Sennheiser Mic Capsule Compatibility
Posted on: 12th April 2021
All handheld transmitters need a capsule. And every capsule needs a handheld transmitter. But which capsules fits which transmitter? This blog post will give you all the tools you need to specify the correct Sennheiser capsules when asked by your customer.
Capsule Overview
Sennheiser’s range of capsules are made up of ME, MMD, MD, KK and MMK codes. Each code has a different function and are compatible with various Sennheiser handheld transmitters.
ME – Microphone Electret Condenser
For increased microphone sensitivity: An electret condenser microphone requires an electric charge which is supplied by a “electret” within the makeup of the capsule. No external voltage (phantom power) is required to charge or “polarise” the capsule. Often used for sensitive instrument and vocal applications.
KK / MMK – Microphone “True” Condenser
For even greater sensitivity: A higher voltage (phantom power) is required to increase the sensitivity of the capsule. This is supplied by a battery in a wireless transmitter or direct from the mixer in the case of wired microphones. Ideal for soft vocals, instruments, distance, low level delicate sound sources and higher frequencies.
MMD / MD – Microphone Dynamic
For loud and strong sounds: Dynamic microphones do not require an electrical charge. The function is the reverse of that of a speaker, i.e. the sound moves the diaphragm which is attached to wire coil around a permanent magnet, creating a voltage which is amplified by the mixer. Best used for capturing loud vocals and strong instrument sounds and drums.
Transmitter Overview
In Sennheiser terminology an SKM is a handheld transmitter and each of the below models come in a variety of different frequency options which you can choose depending on your application, mostly commonly CH38, CH70 and 1.8GHz.
SKM 100 G4 – Handheld transmitters for evolution wireless G4 100 Series
SKM 300 G4 – Handheld transmitters for evolution wireless G4 300 Series
SKM 500 G4 – Handheld transmitters for evolution wireless G4 500 Series
EW-D SKM-S – Handheld transmitter for Evolution Wireless Digital Series
SKM AVX – Handheld transmitters for the AVX Camera Wireless Microphone System
SKM SL DW – Handheld transmitters for SpeechLine Digital Wireless systems
SKM 2000 – Handheld transmitters for 2000 Series wireless systems
SKM 5200 – Handheld transmitters for 5000 Series wireless systems
SKM 6000 – Handheld transmitters for high-end Digital 6000 wireless systems
SKM 9000 – Handheld transmitters for high-end Digital 9000 wireless systems
Discontinued Products
The below product families are now discontinued and not available to purchase but if we’ve still included them in you have existing inventory that you are still using.
SKM 100 G3 – Handheld transmitters for evolution wireless G3 100 Series
SKM 300 G3 – Handheld transmitters for evolution wireless G3 300 Series
SKM 500 G3 – Handheld transmitters for evolution wireless G3 500 Series
SKM D1 – Handheld transmitters for evolution wireless D1 systems
SKM 5000 – Handheld transmitters for 5000 Series wireless systems
SKM 3072 – Handheld transmitters for the 3000 Series wireless systems
Download your FREE A4 matrix guide
We have put together a really helpful and printable A4 matrix chart that shows you exactly which Sennheiser capsules and handheld transmitters are compatible. Download your copy via the PDF below. Last updated Feb 2022.
