AKG WMS470 Vocal Set D5 Wireless Microphone System

AKG WMS470 Vocal Set D5 Wireless Microphone System

The AKG WMS470 Vocal Set D5 is a professional UHF wireless microphone system for singers and presenters, pairing the SR470 diversity receiver with the HT470 handheld transmitter fitted with AKG’s D5 dynamic microphone capsule. It is designed for stages, houses of worship, event venues and rental systems where several wireless channels may be running at once and where the system has to find clean frequencies, connect quickly and keep working through a performance without the operator nursing it from the side of the stage.

Key features

• HT470 handheld transmitter with D5 dynamic supercardioid capsule for lead vocals
• SR470 true-diversity style receiver operation for stable stage reception
• 1,220 selectable frequencies in 25 kHz steps within a 30 MHz switching bandwidth
• Automatic frequency setup with infrared synchronisation to the transmitter
• Audio bandwidth of 35 Hz to 20,000 Hz with 120 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio
• Up to 100 m line-of-sight radio range, depending on the antenna system
• Single AA battery operation with battery status shown in hours on the transmitter

The D5 capsule for live vocals

The D5 is AKG’s dynamic vocal capsule, built for the way singers actually use a handheld microphone on a loud stage. Its supercardioid pickup concentrates on the voice in front of it and rejects more of the stage wash, monitor spill and audience noise arriving from the sides, which helps a vocal stay clear in a busy mix and gives the engineer more level before feedback. As a dynamic capsule it also handles the high sound pressure of strong singers at close range without the fragility concerns of a delicate studio condenser, and it tolerates the handling and travel that working vocal microphones go through.

Finding clean frequencies fast

With 1,220 selectable frequencies arranged in 25 kHz steps, the system can be moved away from local interference instead of being trapped on a fixed channel. The receiver’s automatic setup scans for usable frequencies and the chosen settings are sent to the transmitter by infrared, so both ends agree without manual menu matching. AKG rates the system for multiple simultaneous channels, which makes the WMS470 family suitable for venues running a small fleet of wireless microphones and instruments together, provided the frequencies are coordinated as a group rather than chosen one at a time.

Receiver connections and stage practicality

The SR470 provides a balanced XLR output, switchable in level, and an unbalanced quarter-inch output, covering both professional mixer inputs and simpler sound systems. Adjustable squelch keeps the output quiet when the transmitter is off or out of range, and a pilot tone system supports reliable muting behaviour. The receiver’s BNC antenna connections allow the supplied antennas to be replaced by a larger antenna distribution setup in fixed installations, and a rack mount kit format suits permanent venue racks as well as portable systems.

Battery life and operating range

The handheld runs from a single AA cell, with operating time depending on battery type: AKG quotes around seven hours on an alkaline cell and longer on lithium. Remaining time is displayed in hours, which is far more useful mid-show than a simple low-battery warning that appears too late to act on. Radio output power is in the 10 to 50 mW range depending on version, with a line-of-sight range of up to 100 metres under suitable conditions; as with all wireless systems, walls, crowds and antenna placement will decide the working range in a real venue.

For vocalists, presenters and venues that need a dependable wireless channel with a proven live vocal capsule, the WMS470 Vocal Set D5 offers frequency agility, straightforward infrared setup and receiver connections that fit professional sound systems. It is a working stage system rather than a novelty wireless microphone, intended for regular use where dropouts and feedback are not acceptable.