Point Source Audio CR-8D-XAT-BR Cardioid Headset Mic

Name: Point Source Audio CR-8D-XAT-BR Cardioid Headset Mic
Brand: Point Source Audio
SKU: CR-8D-XAT-BR

Dual-ear cardioid headset microphone with an unbreakable boom, built for broadcast and live performance.

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Overview

The Point Source Audio CR-8D-XAT-BR is a cardioid condenser headset microphone purpose-built for professionals who need focused vocal pickup with reliable ambient noise rejection. Its cardioid polar pattern captures sound primarily from the front of the capsule, making it well suited for live stages, houses of worship, broadcast studios, and corporate presentations where background noise must be minimized. The dual-ear headband design distributes weight evenly and holds the microphone boom in a consistent position relative to the mouth, ensuring steady audio quality even during active movement.

A defining feature of the CR-8D is Point Source Audio's Unbreakable Boom — a flexible, 360-degree bendable boom arm that resists snapping and retains its shape after repeated adjustments. This durability is particularly valuable in rental, touring, and multi-user environments where microphones are handled frequently. The CR-8D-XAT-BR variant terminates in a locking 4-pin Hirose connector for direct compatibility with Audio Technica wireless bodypack transmitters, and its brown coloring is chosen to minimize visual presence on camera and stage. For audio professionals seeking a dependable, high-rejection headset microphone with exceptional build quality, the CR-8D delivers on both performance and longevity.

Specifications

Brand

Point Source Audio

Model

CR-8D-XAT-BR

Microphone Type

Cardioid Condenser

Connector

Locking 4-Pin Hirose (Audio Technica compatible)

Boom Type

Unbreakable Boom (360° bendable)

Color

Brown

Wearing Style

Dual-Ear

Boom Length

Adjustable

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Cardioid pickup pattern provides excellent ambient noise rejection for clear vocal capture in live settings.
Unbreakable boom bends 360 degrees without damage, ensuring reliable long-term use.
Dual-ear design keeps the mic securely positioned during active movement and performances.
Brown color option blends discreetly for broadcast, theater, and on-camera applications.
Locking 4-pin Hirose connector provides a secure, reliable connection to Audio Technica wireless systems.

👎 Cons

Compatible only with Audio Technica wireless systems via the 4-pin Hirose connector; other brands require a different model variant.
Dual-ear headband style may not be preferred by users who favor single-ear or ear-hook designs for quicker on-off changes.
Brown color may not be ideal for all skin tones or wardrobe choices; other color options require purchasing a different SKU.
Higher price point compared to basic lavalier or handheld microphones used in similar applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What connector type does the CR-8D-XAT-BR use?

This model uses a locking 4-pin Hirose connector, which is compatible with Audio Technica wireless bodypack transmitters.

What makes the boom "unbreakable"?

Point Source Audio's Unbreakable Boom is a proprietary design that can be bent 360 degrees in any direction without snapping or losing its shape, providing long-term durability and flexible positioning during use.

Why is the dual-ear wearing style beneficial?

The dual-ear design distributes the microphone's weight across both ears, providing a more secure and comfortable fit that resists shifting during active performances, presentations, or long wearing sessions.

What is the pickup pattern and why does it matter for this mic?

The CR-8D uses a cardioid polar pattern, which focuses on capturing sound from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This is especially useful on noisy stages or in live environments where ambient sound rejection is critical.

Is this microphone visible when worn?

The CR-8D-XAT-BR comes in brown, which is designed to blend with a range of skin tones and hair colors for minimal visual presence during on-camera or live stage use.