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

Name: Point Source Audio CR-8L-XAK-BL Lavalier Microphone for AKG
Brand: Point Source Audio
SKU: CR-8L-XAK-BL

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:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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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

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

135dB SPL handling extends the CR-8L into high-volume vocal and instrument applications where standard lavalier capsules would clip, giving sound designers more placement latitude on loud performers.
Interchangeable X-Connector system allows the capsule body to be re-terminated for different wireless transmitter brands, protecting the investment in the capsule if the transmitter platform changes.
AKG-compatible termination provides plug-and-play integration with AKG wireless bodypacks without requiring adapters or custom wiring.
Cardioid polar pattern provides rear rejection that reduces stage bleed and monitor feedback in theatrical and live performance environments.
Miniature capsule housing allows discreet placement on costumes, collars, or hair without creating visible microphone bulk in camera-facing applications.

👎 Cons

Cardioid pattern requires precise orientation during placement — off-axis mounting by more than 30–45 degrees causes measurable high-frequency rolloff, demanding more rigor from costume and sound departments than an omnidirectional lav.
The AKG-specific X-Connector in this listing is not compatible with other wireless system brands without purchasing a separate connector — multiplatform shops running mixed wireless inventory will need additional terminations.
Miniature condenser capsules at this scale are inherently more susceptible to perspiration and humidity damage than larger-body microphones; moisture management (mic covers, placement discipline) is a production requirement, not an option.
Cardioid lavs at this form factor typically exhibit more proximity effect variation with placement distance than omnis, making consistent gain staging across scenes more demanding.
No pad switch or low-cut filter is available on the microphone body itself — any high-pass filtering or level management must be handled at the transmitter or mixer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the cardioid polar pattern mean for a lavalier application — why not omnidirectional?

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.

Does the CR-8L-XAK-BL require phantom power, and is that provided by AKG transmitters?

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.

What does 135dB SPL handling mean for a lavalier microphone?

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.

Can the X-Connector be changed for use with a different wireless system?

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.

How should the CR-8L be positioned on a performer for optimal cardioid pickup?

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.