Sennheiser

Sennheiser 509794 EW 500 G4 Neumann KK205 Wireless Mic

4.4 (10 reviews)
condenser

The Neumann KK 205 super-cardioid capsule on Sennheiser's EW 500 G4 platform delivers broadcast-grade vocal clarity with 88 MHz of tuning bandwidth across 3,520 selectable frequencies.

$1,600.00*
Check availability

*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 Sennheiser EW 500 G4 with Neumann KK 205 capsule is a professional wireless microphone system that combines Sennheiser's proven G4 UHF platform with a Neumann-designed super-cardioid condenser capsule head — a pairing that elevates the system's sonic ceiling well above standard wireless configurations. The KK 205's super-cardioid polar pattern provides meaningful off-axis rejection while maintaining the forward presence and transient accuracy that Neumann capsules are known for, making it equally suited to live vocal performance, broadcast interview work, and studio tracking sessions where the anchor talent mic needs to stand apart in a mix. The EM 300-500 G4 receiver adds True Diversity dual-antenna reception — an architecture that eliminates multipath dropouts by continuously comparing two independent RF paths and selecting the stronger signal before a null is ever heard.

The platform is built for multi-system professional environments. The 88 MHz bandwidth with 3,520 selectable frequencies gives the RF coordinator the channel density needed for large broadcast trucks, theatrical installations, and festival stages running 20 or more wireless systems simultaneously. The Ethernet-connected WSM software extends this coordination to remote monitoring and frequency management across a full rack of G4 units. Three-step RF power adjustment (10/30/50 mW) gives the system engineer fine control over the RF environment and transmitter battery life. The included NT 2-3 power supply, GA3 rack kit, and mic clip make it a complete, ready-to-rack professional system. The analog compander is the honest limitation of the G4 generation — it is broadcast-quality, not studio-silent, and engineers who need the lowest possible noise floor for music recording should evaluate Sennheiser's digital EW-D or EW-DX platform instead.

Key Features

True Diversity half-rack receiver in a full-metal housing with intuitive oiled display for full control

Easy and flexible wireless synchronization between transmitter and receiver via infrared

Up to 88 MHz bandwidth with 3520 selectable frequencies, fully tunable in a stable UHF range ; High RF output power (up to 50 mW, adjustable in three steps 10/30/50) depending on country regulations

Up to 32 compatible channels ; Ethernet connection for Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) control software for advanced frequency coordination in multi-channel setups

Neumann KK 205 BK super cardioid condenser capsule head for Sennheiser wireless systems

Specifications

Receiver Type
True Diversity half-rack
Receiver Housing
Full-metal
Synchronization Method
Infrared
Bandwidth
Up to 88 MHz
Selectable Frequencies
3520
Frequency Range
UHF
RF Output Power
Up to 50 mW (adjustable in three steps: 10/30/50)
Compatible Channels
Up to 32
Control Software Connection
Ethernet for Wireless Systems Manager (WSM)
Capsule Head
Neumann KK 205 BK super cardioid condenser

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Neumann KK 205 super-cardioid capsule delivers upper-midrange transient accuracy and vocal presence that is audibly superior to standard wireless transmitter capsule heads on identical signal chains.
  • True Diversity dual-antenna reception continuously eliminates multipath dropout — the most common cause of wireless reliability failures in live environments with moving talent.
  • 88 MHz of tuning bandwidth with 3,520 selectable frequencies provides the channel density and coordination flexibility required for large multi-system broadcast and theatrical installations.
  • Adjustable RF output power (10/30/50 mW) allows the system to be matched to room size and RF density, optimizing both range and battery life for each specific deployment scenario.
  • Ethernet-connected WSM software integration enables centralized frequency coordination and real-time system monitoring across a full rack of G4 receivers.

👎 Cons

  • The KK 205 super-cardioid polar pattern requires more precise mic positioning than an omnidirectional capsule — off-axis vocalists or talent who moves away from the capsule face will experience meaningful level reduction.
  • The analog compander in the G4 system's audio chain introduces a subtle noise modulation artifact that digital wireless systems (Sennheiser EW-D, Shure ULXD) do not — audible in very quiet production environments or close-scrutiny studio recording.
  • At GW1 band (558–608 MHz), frequency availability varies by country and regulatory region — confirm band availability in your deployment market before purchase, as the 600 MHz range has been auctioned in North America.
  • Half-rack form factor requires the GA3 rack kit (included) to mount properly in a standard rack — the receiver cannot sit cleanly in a 1U slot without the bracket.
  • The SKM 500 G4 handheld transmitter is larger and heavier than compact body-pack transmitter alternatives, which matters for talent comfort during extended theatrical or broadcast runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The KK 205 is a genuine Neumann-designed super-cardioid condenser capsule — the same capsule heritage used in Neumann studio microphones, adapted for the Sennheiser G4 transmitter platform. Where standard wireless capsules are optimized for cost and handling noise, the KK 205 prioritizes transient accuracy and low-frequency body warmth. In practice, the difference is audible in upper-midrange detail and presence on close-mic vocal sources — speech intelligibility and musical resonance are both elevated compared to a generic wireless capsule.
True Diversity uses two independent receive antennas and two independent RF paths in the receiver, continuously selecting the better signal in real time. When a single-antenna receiver encounters a multipath null — a dead spot caused by RF reflections canceling — it drops signal. A True Diversity receiver switches to the second antenna before the dropout occurs. For live stage use where a performer is moving through complex RF environments, True Diversity is the difference between occasional crackle and a clean, uninterrupted signal all night.
The EM 300-500 G4 receiver supports up to 32 compatible channels operating simultaneously within its frequency range. This means a venue can run 32 independent wireless microphone systems in the same frequency band without intermodulation interference, provided channels are correctly coordinated. This is the Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) software's job — it calculates intermodulation-free frequency sets across all active G4 systems.
The SKM 500 G4 transmitter adjusts RF output power in three steps: 10 mW, 30 mW, and 50 mW. Higher power (50 mW) extends reliable range and fights RF interference but increases battery drain. Lower power (10 mW) is used in small venues or studio environments where range isn't required and you need to reduce RF density in a congested frequency environment. The adjustable power is a coordination tool for the RF engineer, not just a battery management feature.
Yes — the EM 300-500 G4 is a half-rack receiver that ships with a GA3 rack kit, allowing it to be mounted two-per-1U in a standard rack. The Ethernet connection enables Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) control, so a rack of G4 receivers can be monitored, scanned, and frequency-coordinated from a single connected computer — essential for multi-channel broadcast and theatrical setups.