Point Source Audio CO-8WS-XSKBE Beige Omnidirectional Earworn Mic

Name: Point Source Audio CO-8WS-XSKBE Beige Omnidirectional Earworn Mic
Brand: Point Source Audio
SKU: CO-8WS-XSKBE

An IP57-rated omnidirectional condenser built to survive the sweatiest stage, the longest run, and the tightest hiding spot a costume allows.

$404.00*

✓ In Stock on Amazon.com

View on Amazon

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The Point Source Audio CO-8WS-XSKBE is a professional-grade omnidirectional condenser earworn microphone designed specifically for the physical and acoustic demands of live performance and broadcast production. Its 148dB maximum SPL rating means the capsule maintains linearity well into loud stage environments without requiring an external pad. The omnidirectional polar pattern delivers a natural, open sound character that is forgiving of positioning — critical for theatre applications where a performer's head movement would introduce comb filtering with a tighter polar pattern. The IP57 waterproof rating is the headline durability specification: this mic is engineered to survive nightly use against skin in warm, humid performance conditions without capsule degradation.

The CO-8WS-XSKBE is built for professional theatrical productions, broadcast talent, and live performance applications where concealment and reliability are the primary engineering requirements. The 3-pin Sennheiser SK/Zaxcom connector targets the most widely deployed wireless systems in professional production environments. The 360-degree bendable, position-holding boom solves one of the primary workflow pain points of earworn mics — the nightly reset and refit process on a long run. For A1s and RF coordinators managing large cast wireless rigs, the combination of consistent placement, waterproof durability, and clean omnidirectional pickup makes this a reliable workhorse element.

Specifications

Type

Omnidirectional Condenser Earworn Microphone

Polar Pattern

Omnidirectional

Maximum SPL

148dB

Waterproof Rating

IP57

Boom

Bendable up to 360°, unbreakable

Connector

3-Pin Sennheiser SK / Zaxcom Compatible

Color

Beige

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

IP57 waterproof rating protects the capsule against perspiration and full submersion, dramatically reducing element replacement costs on touring productions
148dB max SPL provides enough headroom to remain clean even in high-SPL stage environments without a pad switch requirement
360-degree bendable unbreakable boom holds position through performance movement and survives repeated nightly adjustments without metal fatigue
Omnidirectional polar pattern minimizes off-axis rejection artifacts when performers turn their heads during dialogue or singing
Beige colorway and earworn form factor allow effective concealment against skin tone in theatrical and broadcast applications

👎 Cons

Omnidirectional pickup captures stage bleed and ambient noise more readily than a directional capsule — requires careful gain staging and mixing discipline in loud environments
Connector compatibility is limited to Sennheiser SK and Zaxcom systems; users with other transmitter brands require a separate cable or connector replacement
No frequency response curve or sensitivity figure (dBV/Pa) is published, making it difficult to pre-calculate gain structure before a session
At this price tier, the microphone's output level may require more gain from lower-spec transmitter preamps, potentially raising the noise floor on budget bodypack systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What connector does the CO-8WS-XSKBE use, and will it work with my wireless transmitter?

This microphone ships with a 3-pin Sennheiser SK-compatible connector and is noted as Zaxcom compatible. It is designed for Sennheiser SK-series bodypack transmitters and Zaxcom wireless systems. Before ordering, confirm your specific transmitter model — connector wiring pinouts vary even among Sennheiser SK variants across product generations.

The polar pattern is omnidirectional — how does that affect placement on a performer?

Omnidirectional pickup means the CO-8WS-XSKBE captures sound equally from all directions, which reduces sensitivity to exact mic positioning and head-turn artifacts. For theatre and broadcast applications, this is typically an advantage — the performer doesn't need to stay oriented toward the mic. The trade-off is that it will also pick up ambient stage noise more readily than a directional element would.

What does the IP57 waterproof rating mean in practice for stage or broadcast use?

IP57 means the microphone is protected against dust ingress and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. In practical use, this means the element will survive heavy perspiration, rain exposure in outdoor productions, and accidental submersion — significantly extending service life in demanding live performance environments compared to non-rated competitors.

How flexible is the boom, and does it hold its position under movement?

The boom is rated for 360-degree bendability with a memory design that holds its set position. This allows precise placement around the ear and jaw without the boom drifting during performance. The unbreakable rating refers to its resistance to the kind of repeated bending and flexing that kills conventional boom arms over a touring run.

What is the maximum SPL this microphone can handle before distortion?

The CO-8WS-XSKBE is rated to 148dB SPL. That headroom means even loud stage environments — close to floor monitors, in the wash of a large PA — won't clip the capsule. For theatrical and broadcast applications, it provides more than sufficient dynamic range.