Sennheiser EW-D SK BASE SET (R1-6) Digital Wireless Microphone System with Bodypack, No Mic (R1-6: 520 to 576 MHz) - 508741

Product Overview

The Sennheiser EW-D SK BASE SET (R1-6) is a professional digital wireless bodypack system for integrators and system builders who supply their own lavalier microphone, headset, or instrument cable. The set pairs the EW-D SK bodypack transmitter with the EW-D EM single-channel rackmount receiver in the R1-6 band (520–576 MHz), delivering 24-bit audio fidelity, 134 dB of dynamic range, and ultra-low 1.9 ms latency on Sennheiser's flagship EW-D platform. No microphone or lavalier is included, making this the definitive starting point for AV integrators, broadcast engineers, and rental companies who specify their own transducer. Build the exact system your application demands — from a single wireless lavalier in a classroom to dozens of simultaneous bodypack channels in a large venue.

Product Description

The EW-D SK BASE SET (R1-6) gives integrators the core components of Sennheiser's EW-D wireless infrastructure without locking them into a specific microphone choice. The EW-D SK bodypack transmitter is a compact, lightweight metal-housing unit that accepts microphone, instrument, and line-level sources via its 3.5 mm locking TRS input. This makes it immediately compatible with Sennheiser's ME 2-II omnidirectional lavalier, ME 4-II cardioid lavalier, MKE 1 miniature condenser, and a broad range of third-party transducers that use the standard locking 3.5 mm connector. A mute switch on the bodypack provides discreet, reliable signal control for presenters and performers alike.

The EW-D EM receiver occupies a half-rack, 1 RU slot and uses Intelligent Switching Diversity across two removable BNC rear-mount antennas to maintain a clean, dropout-free signal. The system operates across the R1-6 band (520–576 MHz) with 2240 available frequencies on an equidistant tuning grid — the same frequency architecture found in Sennheiser's Digital 6000 and 9000 series — enabling up to 90 simultaneous channels per band without intermodulation hassles. Auto-Scan identifies and assigns the cleanest available channel automatically. The Sennheiser Smart Assist app connects via Bluetooth 5.1 on Android and iOS for remote setup, monitoring, and gain adjustment. Full-range 20 Hz to 20 kHz audio exits via XLR balanced and 1/4" TRS unbalanced outputs, and the receiver's gain is adjustable from -3 to +42 dB in 3 dB steps. The bodypack delivers up to 8 hours of runtime on two AA alkaline batteries, or up to 12 hours using the optional Sennheiser rechargeable battery pack.

Key Features

• No Microphone Included (Integrator Base Set) — Connect any compatible lavalier, headset, or instrument cable via the 3.5 mm locking TRS input; works with Sennheiser ME 2-II, ME 4-II, MKE 1, and more.
• EW-D SK Bodypack Transmitter — Compact metal-housing bodypack with mute switch; accepts mic, instrument, and line-level sources for versatile wireless applications.
• R1-6 Band (520–576 MHz) — UHF operation across 56 MHz of spectrum with 2240 tunable frequencies for maximum deployment flexibility.
• 24-Bit Digital Audio, 134 dB Dynamic Range — Professional-grade digital audio without companding artifacts; ultrawide dynamic range eliminates input-sensitivity juggling in the field.
• Ultra-Low 1.9 ms Latency — Near-transparent wireless performance for live performance, broadcast, and critical monitoring applications.
• Up to 90 Simultaneous Channels — Equidistant tuning grid derived from the Digital 6000/9000 platform supports large multi-channel deployments with minimal coordination effort.
• Intelligent Switching Diversity — Two rear-mount BNC antennas with automatic diversity switching provide robust protection against RF interference and dropouts.
• Bluetooth Smart Assist App (Android & iOS) — Scan frequencies, set gain, monitor battery status, and control the receiver remotely from any smartphone.
• 8 / 12-Hour Battery Life — 8 hours on 2x AA alkaline batteries; up to 12 hours with the optional Sennheiser rechargeable battery pack.
• 328 ft / 100 m Operating Range — UHF line-of-sight range suited to stages, broadcast studios, houses of worship, and enterprise AV installations.
• Rack-Mountable EW-D EM Receiver with OLED Display — Half-rack 1 RU unit with OLED status display, XLR balanced and 1/4" TRS outputs, and included rackmount hardware.
• Metal Housing on Receiver and Bodypack — Rugged construction designed for daily professional use in demanding environments.

Typical Applications

• Lavalier wireless systems for presenters, lecturers, and corporate speakers
• Houses of worship where clergy and officiants wear discreet clip-on microphones
• Broadcast and television production with integrator-specified lavalier transducers
• Theater and performing arts productions requiring hands-free bodypack wireless
• Fitness instructors and aerobics leaders who need headset wireless freedom
• AV integration projects that specify a custom lavalier or headset microphone solution
• Instrument wireless for guitarists, bassists, and keyboardists

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this base set include a lavalier microphone or headset?

No. The EW-D SK BASE SET (R1-6) ships with the bodypack transmitter and receiver only. You supply any compatible lavalier or headset microphone using the 3.5 mm locking TRS input on the bodypack. Recommended Sennheiser options include the ME 2-II omnidirectional lavalier, the ME 4-II cardioid lavalier, and the MKE 1 miniature condenser, all sold separately.

Q: What does the R1-6 band designation mean?

R1-6 is Sennheiser's designation for the UHF frequency range spanning 520 to 576 MHz. It is one of the most widely coordinated UHF bands for professional wireless audio in many regions. If you are unsure whether R1-6 is the right band for your region or venue, contact Creation Networks for frequency coordination guidance before ordering.

Q: How does this differ from the EW-D SK BASE SET (R4-9)?

The two products are identical in every feature and capability. The only difference is the operating RF band: R1-6 covers 520–576 MHz while R4-9 covers 552–608 MHz. Choose based on available spectrum in your deployment region. Do not pair R1-6 transmitters with an R4-9 receiver — each band is self-contained and the components are not cross-compatible between bands.

Q: How many EW-D SK systems can run simultaneously in R1-6?

The EW-D platform supports up to 90 simultaneous transmitters per frequency band, enabled by the equidistant tuning grid from Sennheiser's Digital 6000 and 9000 series. This capacity makes the EW-D SK BASE SET suitable for large multi-channel deployments in theaters, conference centers, stadiums, and large houses of worship.

Q: Can I manage the receiver remotely without physical rack access?

Yes. The EW-D EM receiver connects via Bluetooth 5.1 to the free Sennheiser Smart Assist app for Android and iOS. The app provides frequency scanning, channel assignment, gain control, and real-time battery monitoring — all from a smartphone, without touching the receiver during setup or a live event.

Q: Is this bodypack suitable for instrument wireless?

Yes. The EW-D SK bodypack accepts microphone, instrument, and line-level inputs through its 3.5 mm locking TRS connector, making it equally suited for electric guitar, bass, keyboards, and other instruments as it is for lavalier and headset microphones.

Q: What audio connections does the EW-D EM receiver provide?

The receiver provides one XLR 3-pin balanced output and one 1/4" TRS unbalanced output. Both are active simultaneously, allowing you to feed a mixing console via XLR while sending a reference feed to a recording device or additional audio processor via the TRS output. Receiver gain is adjustable from -3 to +42 dB in 3 dB steps.

Q: What is the physical size of the bodypack transmitter?

The EW-D SK bodypack measures 2.5 x 3.1 x 0.8" (63 x 80 x 20 mm) without antennas and weighs 4.2 oz (120 g) without batteries. Its compact form factor makes it easy to conceal under clothing, clip to a belt, or attach to an instrument strap without drawing attention.