The Sennheiser EW 500 BOOM G4 is a camera-mount wireless plug-on 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 500 BOOM 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.The plug-on transmitter attaches to a handheld microphone of your choice for man-on-the-street interviews or to a shotgun mic for wireless booming (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 mobile journalism.

The EW 500 BOOM 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.

For Professional Filmmaker, Videographer    Use with Handheld or Shotgun Mic    Plug-On Transmitter with 48V Phantom    Diversity Camera-Mount Receiver    3520 Auto-Scan Frequencies    Adjustable RF Output Power Up to 50 mW    Advanced Controls for Flexible Use    Balanced Output & Headphone Output    8-Hr AA Batteries    Up to 32 Mics On Set / 330' Range

• The EW 500 BOOM G4 features rugged, all-metal chassis well suited for extended use on location.
• The lightweight plug-on transmitter attaches to any dynamic or condenser microphone equipped with an XLR connector. A locking ring ensures that your mic doesn’t detach at a critical moment, while a convenient switch allows you to mute your mic.
• 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.
• Both transmitter and receiver feature daylight-readable LED displays showing reception quality, battery status, and audio level.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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
• Transmitter 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 battery (available separately)
• Side contacts on the receiver for recharging the Accupack without removing it from either transmitter or receiver—requires the L 2015 quick-charging unit (available separately)
• Unlike digital wireless systems, the SKP 500 G4 transmitter can transmit to an unlimited number of EW series receivers
• Wide range of accessories adapts the system to a variety of applications

• Bandwidth: Up to 46 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

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will theSennheiser SKP 500 G4 transmitter work with my sennheiser EK 100 G3 reciever?

A: Yes. You can use an SKP 500 G4 Plugon transmitter with an EK100 G3 receiver together, as long as their frequency ranges overlap.

Q: 2. Are there any compatible antennas for this to extend the range?

A: No. The Sennheiser EW 500 BOOM G4 Camera-Mount Wireless Plug-On Microphone System includes the bodypack-style EK 500 G4 Pro Wireless Camera-Mount Receiver, which has an integrated/molded antenna, the receiver cannot be used with an external antenna. If you swap the EK 500 receiver and use the Sennheiser EM 300-500 G4 Wireless Receiver (such as B&H # SEEM3005MGAP for AW+: 470 to 558 MHz frequency band), you will be able to use remote mount antennas or half-wave antennas for extended range. However, the EM 300-500 requires AC power and is not camera-mountable, so that could be a drawback if you need to have a portable, battery-powered system.

Q: 3. I just bought this unit. Works great till I plug in headphones then unit gets hot, batteries die, then it turns off. I wait for a minute, don't plug in headphones, all is good. Same batteries. Has anyone seen this before? I have 4 other G4s that are great.

A: Although we have not heard of this issue with the Sennheiser EW 500 BOOM G4 Camera-Mount Wireless Plug-On Microphone System with No Mic before, I would speculate that perhaps the headphones connected require more signal strength than the receiver can provide, or perhaps there is an impedance mismatch. I would recommend trying another pair of headphones to see if the issue persists. If it does, we may need to consult Sennheiser for further clarification on this scenario.

Q: 4. Will this make interference if I have the Sennheiser ew IEM G4 Wireless Monitor System (A1: 470 to 516 MHz) next to me?

A: No, the Sennheiser EW 500 BOOM G4 Camera-Mount Wireless Plug-On Microphone System will not interfere with the Sennheiser ew IEM G4 Wireless Monitor System (A1: 470 to 516 MHz). Each system's transmitter and receiver will pair to a different frequency to use for transmitting audio, so even though the bands overlap, there should be no problems with interference between the two systems.

Q: 5. Will this work with a lav rather than Handheld mic?

A: The Sennheiser EW 500 BOOM G4 Camera-Mount Wireless Plug-On Microphone System will work with XLR lavaliers, and with Sennheiser-wired 3.5mm lavaliers with an adapter that can convert 48v phantom power to plug-in power (such as BH #ROVXLRP).

Q: 6. Is there a way the boom operator can plug headphones apart from the mixer so they could monitor what their aiming at?

A: The receiver has a 3.5mm headphone output.

Q: 7. What's the difference between the AW+ and the GW1, for use primarily in the USA but also overseas (Europe and Australia?)

A: The only difference between the two is the frequency band that the system operates within. AW+ band operates between 470 to 558 MHz and GW1 operates between 558 to 608 MHz. These frequency bands are both intended for use in the USA and may not be usable in Europe or Australia.

Q: 8. How does this compare to the Sony UWPD16/14 Wireless Microphone System?

A: They are both very popular systems and offer excellent quality for professional applications and commercial applications.

Q: 9. What should to be the frequency for Europe? Germany and Spain for Example?

A: These devices are only guaranteed as legal for use in the United States. Laws and regulations regarding wireless devices vary widely from country to country, and in some cases they may change frequently. For this reason we cannot provide a definitive statement on the laws of other countries. All of the wireless devices sold by B&H are legal for use within the United States, but customers travelling or residing abroad must check local regulations before attempting to use these devices.

Q: 10. The mic included says MKE-2, but is this to gold version?

A: The microphone included with the Sennheiser EW 500 FILM G4 Camera-Mount Wireless Combo Microphone System is the Sennheiser MKE 2 Gold Series Subminiature Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone. If you look at the "In the Box" section on the right side of the page, you will see it listed.