Sennheiser EW-D ME3 SET (R4-9) Digital Wireless Combo Microphone System (R4-9: 552 - 608 MHz) - 508712

Product Overview

The Sennheiser EW-D ME3 SET (R4-9) is a complete digital wireless headset microphone system combining the EW-D SK bodypack transmitter, EW-D EM single-channel receiver, and ME 3-II cardioid condenser headset microphone. It operates in the R4-9 frequency band (552–607.8 MHz) and delivers 24-bit digital audio with 134 dB of dynamic range and 1.9 ms system latency. Designed for presenters, performers, and instructors who require hands-free wireless audio without the complexity of large-format wireless systems, the EW-D ME3 SET offers Bluetooth-assisted setup and management through the Sennheiser Smart Assist app.

Product Description

At the heart of the system is the EW-D SK bodypack transmitter, a compact unit measuring 63 x 80 x 20 mm and weighing approximately 120 g without antenna. It accepts 2x AA alkaline batteries for up to 8 hours of operation, or the optional BA 70 rechargeable battery pack for extended runtime up to 12 hours. The transmitter operates at 10 mW audio link output power and supports Bluetooth Low Energy for wireless pairing and remote control via the Smart Assist app on iOS or Android.

The included ME 3-II headset microphone uses a pre-polarized condenser capsule with a cardioid polar pattern, providing natural voice pickup while rejecting off-axis noise from the audience or stage environment. The capsule is rated to 150 dB maximum SPL, ensuring it handles close-miked loud voices and high-energy performance environments without distortion. The headset connects to the bodypack via a 3.5 mm jack with approximately 1.6 m of cable, and is designed with a low-profile frame for unobtrusive on-stage appearance.

The EW-D EM receiver (212 x 44 x 189 mm, approx. 1,000 g without antennas) is a 1U-compatible half-rack unit providing balanced XLR output at up to 18 dBu. It operates on 11–13 V DC and draws no more than 300 mA. The R4-9 frequency band covers 552–607.8 MHz with 56 MHz of tuning bandwidth and 2,240 selectable frequencies spaced 600 kHz apart on an equidistant grid, supporting up to 90 simultaneous channels. An auto-scan function identifies clean frequencies quickly during setup. The Smart Assist app enables full remote management of the receiver and transmitter from a mobile device over Bluetooth, making the system well-suited for single-operator events.

Key Features

• Complete System in One Box — Includes EW-D SK bodypack transmitter, EW-D EM receiver, and ME 3-II cardioid headset microphone.
• ME 3-II Cardioid Condenser Headset — Pre-polarized condenser capsule with 150 dB max SPL rating; rejects off-axis noise for clean speech pickup on stage and in noisy environments.
• 24-Bit Digital Audio, 134 dB Dynamic Range — Eliminates the need for sensitivity adjustments; preserves detail from the softest to the loudest input levels.
• 1.9 ms System Latency — Suitable for live reinforcement without perceptible delay.
• R4-9 Frequency Band (552–607.8 MHz) — 56 MHz tuning bandwidth with 2,240 selectable frequencies for flexible frequency coordination.
• Up to 90 Simultaneous Channels — Equidistant tuning grid with 600 kHz channel spacing enables dense co-location of multiple systems.
• Auto Scan — Quickly identifies interference-free frequencies for fast, reliable deployment.
• Bluetooth LE Smart Assist App (iOS and Android) — Streamlines setup, monitoring, and remote control from a mobile device.
• Flexible Power Options — Runs on 2x AA batteries (up to 8 hours) or optional BA 70 rechargeable pack (up to 12 hours).
• EW-D EM Receiver with Balanced XLR Output — Up to 18 dBu output level for direct connection to mixers and PA systems.
• Compact Bodypack: 63 x 80 x 20 mm, 120 g — Discreet and lightweight for all-day presenter and performer use.
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) ≤ -60 dB — Clean, low-distortion audio reproduction across the full dynamic range.

Typical Applications

• Live stage performances and theater productions
• Houses of worship and religious services
• Corporate presentations, keynote speeches, and seminars
• University lectures and classroom instruction
• Fitness instruction and aerobics classes
• Television and broadcast productions
• Conference presentations and panel discussions
• Single-operator touring where compact, quick-setup systems are needed

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is included in the EW-D ME3 SET (R4-9)?

The set includes the EW-D SK bodypack transmitter, the EW-D EM single-channel receiver, and the ME 3-II cardioid condenser headset microphone. Batteries are not included; 2x AA alkaline batteries are required to power the bodypack.

Q: What frequency band does the R4-9 variant cover?

The R4-9 band covers 552 to 607.8 MHz with 56 MHz of tuning bandwidth and 2,240 selectable frequencies. It is suitable for use in regions where this portion of the UHF spectrum is available for wireless microphone use; confirm local frequency availability before purchasing.

Q: What is the ME 3-II microphone's polar pattern and why does it matter?

The ME 3-II uses a cardioid polar pattern, which picks up sound primarily from in front of the capsule while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This makes it well-suited for presentations, live performance, and broadcast where ambient noise rejection is important.

Q: How long does the battery last in the bodypack?

With 2x AA alkaline batteries, the EW-D SK bodypack provides up to 8 hours of operation. Using the optional BA 70 rechargeable battery pack (sold separately) extends runtime to up to 12 hours.

Q: How many wireless microphone channels can operate simultaneously?

The EW-D system supports up to 90 simultaneous channels in the R4-9 band using its equidistant tuning grid with 600 kHz channel spacing. This makes it suitable for medium to large multi-microphone deployments.

Q: How do I set up and manage the system?

The EW-D system includes an auto-scan function that identifies clean frequencies automatically. Full setup and remote management are available via the free Sennheiser Smart Assist app for iOS and Android, which connects to the receiver and bodypack over Bluetooth Low Energy.

Q: Can the ME 3-II headset handle loud stages without distorting?

Yes. The ME 3-II capsule is rated to a maximum sound pressure level of 150 dB, which is well above the output of close-miked voices in even the loudest stage or fitness instruction environments.

Q: Is this system compatible with other EW-D or EW-DX components?

The EW-D SK bodypack and EW-D EM receiver are part of the EW-D platform. The EW-DX TS transmitters are forward-compatible with EW-D receivers, but the EW-D SK bodypack is not designed to pair with EW-DX receivers. Verify compatibility with your existing infrastructure before mixing generations.