Sennheiser EW-DX EM 2 Two-Channel Digital Rackmount Receiver

Product Overview

The Sennheiser EW-DX EM 2 is a two-channel digital UHF rackmount receiver built for professional wireless microphone systems requiring reliable performance across demanding live and installed environments. Operating on the EW-DX platform, it delivers full 80 MHz of UHF tuning bandwidth, 3,200 selectable frequencies, and Sennheiser's equidistant tuning grid — eliminating manual frequency coordination in dense RF environments. With balanced XLR analog outputs, an RJ45 network port, and PoE support, the EM 2 integrates directly into professional audio infrastructures. This is the non-Dante variant; buyers requiring audio-over-IP output should consider the EM 2 DANTE at $1,399.

Product Description

The EW-DX EM 2 occupies half a rack unit and can be paired with a second EM 2 to fill a single 1U rack space — a critical advantage in touring rigs and fixed installations with limited rack real estate. Its intelligent switching diversity system continuously compares signals across two independent BNC-connected antennas, switching only during header data intervals to protect audio integrity. The Link Density mode extends simultaneous channel capacity to up to 269 transmitters within a single UHF band, making it viable for large-scale productions with complex wireless requirements. AES-256 encryption secures all RF transmissions against unauthorized interception — essential for corporate, government, and broadcast applications where content confidentiality is required.

Setup is streamlined through Bluetooth 5.1 LE connectivity and Sennheiser's Smart Assist app (Android and iOS), enabling remote transmitter pairing and parameter adjustments from up to 120 feet away — no need to physically carry transmitters to the rack. For networked installations, Sennheiser's Control Cockpit and Wireless Systems Manager software provide centralized monitoring of RF levels, battery status, and audio output across all connected devices. The auto-scan function identifies the cleanest available frequency automatically, reducing setup time before performances or broadcasts. The all-metal chassis withstands the physical demands of touring while meeting the aesthetic standards of permanent A/V installations. Rear-mounted detachable 1/4-wave BNC rod antennas ship standard; optional 1/2-wave dipole antennas and active antenna splitters are available separately to extend range and distribution in larger venues. Power is supplied via the included universal AC/DC adapter (100–240 VAC) or Power over Ethernet, providing deployment flexibility across international touring and fixed-install scenarios.

Key Features

• 2-Channel Digital UHF Reception — Receives two independent wireless transmitter channels simultaneously from a single half-rack unit.
• 80 MHz Tuning Bandwidth / 3,200 Frequencies — Wide RF coverage with 25 kHz step size gives access to clean spectrum even in congested venues.
• Equidistant Tuning Grid — Eliminates intermodulation products, allowing up to 134 simultaneous channels without manual coordination.
• Link Density Mode — Scales system capacity to 269 simultaneous transmitters in a single UHF band for festival and arena deployments.
• Intelligent Switching Diversity — Dual independent antenna circuits switch only during header data to prevent audible artifacts from multipath interference.
• AES-256 Encryption — Military-grade transmission security for broadcast, corporate, and government productions.
• Bluetooth 5.1 LE / Smart Assist App — Remote transmitter sync and system control from Android or iOS devices up to 120 feet from the receiver.
• Balanced XLR + Unbalanced 1/4" Outputs — Direct connectivity to mixing consoles and PA systems; max output +18 dBu (XLR) / +12 dBu (1/4").
• RJ45 Network Port + PoE — Ethernet integration for Control Cockpit and Wireless Systems Manager software; PoE eliminates dedicated power runs.
• 1.9 ms Latency — Near-transparent audio transmission suitable for in-ear monitoring and broadcast applications with strict timing requirements.
• All-Metal Chassis / Half-Rack Form Factor — Durable housing with included rackmount hardware; two units mount in a single 1U rack space.
• Backward Compatible with EW-D Components — Protects prior EW-D investment while upgrading to the EW-DX platform.

Typical Applications

• Concert touring and festival stage productions requiring dense channel counts
• Broadcast studios and field production with encryption requirements
• Houses of worship with permanent A/V rack installations
• Corporate event productions and conference centers
• Theater productions with multiple wireless mic channels
• University and performing arts center audio systems
• Sports and esports event productions

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The EM 2 provides balanced XLR analog outputs and an AES3 digital output via the RJ45 port for control, while the EM 2 DANTE adds a Dante audio-over-IP output for direct integration into Dante-networked audio systems. The EM 2 DANTE is priced at $1,399. If your console or infrastructure does not use Dante, the EM 2 at $1,099 provides the same RF and audio performance.

Q: How many wireless microphone channels can the EW-DX EM 2 support simultaneously?

In standard mode with an equidistant tuning grid, up to 134 channels can operate simultaneously within one UHF band. Enabling Link Density mode doubles this to 269 channels, making the system viable for large festival stages or arena productions.

Q: Does the EW-DX EM 2 work with older EW-D transmitters?

Yes. The EW-DX EM 2 is backward compatible with EW-D series transmitters (SK bodypack, SKM handheld), allowing a gradual migration path to the EW-DX platform without replacing all transmitters at once.

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

The EM 2 is designed for the EW-DX platform and is compatible with the EW-DX SK bodypack transmitter, EW-DX SKM handheld transmitter, and EW-DX TS tabletop transmitter. It also accepts EW-D transmitters.

Q: Can I control the EW-DX EM 2 remotely without a computer?

Yes. Via Bluetooth 5.1 LE and the free Sennheiser Smart Assist app for Android or iOS, you can sync transmitters and adjust settings from up to 120 feet away. For computer-based control, Sennheiser Control Cockpit (Windows) and Wireless Systems Manager are also supported.

Q: Does the EW-DX EM 2 require a dedicated power outlet?

No. The unit accepts power via the included universal AC/DC adapter (100–240 VAC) or Power over Ethernet (PoE). In rack installations with network infrastructure already in place, PoE eliminates the need for a separate power run to each receiver.

Q: What antenna options are available for extended range?

The receiver ships with two rear-mounted detachable 1/4-wave BNC rod antennas. For improved range and reliability, optional 1/2-wave dipole antennas, the ADA UHF Active Antenna, or the AWM Wallmount Antenna can be substituted. For multi-receiver setups, the EW-D ASA Splitter distributes a dual-antenna signal across up to four receivers.

Q: Is AES-256 encryption standard on all EW-DX EM 2 units?

Yes. AES-256 encryption is built into the EW-DX platform and available on all EM 2 units. Encryption must be enabled on both the receiver and paired transmitter to activate. This feature is essential for broadcast, government, and corporate applications where transmission confidentiality is required.