's 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 sound experience at a sampling rate of 96kHz. It excels with a clear design and four directly-selectable presets that can be modified via the Ethernet interface. The processor software also allows you to individually define your surround soundscapes via the PC interface.

• One (1) "Hairy" cover
  • Very natural, detailed sound
  • Frequency Response: 35Hz - 20kHz
• One (1) Y-Adapter (XLR-5 socket to 2x XLR-3 connector)
  • Weather-proof and rugged
  • Max. Sound Pressure Level: 142dB SPL
• One (1) SPB8000 Processing Unit
  • Exceptionally low inherent self-noise prevents masking of delicate sound structures
  • Weight: approx. 595g (670g with “hairy” cover)
• Three (3) Mains Cables (EU, UK and US versions)
  • Symmetrical transducer technology ensures extremely low distortion
  • Diameter: approx. 106mm
• One (1) Network Cable
  • Transformerless and fully floating balanced microphone outputs: no coupling of spurious signals
  • Pick-up Pattern: Cardioid
• Four (4) Self-Adhesive Feet
  • High output signal voltage ensures interference-free signal paths
  • Phantom Powering: 48 + 4V (P48, IEC61938)
• One (1) Instruction Manual
  • Supplied complete with basket windshield, suspension with pistol grip, “hairy” cover and stereo cable (XLR-5 to 2x XLR-3)
  • Operating Temperature: -10°C to +60°C
• SPB8000 Processing Unit:
  • Equivalent Noise Level:
  • Supplies microphones with 48V phantom power
    • DIN-IEC 651: 13dB(A)
  • Input switchable between analog and digital AES3 signals
    • CCIR 268-3: 22dB
  • Switchable compressor
  • Current Consumption: 3.3mA
  • 4 programmable presets for storage of 5.1 surround parameters
  • Sensitivity: -34dbV/Pa (20mV/Pa)
  • SPB8000 adjustable via a web interface
• SPB8000 Processing Unit:
  • Impedance: approx. 4kΩ, balanced
  • Phantom Powering: 48V, switchable
  • Connection: 2 XLR-3F sockets, transformerless balanced
  • Dimensions:
    • Depth with controls and sockets: approx. 44 x 482 x 275mm (H x W x D)
    • Depth with Sockets: approx. 44 x 482 x 260mm (H x W x D)
    • Depth of Housing: approx. 44 x 482 x 240mm (H x W x D)
    • Weight: approx. 3.9kg
  • Power supply:
    • Connector: (Mains) 3-pin, protection class I (as per IEC/EN60320-1)
    • Power Consumption: max. 15W
    • Fuse: 115VAC: T160mA L250V, T315mA L250V
    • Voltage Range: 115V~ / 230V~, 50/60Hz
  • Audio Characteristics:
    • THD, Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.03% @ 64dBu: gain: -12dBFS @ 1kHz, 0.004% @ 30dBu: gain: -12dBFS @ 1kHz
    • Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
      • CCIR468: –82.6dB, 64dB gain @ 48kHz sampling rate
      • CCIR468: –106.1dB, 30dB gain @ 48kHz sampling rate
      • A-weighted: –85.5dB, 64dB gain @ 48kHz sampling rate
      • A-weighted: –109.3dB, 30dB gain @ 48kHz sampling rate
      • Unweighted: –84dB, 64dB gain @ 48kHz sampling rate
      • Unweighted: –104.3dB, 30dB gain @ 48kHz sampling rate
    • Gain: +64dB (max.)
    • Dynamic Range: 130.3dB, 30dB gain (A-weighted)
    • Crosstalk: –70dB @ 10kHz (–30dBu input, 30dB gain)
    • Frequency Response Measured at AES3 Out 1/2:
    • 44.1kHz sampling rate: 10Hz - 21kHz
    • 48kHz sampling rate: 10Hz - 22.5kHz
    • 88.2kHz sampling rate: 10Hz - 42kHz
    • 96kHz sampling rate: 10Hz - 45kHz
  • 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 / 96kHz
    • Bitrate: 24 bits
    • Format: Professional
    • Connection: 3 XLR-3M sockets
  • Ethernet:
    • Communication: HTTP (POST request method), JSON-compliant
    • Ports: 80, 9050 with multicast
    • Connection: RJ45 socket
    • Firmware update: via HTTP
  • Synchronization:
  • Word Clock: via Input socket B (BNC)
  • AES3 Input Clock: via In socket D (XLR-3F)