Sennheiser SKM AVX-835S-3 Digital Handheld Microphone Transmitter (1880 - 1930 MHz)

There is no doubt about it: The AVX system is excellent. However there are some limitations which buyers should be made aware of and I will go into that in a moment. For this review, the handheld mic is another example of Sennheiser's brilliant sound and build quality. It is an excellent piece of gear. BUT: If, like me, you use this in an ENG environment where you are constantly switching between using a lapel transmitter and a hand-held mic, it will frustrate you to learn that the receiver on your camera only retains the memory of one transmitting device, meaning that when you change devices, you must re-pair every time. In a fast-paced news environment, waiting for a device to pair (even if it is reasonably quick like the AVX system is), this could cause anxiety. Yes, the pairing is easy enough, but when under stress, the time pairing using the little buttons will bug you. Apart from that, I like the overall ease-of-use of the AVX system. I might have it wrong, but I believe the receiver could do with at least two memories for two different devices. Another thing that bugs me is that Sennheiser doesn't make their storage bags that come with the mic big enough to insert the mic with a foam windsock on it possible. So, again, this is another thing you have to do each time you use the hand mic - remove and add the windsock. Lastly, and very importantly, I believe that, although very well built, this mic would damage easily (and perhaps, permanently) if dropped. It feels vulnerable, especially for the fast-paced news environment. Perhaps Sennheiser need to make a more robust (maybe rubberised?) casing for these mics. Overall, however, an excellent microphone.