AKG WMS420 Vocal Set Wireless Microphone System

AKG WMS420 Vocal Set Wireless Microphone System

The AKG WMS420 Vocal Set is a UHF wireless microphone system for singers and presenters, pairing the HT420 handheld transmitter with the SR420 stationary receiver. The transmitter carries AKG’s patented D5 dynamic capsule with a supercardioid pattern, chosen for vocal clarity and strong gain before feedback on stage. The receiver uses antenna-switching diversity with detachable antennas, offers balanced XLR and unbalanced jack outputs, and supports up to eight compatible channels within one frequency band. This listing is the Band A version. A single AA battery runs the transmitter for up to eight hours.

Key features

• HT420 handheld transmitter with patented D5 dynamic capsule
• Supercardioid pattern for gain before feedback and vocal focus
• Up to 8 hours of operation from one AA battery
• SR420 receiver with antenna-switching diversity
• Up to 8 compatible channels within one frequency band
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4-inch receiver outputs
• Detachable antennas for use with professional RF accessories
• Transmitter gain control and noiseless on/off/mute switch

The D5 handheld transmitter

The HT420 puts the microphone and transmitter in one 237 x 51 mm handheld unit weighing 214 g. Its D5 capsule is a dynamic design with a supercardioid pickup pattern, which concentrates on the voice directly in front of it and rejects sound from the sides — the behaviour a singer or host needs when stage monitors and PA speakers are close by. The transmitter’s audio bandwidth is 70 Hz to 20,000 Hz, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 105 dB-A and total harmonic distortion of 0.8 percent at 1 kHz. A gain control on the transmitter allows the input sensitivity to be matched to a loud singer or a quiet speaker, and the on/off/mute switch works noiselessly so changing state does not send a thump through the PA. Integrated charging contacts allow a rechargeable battery to be topped up in the optional CU400 charging station without removing it.

Receiver and radio performance

The SR420 is a half-rack 19-inch receiver measuring 150 x 44 x 200 mm. Its diversity system switches between antennas for the stronger signal, which reduces the dropouts caused by reflections in halls and venues, and the antennas detach so professional accessories such as antenna splitters or remote antennas can be used as the installation grows. System audio bandwidth is 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz, radio range is approximately 30 metres line of sight, and RF output is 10, 20 or 50 mW depending on the frequency band. Audio clip and RF LEDs on the receiver make the radio link and level easy to monitor during a performance, and an adjustable squelch keeps the output quiet when the transmitter is off. The listed version is Band A, covering 530.025 to 559.000 MHz; the exact supplied band should always match the venue plan when several wireless systems run together.

Running the system

Setup follows a simple discipline: fit the antennas, connect the receiver’s balanced XLR output to a mic input on the mixer (or the jack output at line level where appropriate), select one of the fixed preset frequencies, and set the transmitter to the same channel. A low-battery indicator warns in good time before the AA cell runs out, and battery swaps between songs or sessions take seconds. Up to eight systems can share one band, so a small stage plot of vocalists and presenters can be built from matching sets on coordinated frequencies.

Applications

The Vocal Set suits live singing, worship, school and college events, corporate presentations and hosting, and any setting where a cable between the performer and the mixer limits movement or creates a trip hazard. The receiver connects to a mixer or powered speaker; recording into a computer still requires an audio interface between the receiver and the machine, since the system itself provides no USB connection.

For a single wireless vocal channel with professional manners, the WMS420 Vocal Set combines a respected stage capsule, economical AA battery operation and a diversity receiver with proper balanced outputs. It is a dependable step up from entry-level wireless for performers and venues that run their sound every week.