Quantum5x Systems
Quantum5X Systems (Q5X) is a private Canadian manufacturer of professional wireless audio bodypack transmitters, specializing in flexible, waterproof, and concealable form factors for professional sports leagues, broadcast networks, theatre, and film/TV production. Founded 2002, based in London, Ontario with 11–50 employees.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersLondon, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Quantum5x Systems does
Quantum5X Systems Inc. (Q5X) is a privately held Canadian corporation founded in 2002 and headquartered in London, Ontario, that designs and manufactures professional wireless audio bodypack transmitters for use cases where conventional wireless microphones fail: professional sports, live theatre, film, and television production. The company's core product lines consist of three form-factor families—flexible rubber-bodied transmitters (PlayerMic, PlayerMic S, Incognito) designed for athlete safety and costume concealment, IP68 waterproof aluminum transmitters (AquaMic, AquaMic L, AquaMic XL) rated for submersion to 100 feet, and talent-controlled switched transmitters (CoachMic, PushMic, ToggleMic). All products operate on UHF frequencies between 470–960 MHz, with the digital line featuring AES-256 encryption and full interoperability with Shure Axient Digital receivers; analog variants interoperate with Lectrosonics, Wisycom, and Sennheiser platforms. A proprietary RCAS (Remote Control Audio System) 2.4 GHz control layer, anchored by the MicCommander H2 handheld gateway and the PoE-connected Network Gateway N3, enables remote control of up to 32 transmitters per gateway at 150+ foot range, addressing a workflow pain point that competitors do not match.
Q5X operates a made-to-order manufacturing model with 10-day turnaround, sells hardware at price points from $995 (MicCommander H2) to $3,495 (AquaMic Digital), and monetizes exclusively through one-time hardware sales plus ancillary termination services and a North American distribution agreement for the WAVENET NESO 2.4 IFB system. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales (targeting the NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, World Rugby, CFL, ESPN, NBC, CBS, ABC, Turner, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sky Sports, and CBC) with a global authorized dealer network that handles demos, local support, and pricing flexibility. The company's intellectual property position is reinforced by five registered Canadian trademarks (Q5X, Q5X logo, PlayerMic, QT-256, RefSwitch) and full regulatory certification (FCC, CE, Industry Canada, ETSI) across the product portfolio. The leadership team is small and engineering-led, with founder/CEO Paul Johnson (P.Eng., MBA) and CTO Chris Devries (Ph.D.) heading a team of 11–50 employees; no venture capital, private equity, or acquisition activity has been disclosed.
Quantum5x Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Quantum5x Systems
- Legal name
- Quantum5X Systems Inc.
- Website
- https://q5x.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Quantum5X Systems (Q5X) is a private Canadian manufacturer of professional wireless audio bodypack transmitters, specializing in flexible, waterproof, and concealable form factors for professional sports leagues, broadcast networks, theatre, and film/TV production. Founded 2002, based in London, Ontario with 11–50 employees.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Quantum5x Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Quantum5x Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of wireless audio transmitters, receivers, controllers, and accessories. Products are assembled to order upon sale with 10-day turnaround. Prices range from $995 USD to $3,495 USD depending on product line. Includes both digital (Axient Digital compatible) and analog product lines.
- IFB System Distribution: North American distribution of WAVENET's NESO 2.4 long-range IFB (Interrupted Foldback) system including transmitters, behind-the-ear receivers, and in-ear receivers with accessories.
- Mic Termination Services: Fee-based termination services for third-party microphone elements to work with Q5X transmitters, plus shipping to and from location.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | PlayerMic Digital - $2,695 USD |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | PlayerMic Analog - $2,495 USD |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | AquaMic Digital - $3,495 USD |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | AquaMic L Digital - $2,995 USD |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Incognito Digital - $3,295 USD |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Incognito Analog - $2,595 USD |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CoachMic Digital - $2,795 USD |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | MicCommander H2 - $995 USD |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Network Gateway N3 - $1,195 USD |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | M3 Mobile Receiver - $1,795 USD |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
Quantum5x Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Quantum5x Systems (Q5X) designs and manufactures professional wireless audio bodypack transmitters for sports, broadcast, live entertainment, and film/TV production. Its product families include flexible rubber-encased transmitters (PlayerMic, Incognito), fully waterproof aluminum units (AquaMic line), and switched transmitters (CoachMic, PushMic, ToggleMic), supported by receivers and a proprietary 2.4 GHz Remote Control Audio System (RCAS) for wireless remote control of transmitter settings.
Product overview
Quantum5x Systems is a manufacturer of professional wireless audio transmitters, operating as a single-product-line hardware company with multiple transmitter form factors and supporting accessories. The core product line consists of bodypack wireless microphone transmitters in three main categories: Flexible transmitters (PlayerMic and PlayerMic S for athletes, Incognito for theatre/film concealment), Waterproof transmitters (AquaMic, AquaMic L, AquaMic XL for extreme environments), and Switched transmitters (CoachMic, PushMic, ToggleMic for talent-controlled mute). These transmitters are complemented by the M3 Mobile Receiver and two RCAS Gateway controllers (MicCommander H2 handheld and Network Gateway N3) for remote control. The company also distributes the NESO 2.4 IFB system for intercom applications. Products are available in both analog and digital (Shure Axient Digital compatible) variants, with all digital transmitters featuring AES 256 encryption.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PlayerMic®: Flexible, thin, and safe wireless audio transmitter developed for the NBA. World's first flexible rubber bodypack designed to protect athletes from injury.
- AquaMic™
- Incognito™
- CoachMic™
- PushMic™
- ToggleMic™
- RCAS™
- NESO 2.4
Products and services
- PlayerMic Flexible wireless bodypack transmitter with rubber housing designed for professional athletes. Available in digital (Shure Axient Digital compatible) and analog versions. Features 8-hour battery life, internal Li-Polymer rechargeable battery, and Lemo connector for removable lavalier. Trusted by NBA, NHL, MLB broadcast audio teams.
- PlayerMic S Smaller and lighter version of PlayerMic, 40% smaller than the original, with 4-hour battery life. Same flexible, sweatproof polymer housing with injury protection design. Available in digital and analog versions.
- Incognito Ultra-thin, concealable wireless transmitter designed for theatre, film, and television. Two-piece flexible water-resistant case with detachable rechargeable battery. Hidden within costumes, wigs, and undergarments. Available in three battery sizes (4-16 hours runtime) with USB-C power option. AES-256 encryption on digital version.
- AquaMic Fully waterproof (IP68 to 100ft) aluminum bodypack transmitter for extreme environments. Submersible design for water sports, sweat-heavy conditions, and outdoor venues. 8-hour internal battery with waterproof 6-pin Lemo connector.
- AquaMic L Extended battery version of AquaMic with 16-hour battery life in same discreet aluminum waterproof housing. IP68 rated, submersible to 100ft.
- AquaMic XL High-capacity waterproof transmitter with 32-hour battery runtime. Machined aluminum waterproof (IP68) housing for around-the-clock professional audio capture in extreme environments.
- CoachMic Rugged switched transmitter with integrated rocker-style mute switch for coaches and referees. Talent-controlled mute with remote override capability. Horizontal or vertical belt/pocket orientation with removable belt clip.
- PushMic Momentary push-button switch transmitter enabling push-to-talk and push-to-mute modes. Talent-controlled audio with remote override capability.
- ToggleMic Heavy-duty toggle switch transmitter for talent-controlled mute. Discrete and lightweight with remote override capability.
- M3 Mobile Receiver One-channel true dual-diversity mobile analog receiver in commercial-grade aluminum case. Tunable 470-700 MHz with OLED displays, rechargeable Li-ion battery, and SMA antenna connectors. Compatible with Q5X QT-5100 and Shure UHFR transmitters.
- MicCommander H2 Handheld RCAS gateway for full remote control of up to 32 Q5X transmitters. Uses 2.4 GHz proprietary protocol that operates through clothing, walls, and over 150ft range. USB connectivity for settings control (On/Off, RF Power, Mic Gain, frequency, mute).
- Network Gateway N3 PoE/Ethernet-connected RCAS gateway for network-based remote control of Q5X transmitters. Enables unlimited transmitter control via MicControl software integration.
- NESO 2.4 IFB System Long-range IFB (Interruptible Foldback) system distributed by Q5X. 2.4 GHz frequency hopping transmitter with up to 300ft range, supporting unlimited receivers per transmitter. Includes behind-the-ear and in-ear receiver options with up to 30-hour battery life.
- Mic Termination Services Fee-based termination services for third-party microphone elements to work with Q5X transmitters, plus shipping to and from location.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40% smaller than original PlayerMic (PlayerMic S)
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Quantum5x Systems
Customer profileNamed customers17 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Quantum5x Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
AI capability1 record
Feature5 records
Quantum5x Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- ShurecoreQ5X digital transmitters (QT-AD10 line) are fully compatible with Shure Axient Digital receivers including AD4D, AD4Q, and ADX5D. Q5X is featured on Shure's website as compatible products. Digital products use Shure Axient Digital proprietary modulation and AES-256 encryption standard.
- LectrosonicscoreQ5X analog transmitters are compatible with Lectrosonics receivers including UCR411a, SRc Series, and Venue2. Compatibility mode NA7/M7 required for integration.
- WisycomcoreQ5X analog transmitters compatible with Wisycom MCR54, MCR54-DUAL, and MRK16 receivers for wideband wireless applications.
- SennheisercoreQ5X analog transmitters compatible with Sennheiser UHF-R, EM 3732-COM-II, and EW 500 G4 receivers. HiDyne Plus companding required.
- WAVENETcoreQ5X is the North American distributor of WAVENET's NESO 2.4 long-range IFB (Interrupted Foldback) system. Q5X distributes the transmitter, behind-the-ear receivers, and in-ear receivers along with accessories and consumables.
- Authorized Dealer NetworkmajorGlobal network of authorized Q5X partners delivering industry-leading wireless audio to clients worldwide. Partners receive genuine Q5X products, expert training, and support. Partners can set their own pricing and offer discounts at their discretion. Application process available on website.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Quantum5x Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Lectrosonics: Lectrosonics designs professional wireless microphone systems widely used in film, broadcast, and theatre (UCR411a, SRc, Venue2 receivers). Like Shure and Sennheiser, Lectrosonics is both a competitor and integration partner — Q5X analog transmitters are compatible with Lectrosonics receivers in compatibility mode NA7/M7.
- Zaxcom: Zaxcom builds professional wireless audio systems and digital recording products used heavily in film and broadcast production. Its TRX and ZFR bodypack transmitter lines compete directly with Q5X in the location sound and film/TV production segments.
- Audio-Technica: Audio-Technica is a major manufacturer of professional wireless microphone systems (3000 Series, 5000 Series, 6000 Series) used across broadcast, theatre, and live sound. It competes with Q5X for the same professional audio buyer purchasing decisions.
- Sennheiser: Sennheiser's Professional Audio division (Digital 6000, EW, XSW series) is a leading broadcast and live-sound wireless microphone manufacturer. Q5X analog transmitters are explicitly compatible with Sennheiser UHF-R, EM 3732-COM-II, and EW 500 G4 receivers, making them a direct competitor across the same professional audio customers.
- Wisycom: Wisycom manufactures high-end professional wireless microphone systems (MCR54, MCR54-DUAL, MRK16 receivers) for broadcast, film, and theatre. Q5X analog transmitters integrate with Wisycom receivers for wideband wireless applications, making it a direct competitor serving overlapping professional audio customer bases.
- Shure: Shure is the dominant professional wireless microphone company (Axient Digital, ULX-D, QLX-D systems). It is both Q5X's most direct competitor in wireless bodypack transmitters and its key ecosystem partner — Q5X digital transmitters are designed to plug into Shure Axient Digital receivers and use Shure's proprietary modulation.
Broad incumbents
- AKG (Harman): AKG, part of Harman Professional, manufactures wireless microphone systems (WMS, DMS series) used in broadcast, theatre, and live events. As a broad incumbent with a wider portfolio including headphones and studio microphones, AKG overlaps with Q5X in professional wireless bodypack transmitters.
- Sony (Professional Audio): Sony's professional audio division (DWX series, including the DWX-B30 bodypack transmitter) competes with Q5X in broadcast and theatre markets. As a broad incumbent with extensive R&D resources and deep broadcast customer relationships, Sony has the scale to out-invest Q5X in any wearable form factor.
Emerging players
- Rode: Rode is an Australian audio company whose Wireless GO and Wireless PRO systems have brought miniaturized wireless microphones into the content creator and small-broadcast segments. Rode is an emerging player in ultra-compact wireless, with partial overlap into the discreet-wear use cases Q5X serves in theatre and film production.
- MIPRO: MIPRO is a Taiwanese manufacturer of professional wireless microphone systems widely used in live sound, broadcast, and house-of-worship applications. It competes in the same professional wireless bodypack transmitter category as Q5X, though with stronger presence in Asia-Pacific markets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Quantum5x Systems social profiles
Digital presenceQuantum5x Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance11 records
Quantum5x Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Quantum5x Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Quantum5x Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Quantum5x Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Quantum5x Systems
What does Quantum5x Systems do?
Quantum5x Systems (Q5X) designs and manufactures professional wireless audio bodypack transmitters for sports, broadcast, live entertainment, and film/TV production. Its product families include flexible rubber-encased transmitters (PlayerMic, Incognito), fully waterproof aluminum units (AquaMic line), and switched transmitters (CoachMic, PushMic, ToggleMic), supported by receivers and a proprietary 2.4 GHz Remote Control Audio System (RCAS) for wireless remote control of transmitter settings.
Is Quantum5x Systems a public or private company?
Quantum5x Systems is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Quantum5x Systems founded?
Quantum5x Systems was founded in 2002. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Quantum5x Systems based?
Quantum5x Systems is headquartered in London, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Quantum5x Systems make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are IFB System Distribution and mic Termination Services.
Who are Quantum5x Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Lectrosonics, Zaxcom, Audio-Technica, Sennheiser, Wisycom and Shure. Broad incumbents are AKG (Harman) and Sony (Professional Audio). Emerging players are Rode and MIPRO.
Does Quantum5x Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Quantum5x Systems.