Sennheiser EW-DX EM 2 DANTE Two-Channel Digital Rackmount Receiver with Dante

Product Overview

The Sennheiser EW-DX EM 2 DANTE is a two-channel digital UHF wireless receiver with integrated Dante Audio over IP networking, designed for professional AV installations, broadcast facilities, and large-scale live sound systems. It operates in the 470–550 MHz UHF band with an 80 MHz tuning range, providing access to 3,200 selectable frequencies and support for up to 134 simultaneous channels in standard mode. Built into a rugged all-metal half-rack 1 RU chassis, the unit ships with a rackmount kit and universal power supply, making it equally suited to portable touring rigs and permanent installs. As the two-channel Dante-enabled variant of the EW-DX platform, it bridges professional wireless audio and IP audio distribution at a price point well below the four-channel EW-DX EM 4 DANTE.

Product Description

The EW-DX EM 2 DANTE pairs Sennheiser's latest digital wireless technology with the Dante AoIP protocol, allowing operators to route two channels of high-quality wireless audio anywhere on a network switch without additional analog infrastructure. The receiver's equidistant tuning grid eliminates the need for manual frequency coordination: channels are spaced so that intermodulation products fall outside active frequencies, enabling dense multi-channel deployments with minimal setup time. When channel counts must grow further, Link Density mode extends capacity to 269 simultaneous systems within a single RF band — a significant advantage for large theatrical productions, convention centers, or campus-wide installations. AES-256 encryption is applied to all RF transmissions, protecting content confidentiality in corporate, government, and broadcast contexts.

Intelligent switching diversity compares incoming signals across two independent antennas and circuits in real time, switching only during header data so audio integrity is never compromised. The front-mounted OLED display provides at-a-glance visibility of RF level, audio level, transmitter battery status, frequency, and output level for both channels. Bluetooth 5.1 LE connectivity allows technicians to sync transmitters and adjust settings from up to 120 feet away using the free Sennheiser Smart Assist app on Android or iOS — eliminating the need to carry transmitters to the rack during setup. For more complex networked facilities, Sennheiser's Control Cockpit and Wireless Systems Manager software provide centralized monitoring, frequency planning, walk tests, and third-party RF scan import. Three rear-panel RJ45 ports handle Dante audio distribution, device control, and PoE power — the receiver can be powered entirely over the network, eliminating a separate power run in permanent installs. Balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4" outputs are also provided for direct connection to analog consoles or PA systems. The EW-DX EM 2 DANTE is backward-compatible with existing EW-D components and supports all EW-DX transmitter types, including SK bodypack, SKM handheld, and TS tabletop.

Key Features

• Two-Channel Digital UHF Receiver — Processes two independent wireless channels in a single 1/2-rack 1 RU enclosure, reducing rack space and cable runs.
• Dante AoIP Networking — Three RJ45 ports enable Dante audio distribution, device control, and PoE power over standard network infrastructure.
• 80 MHz Tuning Range / 3,200 Frequencies — Wide bandwidth provides ample frequency agility in congested RF environments.
• Equidistant Tuning Grid — Eliminates manual intermodulation coordination; supports up to 134 channels simultaneously in standard mode.
• Link Density Mode — Extends simultaneous channel capacity to 269 systems in challenging, high-density deployments.
• Intelligent Switching Diversity — Dual independent antenna/receiver circuits switch during header data only, preserving audio at all times.
• AES-256 Encryption — End-to-end RF encryption protects transmission confidentiality in sensitive environments.
• Bluetooth 5.1 LE with Smart Assist App — Remote transmitter sync and parameter control from up to 120 ft via free iOS/Android app.
• OLED Front Display — High-contrast readout of RF level, AF level, frequency, output level, and transmitter battery status for both channels.
• PoE Power Support — Can be powered entirely via the Dante network port, simplifying cabling in installed AV systems.
• Auto-Scan — Automatically identifies and locks to the cleanest available frequency on power-up.
• EW-D Backward Compatibility — Works with existing EW-D SK, SKM, and TS transmitters alongside full EW-DX component support.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studios and production facilities requiring AoIP audio distribution
• Houses of worship with distributed Dante audio networks
• Corporate AV installations with centralized network control
• University lecture halls and auditoriums
• Theatrical productions requiring dense multi-channel wireless
• Convention centers and large live event venues
• Government and secure conference environments requiring AES-256 encrypted RF
• Touring productions transitioning from analog to IP-based audio infrastructure

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the EW-DX EM 2 DANTE and the EW-DX EM 4 DANTE?

The EM 2 DANTE handles two independent wireless channels per unit; the EM 4 DANTE handles four. Both use the same EW-DX platform with Dante networking, but the four-channel version is priced higher. Choose the EM 2 DANTE for smaller systems or when deploying multiple two-channel units for redundancy and zoning flexibility.

Q: Does the EW-DX EM 2 DANTE require a Dante license or separate software?

No additional Dante license is required for use as a Dante transmitter. Dante Controller (free from Audinate) is recommended for routing audio on the network. Sennheiser's Control Cockpit software is free and available for Windows.

Q: Can this receiver be powered over the network without a separate power supply?

Yes. The receiver supports PoE (Power over Ethernet) through one of its RJ45 ports, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter in installations where a PoE-capable network switch is available.

Q: Which transmitters are compatible with the EW-DX EM 2 DANTE?

The receiver is compatible with all EW-DX transmitters — SK bodypack, SKM handheld, and TS tabletop — as well as legacy EW-D SK and SKM-S transmitters (backward compatibility).

Q: How many channels can run simultaneously in the same RF band?

Up to 134 simultaneous channels in standard mode using the equidistant tuning grid. Engaging Link Density mode allows up to 269 channels simultaneously, at reduced per-channel spacing.

Q: Is the wireless transmission encrypted?

Yes. The EW-DX EM 2 DANTE applies AES-256 encryption to all RF transmissions, making it suitable for secure corporate, government, and broadcast applications.

Q: Can I control the receiver remotely without a PC?

Yes. Via Bluetooth 5.1 LE, the free Sennheiser Smart Assist app (iOS and Android) provides full remote control and transmitter sync from up to 120 feet away. No PC is required for day-to-day operation.

Q: What antenna options are available for extending range?

The included 1/4-wave BNC rod antennas can be upgraded to 1/2-wave dipole antennas for added range. Active antenna distribution is available via the Sennheiser ADA UHF or AWM Wallmount Antenna, and the EW-D ASA antenna splitter allows one dual-antenna signal to feed up to four receivers.