Shure Q5X AquaMic QTAD10AL
Best waterproof transmitter for professional film and sports broadcast production.
Capture crystal clear audio with this waterproof and fully submersible wireless bodypack transmitter. Designed for challenging environments, it's tested to be submersible up to 10 meters. This transmitter works exclusively with Shure Axient Digital wireless receivers, offering superior digital transmission with advanced encryption and spectrum efficiency. It's ideal for reality television, film, and sports broadcasting where water is a concern. The transmitter features a small, durable aluminum casing, a rechargeable internal battery, and a six-pin LEMO connector for waterproof microphones. Remote operation and management are handled by the Q5X MicCommander (sold separately). Modified in collaboration with Shure, the AquaMic is designed exclusively for Axient Digital wireless receivers. It has been submersible in water up to 10 meters, making it ideal for challenging environments in reality television, film, and sports broadcasting. Experience superior digital transmission with advanced encryption and efficient spectrum usage. Available in two versions: Regular with an 8-hour runtime and Long-Life with a 16-hour runtime at 10mW.
$3850.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
86
/ 254
#86 in Wireless Transmitters
Price vs Category Average
+373%
Above average
Weight
3.7104
/ oz / g
Who it's for
- Aquatic sports videographers filming in wet or submerged conditions
- Broadcast professionals requiring high-stakes, reliable audio capture
- Action cinematographers needing discreet, movement-friendly wireless gear
Who should skip it
- Solo operators wanting simple, plug-and-play audio solutions
- Budget-conscious creators seeking standard recording equipment
- Studio producers working in controlled, dry indoor environments
Performance breakdown
Environmental Durability
IP68-rated housing survives total submersion in the most punishing conditions.
Signal Reliability
Axient Digital integration ensures rock-solid connectivity in crowded RF environments.
Form Factor
Compact machined aluminum design hides easily under costumes or athletic gear.
Operational Security
AES-256 encryption provides industry-standard protection for sensitive broadcast audio.
Remote Management
MicCommander control is powerful but requires an additional hardware investment.
Battery Endurance
Long-life version delivers a full shift of reliable wireless performance.
Key Specs
Weight
3.7 oz / 104 g
Dimensions
1.8 x 2.6 x 0.7"
RF Frequency Band
470 to 608 MHz
RF Output Power
2 / 10 / 20 mW
Encryption
AES 256
Operating Temperature
-4 to 122°F / -20 to 50°C
Battery Type
1x Built-In Rechargeable
Waterproof Rating
IP68
Features
- Waterproof and fully submersible design for challenging environments
- Exclusive compatibility with Shure Axient Digital wireless receivers
- Superior digital transmission with advanced encryption
- High spectrum efficiency
- Up to 16 hours of battery life for extended use
- Durable construction tested for submersion up to 10 meters
- IP68-rated waterproof and dustproof aluminum casing for extreme environments
- Fully submersible up to 100 feet and washable for easy sanitation
- Remote control via RCAS MicCommander eliminates physical controls
- Selectable 2/10/20mW RF output power for flexible transmission
- AES-256 encryption for secure audio transmission
- LEMO 6-pin connector for compatible lavalier microphones
- Designed for use with Axient Digital wireless systems
- Waterproof and fully submersible up to 10m
- Compatible with Shure Axient Digital wireless receivers
- Secure digital transmission with advanced encryption
- Durable, small, and washable aluminum casing
- Internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Detachable belt clip for secure wear
- Remote operation and management via Q5X MicCommander (sold separately)
- Offers superior digital transmission with advanced encryption
- Provides excellent spectrum efficiency
- Available in Regular (8-hr) and Long-Life (16-hr) battery versions
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Shure Q5X AquaMic QTAD10AL for its exceptional audio quality and robust reliability, particularly in demanding aquatic settings. Users highlight its ability to capture clear, crisp sound even under challenging conditions, making it a trusted choice for professional applications. The microphone's durable construction ensures consistent performance, reinforcing its reputation as a high quality, dependable tool for specialized needs. This consistent performance solidifies its standing among users who require unwavering audio capture.
Know before you buy
The AquaMic is designed exclusively for use with Shure Axient Digital wireless receivers. It will not function with other wireless systems.
The transmitter is IP68-rated and fully submersible in water up to 10 meters (approximately 33 feet). Its durable aluminum casing is designed to withstand challenging environments, including heavy rain, water sports, or underwater filming.
Because the unit is fully sealed for waterproofing, it lacks physical buttons. All remote operation, frequency selection, and power adjustments are handled via the Q5X MicCommander, which is sold separately.
The primary difference is battery runtime. The Regular version provides up to 8 hours of operation, while the Long-Life version extends that to 16 hours at 10mW, making it better suited for long production days.
Yes, the transmitter uses a 6-pin LEMO connector. You must use a compatible waterproof lavalier microphone that utilizes this specific connector type to maintain the integrity of the system's waterproof seal.
Yes, the AquaMic utilizes AES-256 encryption. This ensures that your audio signal remains secure and private during transmission, which is standard for professional broadcast and film environments.
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