Sennheiser EW 500 FILM G4 Camera-Mount Wireless Combo Microphone System (AW+: 470 to 558 MHz)

Description

The Sennheiser EW 500 FILM G4 is a camera-mount wireless lavalier microphone system that brings advanced features to the EW Series, expanding this industry-standard system into a fully professional, yet cost-effective solution that filmmakers, videographers, and journalists can rely on—even in challenging shooting environments like big cities.

The rugged EW 512P G4 combines a wide 88 MHz bandwidth with 3520 frequencies and an RF output level up to 50 mW for a clean transmission and broadcast-quality sound. Depending on your location, you can operate up to 32 mics in one space.

Designed to accommodate a broad range of applications, the EW 500 FILM G4 gives you the tools to adapt to various shooting scenarios. For hands-free interviews, the system includes a bodypack transmitter with a high-grade, miniature MKE 2 omnidirectional lavalier mic, which is sweat-resistant and easy to conceal. For man-on-the-street interviews or for wireless booming, the plug-on transmitter is ready to attach to a handheld or shotgun mic of your choice (both types of mics are available separately). It also provides 48V phantom power, giving you the option to use a condenser microphone.

The camera-mount receiver connects to a camcorder, a DSLR/mirrorless, or a cinema camera to capture crisp-sounding speech or dialog for projects ranging from films and documentaries to wedding videos, corporate spots, and hands-free interviews.

The EW 500 FILM G4 is backward-compatible with previous evolution systems, including EW 100 models, giving you the ability to mix and match G4/G3/G2/G1 receivers or bodypack, handheld, and plug-on transmitters.

Note: While this system includes two transmitters, only one can be used at a time.

Built for Reliable Performance in the Field
The EW 500 BOOM G4 features rugged, all-metal chassis well suited for extended use on location.
The lightweight, compact bodypack transmitter is moisture-resistant, easy to conceal, and offers rounded edges that are soft to the touch and comfortable for the talent to wear. The plug-on transmitter attaches to any dynamic or condenser microphone equipped with an XLR connector. Both transmitters are equipped with locking connectors ensuring your mic doesn’t detach at a critical moment. Each also feature a convenient mute switch.
Using the included shoemount adapter, the compact receiver easily mounts on your camera without adding much weight. The included CL 500 cable provides a balanced connection from the receiver to the XLR audio input of your camcorder, cinema camera, or recording device. The CL 1 cable is for DSLR/mirrorless cameras and devices with 3.5mm inputs. A headphone output lets you monitor the quality of your sound while recording.
The transmitters and receiver feature daylight-readable LED displays showing reception quality, battery status, and audio level.
Advanced Controls for Flexible Use
The frequency scan function automatically searches for the cleanest frequency at your location.
To get you going quickly, the transmitter and receiver synchronize via infrared interface with the simple push of a button.
10/30/50 mW switchable RF output helps overcome interference or save battery life.
The adjustable input sensitivity on the transmitter accommodates mic levels ranging from booming voices to quiet speech, and even line-level audio.
The receiver has an adjustable output range of 42 dB to match the audio input of your camera or recording device.
Proven Broadcast-Quality Sound
Popular with industry professionals, the MKE 2 omnidirectional lavalier microphone delivers a natural, broadcast-quality sound optimized for speech intelligibility. Its omnidirectional polar pattern ensures that the sound remains consistent, even when the speaker’s head moves away from the mic.
To take full advantage of your microphone’s dynamic range, the system employs proprietary HDX compander technology, preserving your sound without adding unwanted noise during transmission—delivering audio with remarkable accuracy and quality.
Additional Features
Adaptive-diversity reception for reliable transmission up to 330′
20 frequency banks, each with up to 32 factory-preset channels to prevent intermodulation
Pilot tone squelch for eliminating RF noise when transmitter is turned off
User-friendly menu operation with flexible control options
Transmitters and receiver feature 4-step battery-life indicator
Auto-Lock function avoids accidental changing of settings
RF Mute function
8 hours of battery life
Powered via AA batteries or rechargeable BA 2015 Accupack batteries (available separately)
Side contacts on the receiver and bodypack transmitter for recharging the Accupacks without removing them—requires the L 2015 quick-charging unit (available separately)
Unlike digital wireless systems, the SK 500 G4 and SKP 500 G4 transmitters can transmit to an unlimited number of EW series receivers
Wide range of accessories adapts the system to a variety of applications
EW 100 G4 vs EW 500 G4 Systems at a Glance
Bandwidth: 42 MHz vs up to 88 MHz
UHF Frequencies: 1680 vs up to 3520
RF Output Power: Fixed 30 mW vs adjustable 10/30/50 mW
Mics at Once: Up to 12 mics vs up to 32 mics
Included Lavalier Mic: ME 2-II omni or ME 4 cardioid vs professional MKE 2 omni
Headphone Output: No vs yes
Audio Output: Unbalanced vs balanced
Plug-On Transmitter: No phantom vs +48V phantom power

Key Specs
Wireless Technology
Analog UHF
Included Transmitters
1 x Bodypack
1 x Plug-On
Diversity
Antenna Diversity
Max Operating Range
330′ / 100.6 m (Line of Sight)
Receiver Type
Camera-Mount
Number of Audio Channels
1
Microphone Type
Lavalier
Polar Pattern
Omnidirectional
System
Wireless Technology
Analog UHF
Number of RF Channel Frequencies
3520
Included Transmitters
1 x Bodypack
1 x Plug-On
Diversity
Antenna Diversity
RF Frequency Band
470 to 558 MHz
RF Bandwidth
88 MHz
Frequency Step Size
25 kHz
Max Operating Range
330′ / 100.6 m (Line of Sight)
Max Transmitters per Band
32
Encryption
None
Deviation
±48 kHz (Peak)
Modulation
Wideband FM
Receiver
Receiver Type
Camera-Mount
Mounting Options
Shoe-Mount (with Included Hardware)
Antenna
1 x Flexible Whip, Fixed (Top-Mount)
Number of Audio Channels
1
Audio I/O
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Female Balanced Line Output (Lockable)
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Headphone Output (Lockable)
Gain Range
42 dB (6 dB Steps)
Audio Output Level
1/8″ / 3.5 mm Output:
+17 dBu (Balanced)
Approximate RF Sensitivity
1.6 µV
Squelch
Adjustable, 5 to 25 dBμV
Adjacent Channel Isolation
>65 dB
Power Requirements
Battery
Battery Type
2 x AA (Included)
1 x Sennheiser Accupack (Not Included)
Approx. Battery Life
8 Hours (Alkaline)
Display & Indicators
1 x Backlit LCD (Battery Status, Output Level, RF Level)
Housing
Metal
Operating Temperature
14 to 131°F / -10 to 55°C
Dimensions
2.5 x 3.2 x 0.9″ / 64 x 82 x 24 mm
Weight
4.6 oz / 130 g (with Batteries)
Transmitter
Transmitter Type
Bodypack
RF Output Power
10 / 30 / 50 mW (Switchable, at 50 Ohms)
Audio I/O
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Input (Lockable)
Pad
None
Muting
Mute Switch
Audio Input Level
3 V RMS (Mic Level, Line Level)
Gain Range
60 dB (3 dB Steps)
Frequency Response
80 Hz to 18 kHz (Mic)
25 Hz to 18 kHz (Line)
Sync Method
IR
Antenna
1 x Internal, Fixed (Beltpack)
Power Requirements
Battery
Battery Type
2 x AA (Included)
1 x Sennheiser Accupack (Not Included)
Approx. Battery Life
8 Hours (Alkaline)
Display & Indicators
1 x Backlit LCD (Audio Level, Battery Status, Signal Strength)
Housing
Metal
Operating Temperature
14 to 131°F / -10 to 55°C
Dimensions
2.5 x 3.2 x 0.9″ / 64 x 82 x 24 mm
Weight
5.6 oz / 160 g (with Batteries)
Microphone
Microphone Type
Lavalier
Sound Field
Mono
Capsule
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Omnidirectional
Frequency Range
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Equivalent Noise Level
39 dB CCIR
Maximum SPL
142 dB SPL
Sensitivity
5 mV/Pa at 1 kHz
Output Connector
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Male Unbalanced (Lockable)
Cable Length
5.25′ / 1.6 m
Operating Voltage
7.5 V
Operating Current Consumption
250 µA
Weight
0.6 oz / 17 g
Transmitter 2
Transmitter Type
Plug-On
RF Output Power
10 / 30 / 50 mW (Switchable, at 50 Ohms)
Audio I/O
1 x XLR 3-Pin Female Unbalanced Input (Lockable)
Phantom Power
+48 V
Pad
None
Muting
Mute Switch
Audio Input Level
6 V RMS (Mic Level, Line Level)
Gain Range
48 dB (6 dB Steps)
Signal Processing
None
Frequency Response
80 Hz to 18 kHz
Sync Method
IR
Antenna
1 x Internal, Fixed
Power Requirements
Battery
Battery Type
2 x AA (Included)
1 x Sennheiser Accupack (Not Included)
Approx. Battery Life
8 Hours (Alkaline)
USB/Lightning Connectivity
None
Display & Indicators
1 x Backlit LCD (Audio Level, Battery Status, Signal Strength)
Housing
Metal
Operating Temperature
14 to 131°F / -10 to 55°C
Dimensions
1.7 x 4.1 x 1.7″ / 43 x 105 x 43 mm
Weight
6.9 oz / 195 g (without Batteries)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.385 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
16 x 7.8 x 3″