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REVIEWED
REVIEWED: AKG WMS470
The world of mobile DJing is undergoing a quiet – yet revolutionary – transformation, powered by advancements in battery technology. Gone are the days when ‘cordless’ meant unreliable, underpowered or short-lived performance. Recent innovations in battery power, particularly in lithium-ion technology, have delivered a seismic shift, making robust, high-fidelity sound, and crystal-clear vocals, genuinely portable.
This leap forward means professional-grade PA systems, dynamic lighting, and especially handheld microphones, can now operate for extended periods without being tethered to a wall socket, unlocking unprecedented freedom and flexibility for DJs working in diverse environments.
This technological leap isn’t just about untethering your main speakers; it extends to your entire setup. One of the most brilliant recent advancements is the increasing ability of these battery-powered PA systems to provide USB power. This means you can now effortlessly connect a variety of additional directly to your portable system, without needing separate power sources.
This includes anything that would normally be powered from a USB socket, but also devices such as wireless mic receivers, guitar pedals, and other units which might normally be powered by a 9-Volt or 12-Volt adaptor (using a USB invertor cable). It’s a game-changer, truly simplifying the setup and expanding the possibilities for professional mobile performance. And making you as mobile as a mobile DJ can get!
I’ve had this type of PA for some time, but never actually got around to investigating a handheld system until recently. This was a direct result of a visit to JBL’s headquarters in Hemel Hempstead. I, along with around 40 others, mostly mobile DJs, spent a late afternoon looking at all things JBL.
There were a number of presentations, all of which were aided by a JBL EON ONE Mk2 and a handheld microphone – the subject of this review, the AKG WMS470.
The whole setup was on a dolly system, the JBL EON ONE Mk2 transporter. This resulted in the most portable of portable PAs I’ve ever seen! JBL’s experience centre is vast, yet presenting from each demonstration area was a cinch. The PA was simply pushed to wherever it was needed. I could see an endless range of possibilities: namely, for outdoor settings at weddings, for a rapid way of setting up for speeches, for sports coaches – for standalone PA hire that is simple, yet very high-end.
For a mobile DJ, speaker or event host, a reliable, high-fidelity wireless microphone is more than just a convenience – it’s a necessity. The AKG WMS470 wireless microphone system provides just that: robust performance, intuitive operation and clear audio reproduction.
In a market crowded with budget options, the WMS470 stands out as a serious contender for those who prioritise quality and dependability.
Having spent time with this system at a couple of events, and also showing it to customers, I can attest to its capabilities and how it integrates seamlessly into a modern, portable setup.
Out of the box, the AKG WMS470 exudes a sense of professional-grade build quality. The components, whether you choose the handheld C5 condenser mic (which I tested), the body-pack transmitter with a lapel or head-worn mic, or the instrumental cable, feel robust and ready for frequent use. The receiver unit itself is a half-rack design, suitable for more permanent installations but equally comfortable in a mobile rack case or simply placed on a suitable surface. The WMS470 operates in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band. The handheld boasts a generous 14.5 hours of operation from a single AA battery (for the transmitter), which is great for long events or multiple gigs without constant battery changes.
The automatic frequency setup is a brilliant feature, quickly scanning for and locking on to the clearest available frequency, minimising interference worries. For more granular control, it also offers pre-programmed frequency groups and manual frequency selection across a wide bandwidth (up to 30 MHz tuning range within its band, allowing for 16 simultaneous channels per frequency band, or up to 48 using multiple bands).
The WMS470 incorporates several technical features that contribute significantly to its superior performance:
Pilot tone: This is a crucial professional feature. The system transmits a silent ‘pilot tone’ alongside the audio signal.
The receiver is designed to only open the audio gate when it detects this specific tone. This effectively eliminates noise or interference if the transmitter is switched off or goes out of range, preventing annoying bursts of static through your PA system. It ensures a clean, silent background.
True diversity receiver: The SR470 receiver employs true diversity technology, meaning it has two independent antenna systems and receivers . It constantly analyses the signal strength from both antennas and automatically switches to the stronger one in milliseconds. This virtually eliminates ‘dropouts’ – those momentary signal losses that plague cheaper wireless systems – ensuring incredibly stable and reliable transmission, even in challenging environments.
Audio companding: Like most wireless systems, the WMS470 uses companding (compression and expansion) to transmit audio efficiently over the wireless link. AKG’s system is well-tuned, resulting in a transparent audio signal that sounds close to a wired microphone. This means vocals come through clear, full and natural, without sounding overly processed or thin.
Output flexibility: The SR470 receiver offers both balanced XLR and unbalanced ¼” jack outputs, allowing for easy connection to virtually any mixer or powered speaker. The output level is also adjustable.
In real-world use, the WMS470 consistently delivers. The range is excellent, easily covering large ballrooms, marquees and outdoor spaces without signal degradation. I’ve personally tested it across distances exceeding 50 metres with clear line of sight, and it held strong.
The audio quality is superb; the C5 capsule on the handheld transmitter (commonly bundled) provides a crisp, present vocal sound that cuts through a mix without harshness. It handles plosives well and has good off-axis rejection, meaning it picks up less unwanted stage noise. The battery life is genuinely impressive; 14.5 hours on a single AA battery means you can comfortably get through multiple events without needing to swap out batteries, reducing anxiety during critical moments. The display on both the receiver and transmitter is clear and easy to read, even in low-light conditions, showing battery status, selected frequency, and channel.
Integration with JBL EON speakers (and USB power)
This is where the AKG WMS470 truly shines, especially when paired with versatile powered speakers like the JBL EON One series. Many contemporary powered PA speakers, including the JBL EON ONE Mk2 and EON ONE Compact, are designed with built-in mixers that provide USB power.
Connecting the WMS470 to your JBL EON: You connect the balanced XLR output of the AKG SR470 receiver directly to an XLR input on your JBL EON speaker’s mixer section, and you get power using the optional USB Invertor Cable, in the case of the WMS470 the 12 Volt version. Both JBL units have two USB power outlets, so you can feed two devices at once.
Beyond microphones : This capability also extends to other devices. If a performer uses an acoustic-electric guitar with a pickup, or a keyboard that benefits from a balanced, phantom-powered DI box, you can also power these using phantom power from the EON’s on-board mixer. You can of course also charge any USB device or provide power to something like a small DJ controller, so events without any mains power now become a possibility. This can also give you a get-out-of-jail-free card in the event of a power cut or over-zealous noise limiter.
This streamlined workflow means fewer cables, fewer power outlets needed, and a significantly faster, cleaner setup. It elevates your mobile rig by allowing you to integrate high-end condenser mics for crisp vocals or instruments that previously required a more complex signal chain. For outdoor ceremonies, remote outdoor gatherings, or setups where minimal cabling is crucial, this combination is perfect.
The AKG WMS470 wireless microphone system is a really well-designed and thought-out bit of kit. Its robust build, audio clarity, true diversity reliability, and impressive battery life make it an ideal choice for anyone in need of quick and truly portable sound. While it represents a significant investment, the peace of mind it provides – knowing your vocals will be good and your signal won’t drop – is invaluable. Its seamless compatibility with modern PA speakers like the JBL EON series genuinely puts the ‘mobile’ into mobile DJ.
This leap forward means professional-grade PA systems, dynamic lighting, and especially handheld microphones, can now operate for extended periods without being tethered to a wall socket, unlocking unprecedented freedom and flexibility for DJs working in diverse environments.
This technological leap isn’t just about untethering your main speakers; it extends to your entire setup. One of the most brilliant recent advancements is the increasing ability of these battery-powered PA systems to provide USB power. This means you can now effortlessly connect a variety of additional directly to your portable system, without needing separate power sources.
This includes anything that would normally be powered from a USB socket, but also devices such as wireless mic receivers, guitar pedals, and other units which might normally be powered by a 9-Volt or 12-Volt adaptor (using a USB invertor cable). It’s a game-changer, truly simplifying the setup and expanding the possibilities for professional mobile performance. And making you as mobile as a mobile DJ can get!
I’ve had this type of PA for some time, but never actually got around to investigating a handheld system until recently. This was a direct result of a visit to JBL’s headquarters in Hemel Hempstead. I, along with around 40 others, mostly mobile DJs, spent a late afternoon looking at all things JBL.
There were a number of presentations, all of which were aided by a JBL EON ONE Mk2 and a handheld microphone – the subject of this review, the AKG WMS470.
The whole setup was on a dolly system, the JBL EON ONE Mk2 transporter. This resulted in the most portable of portable PAs I’ve ever seen! JBL’s experience centre is vast, yet presenting from each demonstration area was a cinch. The PA was simply pushed to wherever it was needed. I could see an endless range of possibilities: namely, for outdoor settings at weddings, for a rapid way of setting up for speeches, for sports coaches – for standalone PA hire that is simple, yet very high-end.
For a mobile DJ, speaker or event host, a reliable, high-fidelity wireless microphone is more than just a convenience – it’s a necessity. The AKG WMS470 wireless microphone system provides just that: robust performance, intuitive operation and clear audio reproduction.
In a market crowded with budget options, the WMS470 stands out as a serious contender for those who prioritise quality and dependability.
Having spent time with this system at a couple of events, and also showing it to customers, I can attest to its capabilities and how it integrates seamlessly into a modern, portable setup.
Out of the box, the AKG WMS470 exudes a sense of professional-grade build quality. The components, whether you choose the handheld C5 condenser mic (which I tested), the body-pack transmitter with a lapel or head-worn mic, or the instrumental cable, feel robust and ready for frequent use. The receiver unit itself is a half-rack design, suitable for more permanent installations but equally comfortable in a mobile rack case or simply placed on a suitable surface. The WMS470 operates in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band. The handheld boasts a generous 14.5 hours of operation from a single AA battery (for the transmitter), which is great for long events or multiple gigs without constant battery changes.
The automatic frequency setup is a brilliant feature, quickly scanning for and locking on to the clearest available frequency, minimising interference worries. For more granular control, it also offers pre-programmed frequency groups and manual frequency selection across a wide bandwidth (up to 30 MHz tuning range within its band, allowing for 16 simultaneous channels per frequency band, or up to 48 using multiple bands).
The WMS470 incorporates several technical features that contribute significantly to its superior performance:
Pilot tone: This is a crucial professional feature. The system transmits a silent ‘pilot tone’ alongside the audio signal.
The receiver is designed to only open the audio gate when it detects this specific tone. This effectively eliminates noise or interference if the transmitter is switched off or goes out of range, preventing annoying bursts of static through your PA system. It ensures a clean, silent background.
True diversity receiver: The SR470 receiver employs true diversity technology, meaning it has two independent antenna systems and receivers . It constantly analyses the signal strength from both antennas and automatically switches to the stronger one in milliseconds. This virtually eliminates ‘dropouts’ – those momentary signal losses that plague cheaper wireless systems – ensuring incredibly stable and reliable transmission, even in challenging environments.
Audio companding: Like most wireless systems, the WMS470 uses companding (compression and expansion) to transmit audio efficiently over the wireless link. AKG’s system is well-tuned, resulting in a transparent audio signal that sounds close to a wired microphone. This means vocals come through clear, full and natural, without sounding overly processed or thin.
Output flexibility: The SR470 receiver offers both balanced XLR and unbalanced ¼” jack outputs, allowing for easy connection to virtually any mixer or powered speaker. The output level is also adjustable.
In real-world use, the WMS470 consistently delivers. The range is excellent, easily covering large ballrooms, marquees and outdoor spaces without signal degradation. I’ve personally tested it across distances exceeding 50 metres with clear line of sight, and it held strong.
The audio quality is superb; the C5 capsule on the handheld transmitter (commonly bundled) provides a crisp, present vocal sound that cuts through a mix without harshness. It handles plosives well and has good off-axis rejection, meaning it picks up less unwanted stage noise. The battery life is genuinely impressive; 14.5 hours on a single AA battery means you can comfortably get through multiple events without needing to swap out batteries, reducing anxiety during critical moments. The display on both the receiver and transmitter is clear and easy to read, even in low-light conditions, showing battery status, selected frequency, and channel.
Integration with JBL EON speakers (and USB power)
This is where the AKG WMS470 truly shines, especially when paired with versatile powered speakers like the JBL EON One series. Many contemporary powered PA speakers, including the JBL EON ONE Mk2 and EON ONE Compact, are designed with built-in mixers that provide USB power.
Connecting the WMS470 to your JBL EON: You connect the balanced XLR output of the AKG SR470 receiver directly to an XLR input on your JBL EON speaker’s mixer section, and you get power using the optional USB Invertor Cable, in the case of the WMS470 the 12 Volt version. Both JBL units have two USB power outlets, so you can feed two devices at once.
Beyond microphones : This capability also extends to other devices. If a performer uses an acoustic-electric guitar with a pickup, or a keyboard that benefits from a balanced, phantom-powered DI box, you can also power these using phantom power from the EON’s on-board mixer. You can of course also charge any USB device or provide power to something like a small DJ controller, so events without any mains power now become a possibility. This can also give you a get-out-of-jail-free card in the event of a power cut or over-zealous noise limiter.
This streamlined workflow means fewer cables, fewer power outlets needed, and a significantly faster, cleaner setup. It elevates your mobile rig by allowing you to integrate high-end condenser mics for crisp vocals or instruments that previously required a more complex signal chain. For outdoor ceremonies, remote outdoor gatherings, or setups where minimal cabling is crucial, this combination is perfect.
The AKG WMS470 wireless microphone system is a really well-designed and thought-out bit of kit. Its robust build, audio clarity, true diversity reliability, and impressive battery life make it an ideal choice for anyone in need of quick and truly portable sound. While it represents a significant investment, the peace of mind it provides – knowing your vocals will be good and your signal won’t drop – is invaluable. Its seamless compatibility with modern PA speakers like the JBL EON series genuinely puts the ‘mobile’ into mobile DJ.
The full review can be found in Pro Mobile Issue 132, Pages 62-64.
