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Point Source Audio

Point Source Audio CR-8L-XAK-BL Lavalier Microphone for AKG

A cardioid lavalier condenser with 135dB SPL handling and an AKG-compatible X-Connector built for theater, broadcast, and live performance where the mic cannot be seen.

$449.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Aug 28, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change — details.

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Overview

The Point Source Audio CR-8L-XAK-BL is a miniature cardioid condenser lavalier microphone designed for professional production sound in theater, broadcast, film, and live performance. The capsule's cardioid polar pattern distinguishes it from the omnidirectional lavs that dominate the category — rear rejection of approximately 20dB is measurable on-axis versus 180 degrees, which translates directly to reduced monitor bleed, less stage wash, and improved feedback margin in live reinforcement applications. The 135dB maximum SPL rating is a notably high ceiling for a lavalier capsule of this size, addressing one of the persistent limitations of miniature condensers in high-energy performance applications. The termination in this listing is the AKG-compatible 3-pin mini connector via Point Source Audio's X-Connector system.

This microphone is built for A1s and sound designers specifying a discreet, directional lavalier for demanding live production environments — Broadway-style theatrical runs, broadcast news talent, corporate presentation AV, and any application where the microphone must be invisible to camera while still delivering signal quality that holds up in a professional mix. The X-Connector system is a meaningful engineering decision: it means the CR-8L capsule body survives a transmitter platform change, since only the termination connector needs to be swapped rather than the entire microphone. In a production environment where bodypack transmitters are routinely replaced or upgraded, that modular architecture has real long-term value. Placement discipline is non-negotiable with this capsule — its cardioid pattern rewards consistent, oriented placement with clean, isolated signal, and punishes sloppy rigging with audible tonal changes between scenes.

Specifications

Model
CR-8L-XAK-BL
Microphone Type
Lavalier
Compatibility
AKG systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Cardioid pattern on a lav gives you directional rejection — sounds arriving from behind and the sides are attenuated by approximately 20dB relative to on-axis. For theatrical applications where monitor speakers are present or ambient stage noise is high, cardioid rejection helps protect against feedback and stage wash bleeding into the signal. Omnidirectional lavs capture more ambience and forgive placement variance; this cardioid design trades that placement flexibility for improved isolation.
Condenser lavaliers require bias voltage, typically supplied by the wireless transmitter's bodypack — not 48V phantom power, which would damage most lavs. AKG bodypack transmitters supply the appropriate plug-in power voltage for compatible lavalier connectors. The CR-8L's X-Connector is wired and terminated for direct compatibility with AKG transmitter inputs.
135dB SPL is a high maximum acoustic input level for a miniature condenser. It means the CR-8L can be placed near high-SPL sources — a brass instrument, a spoken-word performer using amplified stage projection — without the capsule clipping or distorting. Standard lavaliers often clip at 110–120dB SPL, so the 135dB ceiling significantly widens placement options on louder performers.
Yes — the "X-Connector" designation refers to Point Source Audio's interchangeable connector system. The CR-8L capsule body accepts different termination connectors designed for specific wireless system brands. This allows the same microphone body to be re-terminated for Shure, Sennheiser, Sony, or other systems — protecting your capsule investment if you change transmitter platforms.
The cardioid capsule must be oriented toward the performer's mouth — typically mounted at sternum level with the capsule face pointing upward and slightly toward the chin. Misorientation by more than 45 degrees off-axis will result in significant high-frequency loss, as cardioid patterns are most pronounced at higher frequencies. Consistent costume placement is more critical with this cardioid than with an omni lav.

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