Sennheiser EW 500 G4-MKE2 Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System

Product Overview

The Sennheiser EW 500 G4-MKE2 is a professional wireless lavalier microphone system built on the Evolution Wireless G4 500-series platform, pairing the broadcast-trusted MKE 2 Gold omnidirectional condenser lavalier with the SK 500 G4 bodypack transmitter and EM 500 G4 true-diversity half-rack receiver. With 88 MHz of UHF bandwidth, 3,520 selectable frequencies, up to 32 compatible channels, and an Ethernet port for Sennheiser Wireless Systems Manager, this system is engineered for professionals who need reliable, transparent lavalier wireless in multi-channel broadcast, theater, and live event environments. The MKE 2 Gold microphone is Sennheiser’s reference-class omnidirectional lavalier, recognized across broadcast and theatrical production for its natural sound character and robust construction.

Product Description

The MKE 2 Gold is an omnidirectional back-electret condenser lavalier capsule designed for high speech intelligibility and transparent audio reproduction in both indoor and outdoor environments. Its omni polar pattern ensures consistent pickup regardless of mic placement angle — critical for talent who move on stage or camera — while its compact form factor minimizes visual intrusion on-camera and under costume. The capsule has been a long-standing choice for broadcast news, documentary production, theater sound designers, and corporate A/V professionals who cannot tolerate the coloration or proximity-effect artifacts associated with directional lavalier capsules.

The SK 500 G4 bodypack transmitter includes a switchable output pad, allowing the system to handle a wide range of signal levels from condenser lavaliers to dynamic microphone sources without clipping. Infrared synchronization with the EM 500 G4 receiver enables fast, error-free channel setup. The EM 500 G4 true-diversity receiver occupies half a rack unit and features an OLED display for clear visibility of RF levels, audio output, and battery status during live productions. Its Ethernet port enables direct integration with Sennheiser’s Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) software for multi-channel frequency planning and real-time system monitoring across large networked wireless rigs. RF output power is adjustable in three steps (10, 30, and 50 mW) to balance transmission strength against channel density requirements. The full-metal receiver housing withstands the physical demands of touring and the integration requirements of permanent broadcast and theatrical installations.

Key Features

• MKE 2 Gold Omnidirectional Lavalier — Sennheiser’s reference broadcast lavalier; natural, transparent sound with consistent off-axis response for moving talent.
• 88 MHz UHF Bandwidth / 3,520 Frequencies — Wide tuning range covers congested RF environments with ample frequency options.
• Up to 32 Simultaneous Channels — Scalable for multi-talent broadcast shoots, theatrical productions, and multi-panel conferences.
• True Diversity Reception — Dual-antenna diversity on the EM 500 G4 receiver minimizes dropouts from multipath interference.
• Adjustable RF Output Power (10/30/50 mW) — Three-step power adjustment balances range and channel density for the production environment.
• SK 500 G4 Bodypack with Output Pad — Switchable pad accommodates a wide range of microphone sources and signal levels.
• Infrared Transmitter-Receiver Sync — Fast, accurate frequency pairing between bodypack and receiver at the press of a button.
• OLED Display on Receiver — Provides real-time RF level, audio level, frequency, and battery status information at a glance.
• Ethernet / WSM Integration — RJ45 port enables centralized monitoring and frequency coordination via Sennheiser Wireless Systems Manager software.
• All-Metal Half-Rack Receiver — Durable chassis for touring and permanent installation; standard half-rack form factor pairs with other G4 units.
• Backward Compatible with G3 Transmitters — Receive from Evolution Wireless G3 bodypacks to protect prior system investment.
• Up to 8-Hour Bodypack Battery Life — 2x AA battery operation for full-day production shoots and multi-show theater runs.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast news and documentary talent microphone systems
• Theater sound design requiring invisible, omni lavalier placement
• Houses of worship with multi-speaker wireless microphone systems
• Corporate conference and event productions with presenter lavaliers
• Television and film production requiring reliable, natural-sounding lavalier wireless
• Live event productions with spoken-word and presentation content
• University and performing arts centers with permanent wireless microphone systems

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes the MKE 2 Gold different from standard lavalier microphones?

The MKE 2 Gold is Sennheiser’s reference-class omnidirectional back-electret condenser lavalier, designed for professional broadcast and theatrical applications where transparent, natural-sounding audio is required. Its omni polar pattern provides consistent pickup regardless of mic position relative to the sound source — critical for talent who move on stage or camera. The capsule delivers high speech intelligibility without the proximity effect coloration associated with directional lavalier designs.

Q: How many EW 500 G4 systems can operate simultaneously?

Up to 32 compatible channels can operate simultaneously within the same frequency band. The 88 MHz bandwidth and 3,520 selectable frequencies provide the spectral space to coordinate 32 systems even in moderately congested UHF environments. Sennheiser Wireless Systems Manager software assists with frequency planning for large multi-channel deployments.

Q: Is the EW 500 G4-MKE2 compatible with G3 transmitters?

Yes. The EM 500 G4 receiver maintains backward compatibility with Evolution Wireless G3 bodypack and handheld transmitters operating in the same frequency band. This allows venues and touring companies to upgrade their receiver infrastructure without replacing all existing G3 transmitters at once.

Q: What is the RF output power of the SK 500 G4 bodypack?

The SK 500 G4 bodypack transmitter offers three adjustable output power levels: 10 mW, 30 mW, and 50 mW (subject to regional regulatory limits). Lower power settings reduce battery consumption and help accommodate higher channel densities in congested RF environments.

Q: How does the EW 500 G4 integrate with professional audio networks?

The EM 500 G4 receiver includes an Ethernet (RJ45) port for integration with Sennheiser’s Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) software. WSM enables centralized frequency planning, real-time RF and audio level monitoring, and system configuration across all networked receivers — essential for permanent installations and large touring rigs.

Q: How long does the SK 500 G4 bodypack battery last?

The SK 500 G4 operates on 2x AA batteries with a runtime of up to 8 hours, depending on RF output power setting and battery type. Standard alkaline or rechargeable NiMH batteries are compatible. For productions requiring all-day operation, carrying spare batteries or using Sennheiser’s battery charging solutions is recommended.

Q: Is the omnidirectional pickup pattern a disadvantage in noisy stage environments?

For speech and presentation applications, the omnidirectional pattern of the MKE 2 Gold is an advantage, not a disadvantage. It provides consistent level and tone regardless of the talent’s head angle, eliminates proximity-effect bass buildup when talent moves closer to the mic, and is more tolerant of off-axis noise than directional lavaliers in most stage speech applications. For environments with extreme ambient noise or feedback sensitivity, directional lavalier capsules may be more appropriate.

Q: Which frequency band is right for my production?

The EW 500 G4-MKE2 is available in two bands: AW+ (470–558 MHz) and GW1 (558–608 MHz). AW+ provides a wider 88 MHz tuning range across its band. The appropriate choice depends on the locally available UHF spectrum in your production region. Check with local frequency coordination resources to determine which band offers the cleanest available spectrum before purchasing.