Sennheiser EW 500 G4-KK205 Wireless Handheld Microphone System

Product Overview

The Sennheiser EW 500 G4-KK205 is a complete wireless handheld microphone system combining the Evolution Wireless G4 500 Series platform with the Neumann KK 205 condenser supercardioid capsule. The system pairs the SKM 500 G4 handheld transmitter body with the EM 500 G4 half-rack true diversity receiver, delivering the RF reliability of Sennheiser's proven G4 500 Series infrastructure alongside the tonal character of a Neumann studio capsule. Designed for vocal applications where audio quality is the primary concern, it is well suited to theater, broadcast, and houses of worship. Two frequency variants are available: AW+ (470–558 MHz) and GW1 (558–608 MHz).

Product Description

The collaboration between Sennheiser and Neumann that produced the KK 205 capsule head brings a recognizable studio-condenser sound profile into the wireless domain. The KK 205 is a supercardioid condenser element with the precision and low self-noise characteristics associated with Neumann microphone design, packaged in a capsule head that threads directly onto the SKM 500 G4 transmitter body. This allows the vocal character of a Neumann capsule to be used in performance situations where a wired microphone is not practical.

The EM 500 G4 receiver occupies half a rack unit and features true diversity reception with an OLED display for real-time monitoring of RF signal strength, audio level, battery status, and channel settings. Infrared sync between the transmitter and receiver simplifies frequency coordination in single-channel or straightforward multi-channel setups. For larger deployments, an Ethernet port supports integration with Sennheiser's Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) software, enabling remote frequency coordination, parameter adjustment, and monitoring across many channels from a single workstation.

The system transmits across up to 88 MHz of bandwidth in the AW+ band with 3,520 selectable frequencies in 25 kHz steps, providing substantial room to find clear operating frequencies even in congested RF environments. HDX compander processing maintains audio transparency and dynamic range throughout the signal chain. RF output power on the transmitter is adjustable in three steps (10, 30, or 50 mW depending on country regulations), allowing operators to reduce power when proximity permits and avoid unnecessary RF congestion. Up to 32 compatible channels can operate simultaneously within a single frequency bank, making the EW 500 G4-KK205 scalable for multi-channel vocal applications.

Key Features

• Neumann KK 205 Supercardioid Condenser Capsule — Precision condenser capsule head from Neumann threads directly onto the SKM 500 G4 transmitter body for studio-quality vocal pickup in live applications.
• EM 500 G4 Half-Rack True Diversity Receiver — 1/2 RU rackmount receiver with dual antenna diversity reduces dropouts caused by multipath interference in live venues.
• OLED Display with Full Parameter Monitoring — Real-time display of RF level, audio level, battery status, frequency, and channel information on both transmitter and receiver.
• Infrared Frequency Sync — Fast and accurate frequency transfer from receiver to transmitter via IR interface; eliminates manual frequency entry errors.
• Ethernet / WSM Integration — Wired Ethernet port enables remote monitoring and control via Sennheiser Wireless Systems Manager software for multi-channel venue installations.
• 88 MHz Tuning Bandwidth — Up to 3,520 selectable frequencies (AW+ band) provide extensive room for clear channel assignment in congested RF environments.
• Up to 32 Compatible Channels — Frequency bank design allows up to 32 simultaneous compatible channels for multi-performer stage setups.
• Adjustable RF Output Power — Transmitter power selectable at 10, 30, or 50 mW (subject to local regulations) for range optimization and RF management.
• HDX Compander — Sennheiser’s proprietary HDX compander maintains natural dynamic range and minimizes compander artifacts across the audio signal chain.
• Full Metal Housing on Receiver — Durable metal chassis on the EM 500 G4 withstands the mechanical demands of touring and installed-sound racks.
• Two Frequency Variants — AW+ (470–558 MHz, SKU 509793) and GW1 (558–608 MHz, SKU 509794) to match regional spectrum availability.

Typical Applications

• Live theater and musical theater productions requiring high vocal clarity from lead and supporting performers
• Houses of worship with demanding audio quality standards for spoken word and vocal music
• Broadcast interview and studio vocal applications where wireless operation is required
• Corporate presentations and conference keynotes where vocal intelligibility is critical
• Live music venues and concert productions for featured vocalists
• Television and video production requiring handheld wireless with studio capsule quality

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes the KK 205 capsule different from the standard G4 500 capsule heads?

The KK 205 is a Neumann-designed supercardioid condenser capsule, whereas standard G4 handheld capsule options are Sennheiser-designed. The Neumann capsule offers the detailed transient response, extended frequency range, and controlled off-axis rejection associated with Neumann’s studio microphone heritage. It is particularly well suited for vocalists who require accurate reproduction rather than a presence-peaked wireless capsule character.

Q: Does the EW 500 G4-KK205 include both the transmitter and receiver?

Yes. The EW 500 G4-KK205 is a complete system bundle including the SKM 500 G4 handheld transmitter with KK 205 capsule head installed and the EM 500 G4 half-rack receiver. Antennas, a power supply, and mounting hardware for the receiver are also included.

Q: How many channels can operate simultaneously with this system?

Up to 32 compatible channels can operate simultaneously within a single frequency bank. For deployments beyond 32 channels, multiple frequency banks can be coordinated with assistance from Sennheiser’s WSM software and careful RF planning.

Q: What is HDX companding and why does it matter?

HDX is Sennheiser’s proprietary compander system used in the G4 500 Series. A compander compresses the audio before transmission and expands it on reception to maintain dynamic range within the constraints of the RF channel. HDX is designed to minimize audible compander artifacts, preserving natural transients and dynamics in the recovered audio signal.

Q: Can the EM 500 G4 be controlled remotely?

Yes. The Ethernet port on the EM 500 G4 enables integration with Sennheiser’s Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) software, which runs on a connected PC or Mac. WSM allows remote monitoring of all parameters, remote frequency coordination, and remote parameter changes for multiple receivers from a single location.

Q: What frequency bands are available and how do I choose?

The AW+ variant (SKU 509793) covers 470–558 MHz and is appropriate for the US market where this range is available for wireless microphone use. The GW1 variant (SKU 509794) covers 558–608 MHz. Band selection should be based on the frequencies currently licensed or available at your venue and the local regulatory environment. Contact Creation Networks for frequency coordination guidance.

Q: Is the KK 205 capsule head interchangeable with other G4 transmitter bodies?

The KK 205 capsule head is designed for Sennheiser SKM 500 G4 and compatible SKM 300 G4 and SKM 100 G4 transmitter bodies. Check Sennheiser’s current compatibility documentation before pairing with other transmitter generations.

Q: What type of battery does the SKM 500 G4 transmitter use?

The SKM 500 G4 transmitter uses two AA batteries or the rechargeable BA 2015 accu pack (sold separately). Battery runtime varies by RF output power setting; at maximum power, expect approximately 8 hours of operation with standard alkaline AA cells.