Sennheiser EM 9046 DAN Dante™ module, 2x GBit network, 8x audio out main, 96 kHz, 24 bit - 506265

Product Overview

The Sennheiser EM 9046 DAN is a Dante output module designed for the Digital 9000 EM 9046 four-slot mainframe receiver, enabling professional Digital 9000 wireless systems to distribute audio natively over Dante audio-over-IP networks. The module delivers 8 channels of audio output at up to 96 kHz / 24-bit resolution, making it an ideal choice for large-scale broadcast, live production, and networked studio installations. Two Gigabit Ethernet ports support either redundant network configurations or daisy-chain topologies for flexible Dante network integration. For engineers building Dante-enabled wireless microphone infrastructure, the EM 9046 DAN provides a direct, low-latency digital audio path from the Digital 9000 receiver to any Dante-capable device on the network.

Product Description

The EM 9046 DAN installs directly into the expansion slot of the Sennheiser EM 9046 eight-channel Digital 9000 receiver, adding full Dante audio networking capability without any external converters or analog cabling. Internally, the module interfaces with 16 audio channels from the receiver's digital bus, transmitting both digital audio and command signals across the Dante network. Audio is transmitted at selectable sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz with 24-bit depth, ensuring high-fidelity signal delivery throughout the network chain.

The two rear-panel Gigabit RJ45 connectors can be configured either for primary/secondary redundant network paths — providing failover protection in mission-critical installations — or as a daisy-chain pass-through to reduce switch port requirements. The module integrates with Audinate's Dante Controller software, allowing audio engineers to route, label, and monitor channels from any workstation on the network. This makes large multi-receiver setups in broadcast trucks, auditoriums, and houses of worship straightforward to manage from a single interface.

The EM 9046 DAN is compatible exclusively with the Sennheiser EM 9046 mainframe and is designed to complement the Digital 9000 system's premium RF performance with an equally capable digital distribution path. It supports up to 8 main audio output channels per module over Dante, and the receiver chassis accepts multiple expansion modules, allowing system designers to scale Dante channel counts to match installation requirements. Third-party Dante devices — including mixing consoles, DSP platforms, and recording systems from manufacturers such as Yamaha, Shure, and QSC — are all compatible via standard Dante protocol.

Key Features

• Plug-In Dante Expansion Module — Slots directly into the EM 9046 mainframe expansion bay; no external hardware required.
• 8-Channel Dante Audio Output — Delivers 8 discrete main audio channels over the Dante network per module.
• 96 kHz / 24-Bit Resolution — Supports sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz at full 24-bit word depth for uncompromised audio fidelity.
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports — Two GBit RJ45 connectors enable either redundant network failover or daisy-chain topology for flexible infrastructure design.
• 16-Channel Internal Digital Bus — Accesses all 16 internal audio and command channels of the EM 9046, preserving the full Digital 9000 signal path.
• Dante Controller Compatible — Fully compatible with Audinate Dante Controller software for network-wide routing, labeling, and monitoring.
• Primary/Secondary Redundancy Support — Supports Dante's built-in redundant network mode, providing automatic failover for broadcast and live event environments where signal continuity is critical.
• Daisy-Chain Networking — Pass-through connectivity reduces switch port consumption in multi-receiver rack systems.
• Digital 9000 Platform Integration — Engineered specifically for the EM 9046 mainframe, preserving the system's premium RF and audio performance end-to-end.
• Third-Party Dante Device Compatibility — Works with any Dante-enabled mixing console, DSP processor, or recording device on the same network.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio wireless microphone systems with Dante-connected mixing infrastructure
• Large auditorium and performing arts center wireless audio distribution
• House of worship multi-zone Dante audio networks
• Live touring and theatrical productions using networked audio systems
• Post-production and recording studio Digital 9000 installations requiring network audio routing

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Sennheiser receiver is the EM 9046 DAN compatible with?

The EM 9046 DAN is designed exclusively for the Sennheiser EM 9046 Digital 9000 mainframe receiver. It is not compatible with other Sennheiser receiver families such as the Digital 6000 or EW series.

Q: How is the EM 9046 DAN installed?

The module slots into the dedicated expansion bay on the rear of the EM 9046 mainframe. No tools are required for insertion. The receiver should be powered off before installing or removing the module.

Q: Can I use two EM 9046 DAN modules in the same mainframe?

The EM 9046 mainframe has a single expansion slot, which accommodates one expansion module at a time. For additional Dante channels, multiple EM 9046 mainframes, each fitted with a DAN module, can be connected to the same Dante network.

Q: What sample rates does the module support?

The EM 9046 DAN supports 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, and 96 kHz at 24-bit resolution. The active sample rate is configured through the Dante Controller software and must match other devices on the Dante network.

Q: What is the difference between redundant and daisy-chain network mode?

In redundant mode, both RJ45 ports connect to separate network switches, and Dante automatically fails over to the secondary path if the primary connection is lost — essential for live broadcast and performance applications. In daisy-chain mode, the second port passes the network signal to another device in the chain, reducing the number of switch ports needed.

Q: Does the EM 9046 DAN work with third-party Dante devices?

Yes. The module uses standard Dante protocol and is compatible with any Dante-certified device, including mixing consoles, DSP systems, and audio interfaces from Yamaha, QSC, Biamp, Shure, and others.

Q: Is Dante Controller software required, and is it included?

Dante Controller (by Audinate) is required to configure audio routing on the Dante network. It is available as a free download from Audinate's website and runs on Windows and macOS. It is not included in the box but is freely available.

Q: What warranty does the EM 9046 DAN carry?

The EM 9046 DAN carries Sennheiser's standard two-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Extended warranty options may be available through Sennheiser's service programs.