Sennheiser EW-D ME2 SET (Q1-6) Digital Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (Q1-6: 470 to 526 MHz) - 508700

Product Overview

The Sennheiser EW-D ME2 SET (Q1-6) is a professional single-channel digital UHF wireless lavalier microphone system operating in the 470.2–526 MHz frequency range. It combines the SK EW-D bodypack transmitter with the ME 2 omnidirectional lavalier microphone and a rackmount-ready EM EW-D receiver, delivering 24-bit digital audio with 134 dB of dynamic range. The fully digital UHF signal chain, Bluetooth-based synchronization via the Sennheiser Smart Assist app, and USB-C charging on the transmitter make this system suitable for both permanent installation and touring applications. Up to 90 channels can operate simultaneously within the Q1-6 band, supported by an equidistant tuning grid derived from Sennheiser's professional Digital 6000 and 9000 platforms.

Product Description

The EW-D platform represents Sennheiser's evolution of the Evolution Wireless line into fully digital UHF operation, combining the ease of use associated with the EW series with audio quality and RF performance approaching the brand's flagship Digital 6000 series. The ME 2 omnidirectional lavalier capsule captures natural, full-range speech with consistent sensitivity regardless of mic placement angle, making it forgiving in live presentation and theatrical scenarios where talent movement is unpredictable. The 134 dB dynamic range of the system eliminates the need for input sensitivity adjustments on the transmitter—the ultrawide headroom accommodates both quiet speech and loud vocal bursts without manual gain changes between users. The equidistant tuning grid, with 2240 selectable frequencies across the 56 MHz bandwidth of the Q1-6 band, removes the intermodulation calculation burden associated with older analogue-based frequency coordination, allowing up to 90 channels to be deployed in the same space. Synchronization between the SK EW-D bodypack transmitter and the EM EW-D receiver is handled via Bluetooth using the free Sennheiser Smart Assist app for iOS and Android, enabling remote frequency assignment, monitoring, and transmitter settings management from a phone or tablet. The bodypack transmitter accepts both standard AA alkaline batteries for up to 8 hours runtime and the Sennheiser BA 2015 rechargeable battery pack for up to 12 hours, with USB-C charging on the bodypack for convenient overnight recharging without removing the battery. The EM EW-D receiver occupies half a rack unit and supports standard 19-inch rack mounting alongside other EW-D receivers. Audio output from the receiver covers the full 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range with a gain range of -3 to +42 dB in 3 dB steps, accommodating a wide variety of downstream mixing consoles, camera inputs, and PA systems. The system's 1.9 ms latency is negligible for all live sound reinforcement and video recording applications. For broadcast and location recording customers requiring additional frequency coverage, companion EW-D sets are available in the R1-6 (520–607.8 MHz) and R4-9 (552–607.8 MHz) bands.

Key Features

• 24-Bit Digital UHF Wireless — Fully digital signal chain on UHF Q1-6 band (470.2–526 MHz) with no analogue companding artifacts.
• 134 dB Dynamic Range — Eliminates input sensitivity adjustments; handles whispers and loud speech without manual gain changes.
• ME 2 Omnidirectional Lavalier — Natural, full-range omnidirectional pickup; forgiving of placement angle and talent movement.
• 2240 Selectable Frequencies — Equidistant tuning grid across 56 MHz bandwidth enables up to 90 simultaneous channels without intermodulation calculations.
• Bluetooth Smart Assist Setup — Transmitter synchronization and remote monitoring via free Sennheiser Smart Assist app for iOS and Android.
• USB-C Charging Bodypack — SK EW-D transmitter charges via USB-C; compatible with standard chargers and power banks.
• Dual Battery Compatibility — Accepts AA alkaline (8 hours) or Sennheiser BA 2015 rechargeable pack (12 hours) in the SK EW-D bodypack.
• Intelligent Switching Diversity Receiver — EM EW-D continuously selects the stronger of two antenna paths to minimize dropouts.
• Half-Rack Receiver Form Factor — Fits standard 19-inch racks; pairs with other EW-D receivers for multi-channel builds.
• 328-Foot Operating Range — 100 m line-of-sight RF range for large stage, venue, and outdoor applications.
• 1.9 ms Latency — Negligible delay suitable for in-ear monitor integration and IFB applications.

Typical Applications

• Corporate presentations and boardroom AV installations
• Conference and convention center audio systems
• Houses of worship requiring discreet lavalier miking of clergy
• Theater and performing arts productions with bodypack transmitters on talent
• University lecture halls and educational AV systems
• Broadcast interview and field production with rack-mount receivers
• Live event production requiring high channel count in dense RF environments

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the EW-D ME2 SET Q1-6 and other band variants?

The Q1-6 variant covers 470.2–526 MHz. Sennheiser also offers the EW-D in the R1-6 band (520–607.8 MHz) and R4-9 band (552–607.8 MHz). Band selection depends on local frequency availability in your region; consult your local frequency coordination plan before purchasing.

Q: Does the EW-D system require frequency coordination?

The equidistant tuning grid greatly simplifies frequency coordination. When deploying up to 90 channels, the Smart Assist app and the receiver's auto-scan function handle channel assignment automatically, removing the intermodulation calculations required for traditional analogue UHF systems.

Q: Can the SK EW-D bodypack transmitter be charged without removing the battery?

Yes, when using the optional Sennheiser BA 2015 rechargeable battery pack, the bodypack charges via its USB-C port. AA alkaline batteries must be removed and replaced conventionally.

Q: Is the ME 2 lavalier microphone interchangeable with other Sennheiser capsules?

The ME 2 connects to the SK EW-D via Sennheiser's standard 3.5 mm locking jack. Other compatible Sennheiser lavalier and headset microphones with the same connector type are compatible with the SK EW-D transmitter.

Q: What receiver rack space does the EM EW-D require?

The EM EW-D is a half-rack-unit receiver. Two units fit in a single 1U rack space using a Sennheiser rack mount kit (sold separately). It is also operable as a tabletop unit with the included stand adapters.

Q: How many EW-D channels can operate simultaneously at a single venue?

Up to 90 channels can operate simultaneously within a single frequency band. Across multiple bands (Q1-6, R1-6, R4-9), additional channels are possible depending on available spectrum in the operating region.

Q: What app is used to set up and monitor the EW-D system?

The Sennheiser Smart Assist app for iOS and Android handles transmitter-to-receiver pairing via Bluetooth, frequency scanning, gain adjustment, and battery status monitoring. The app is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Q: Is the EW-D ME2 SET suitable for broadcast and camera use?

The EM EW-D receiver is primarily a half-rack tabletop/rackmount receiver. For camera-mount UHF wireless, Sennheiser offers the EW-DP ME2 SET with a compact camera-mount receiver. The EW-D is best suited for fixed installation, rental inventory, and stage productions.