Capsule options in many higher-end wireless systems open the door for endless mic/transmitter pairings. There’s no universal standard for interchangeable capsules, yet the 1.25-inch/28-thread screw mount is adopted by a number of companies. However, incompatibility issues can arise, such as voltage requirements of some condenser capsules, or something as simple as a spacer ring for proper electrical contact. So, check with the manufacturer before you dive in.
Earthworks SR3117
Based on Earthworks’ best-selling and TEC Award-winning SR117 handheld live performance microphone, the SR3117 supercardioid condenser capsule brings that same acclaimed vocal detail and sonic performance to any wireless handheld that accepts the universal 1.25” screw-mount standard, such as Shure, Audio-Technica, Lectrosonics and others. Recently, Earthworks released the SR5117, a version designed to fit Sennheiser systems. Street price on the SR3117 (or SR5117) is $199, and discounted 5- or 10-capsule bundles are also available.
Heil Sound RC 37
The wireless capsule version of Heil’s popular PR 37 wired mic, the RC 37 shares the PR 37’s supercardioid dynamic element, internal shock mount and excellent rear noise rejection, while adding presence and detail to your wireless rig. It handles 140 dB SPLs and cupping the RC 37 doesn’t affect the clarity or quality of the sound, making it the ideal choice for vocalists of any genre to cut through the mix. The RC 37’s universal 1.25” screw-mount is compatible with Shure, A-T, Lectrosonics and others (and some Sennheiser models via third-party adapters.) Street is $249.
AKG C636 WL1
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Compatibility: AKG DMS800, WMS4500 series
- Notes: Based on the C636 handheld
- Price: $605
Audio-Technica ATW-C5400
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Compatibility: A-T 3000/5000/6000 series; 1.25” screw mount
- Notes: Equivalent capsule to A-T’s AE5400 mic
- Price: $399
Audix CAVX5
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Compatibility: Audix H60 series; 1.25” screw mount
- Notes: Same capsule as Audix VX5
- Price: $269
Austrian Audio OC707 W1
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Compatibility: 1.25” screw mount
- Notes: Based on legendary CK1 capsule
- Price: $449
beyerdynamic TG-V56w
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Compatibility: Fits beyerdynamic TG-1000
- Price: $229
https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com
DPA 2028-B
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Compatibility: SL-1 adapter for Lectrosonics, Sennheiser, Shure, Sony; SE-2 adapter for Sennheiser 2000/6000/9000/Evolution
- Notes: Same capsule as DPA 2028-B-B01
- Price: $600 (with SL1 adapter)
Electro-Voice RE520-RC3
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Supercardioid.
- Compatibility: E-V RE3-HHT handhelds; 1.25” screw mount
- Notes: Same capsule as E-V RE520 mic
- Price: $299
LD Systems U500CC
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Compatibility: Screw mount for LD U300 HT
- Notes: U500CH condenser and U500DH dynamic hypercardoids also avail.
- Price: $69
Lectrosonics HHC
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Compatibility: Lectrosonics HH-series; 1.25” screw mount
- Notes: One-year warranty
- Price: $556
Lewitt W9
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Switchable cardioid/supercardioid
- Compatibility: 1.25” screw mount
- Notes: Switchable -12dB pad and low-cut filter
- Price: $649
Line 6 V75-SC
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Compatibility: Line 6 XD-V75; 1.25” screw mount
- Notes: Chrome finish also avail.
- Price: $249
Mojave Audio MA-D Wireless
- Type: Dynamic
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Compatibility: 1.25” screw mount
- Notes: Same capsule as Mojave Audio’s MA-D mic
- Price: $179
Neumann KK 105 U / 104 U
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: KK 104 U cardioid or KK 105 U supercardioid
- Compatibility: 1.25” screw mount
- Notes: Also KK 104 S / KK105 S for Sennheiser SKM 5000/SKM 5200
- Price: $999
sE Electronics V7 MC1
- Type Dynamic
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Compatibility: 1.25” screw mount
- Notes: Based on V7 mic; silver finish also avail.
- Price: $119
Sennheiser MM 445
- Type: Dynamic
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Compatibility: Sennheiser evolution G4, 2000 and Digital 6000/9000 series
- Notes: Similar cardioid MM 435 also avail.
- Price: $499
Shure NexaDyne RPW204 (NXN8S)
- Type: Dynamic
- Pattern: Supercardioid (RPW200 cardioid also avail.)
- Compatibility: Shure Axient, QLXD, ULXD; others with 1.25” screw mount
- Notes: Brushed nickel finishes also avail.
- Price: $299
Sony CU-C31
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Compatibility: Sony DWM-02 and DWZ series handhelds
- Price: $590
Telefunken M81-WH
- Type: Dynamic
- Pattern: Supercardioid (cardioid M80-WH also avail.)
- Compatibility: 1.25” screw mount; new M80-WH2 and M81-WH2 versions for Sennheiser wireless also offered
- Notes: Based on Telefunken M81; multiple colors optional
- Price: $249
www.telefunken-elektroakustik.com
Wisycom MCM306
- Type Condenser
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Compatibility: 1.25” screw mount
- Notes: Custom DPA capsule; designed for Wisycom MTH400/410 handhelds
- Price: $995
