Sennheiser EW-DX SK-SKM-S BASE SET Dual-Channel Digital Wireless System with Bodypack & Handheld Transmitters, No Mics

Product Overview

The Sennheiser EW-DX SK-SKM-S BASE SET is a dual-channel digital UHF wireless system designed for integrators and engineers who need to specify their own microphone capsule or lavalier. The set includes the EW-DX 2-channel diversity receiver, one EW-DX SK bodypack transmitter, and one EW-DX SKM-S handheld transmitter body — with no microphone capsule or lavalier supplied. This configuration is the standard starting point for custom wireless builds in auditoriums, houses of worship, broadcast studios, and conference environments where capsule selection is application-specific. Full digital UHF transmission, AES 256 encryption, and a 134 dB dynamic range deliver professional-grade audio performance across both channels.

Product Description

The EW-DX SK-SKM-S BASE SET enters Sennheiser's EW-DX ecosystem at the integrator level: you get the complete receiver and transmitter hardware, but you choose the microphone front-end. The EW-DX 2-channel receiver operates over an 80 MHz tuning bandwidth with 3,200 selectable frequencies and supports equidistant frequency spacing — the same intermodulation-free grid principle used in the Digital 6000 and Digital 9000 platforms. Link Density mode expands system capacity further for high-channel environments. Intelligent switching diversity and auto-scan maintain link stability in complex RF environments. The system scales to 269 simultaneous channels within its ecosystem and supports transmission distances up to 330 feet (100 m) under typical conditions. Both the SK bodypack and SKM-S handheld feature e-Ink displays for at-a-glance status monitoring without draining transmitter battery. The SK bodypack powers from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to 12 hours, or from standard AA batteries for approximately 8 hours. AES 256 encryption secures all RF transmission. Bluetooth connectivity enables wireless setup and remote parameter adjustment via the Sennheiser Smart Assist app on iOS or Android. For larger networked installations, Sennheiser Control Cockpit and Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) software provide computer-based management over RJ45. The EW-DX system is backward-compatible with EW-D components, protecting earlier investments. The handheld SKM-S body accepts ME capsule heads from the Sennheiser capsule portfolio — ordered separately to suit the specific vocal or instrument application.

Key Features

• Dual-Channel Receiver Included — 1/2-rack EW-DX 2-channel diversity receiver handles both the bodypack and handheld simultaneously.
• No Capsule / No Lavalier Included — Integrator selects the appropriate ME capsule head and lavalier mic separately for the deployment.
• 134 dB Dynamic Range — Handles wide-ranging input levels from soft speech to high-SPL instruments without distortion.
• 80 MHz Tuning Bandwidth / 3,200 Frequencies — Wide tuning range simplifies frequency coordination in congested RF environments.
• Equidistant Frequency Grid — Intermodulation-free spacing allows channel counts that would be impossible with traditional frequency planning.
• AES 256 Encryption — Secures all wireless audio transmission against interception.
• e-Ink Displays on Both Transmitters — Low-power status displays on the SK bodypack and SKM-S handheld for easy in-use monitoring.
• Bluetooth Setup via Smart Assist App — Wireless pairing and parameter adjustment from a smartphone; no wired connection required for setup.
• RJ45 Networking — Compatible with Sennheiser Control Cockpit and WSM software for large-scale networked deployments.
• 12-Hour Rechargeable / 8-Hour AA Battery Life — Flexible power options for the SK bodypack suit back-to-back event schedules.
• Scales to 269 Channels — System-level capacity for multi-channel production environments.
• EW-D Backward Compatible — Works alongside existing EW-D components to preserve prior infrastructure investments.

Typical Applications

• Auditorium
• House of worship
• Broadcast studio
• Conference room
• Training room

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does this set not include a microphone capsule or lavalier?

The BASE SET is specifically configured for integrators and audio professionals who select their own capsule or lavalier mic to suit the application — for example, a specific vocal capsule for a singer versus a lavalier for a presenter. This avoids paying for a capsule you will replace. The SKM-S handheld accepts standard Sennheiser ME capsule heads; the SK bodypack accepts compatible lav mics via a 3-pin locking connector.

Q: What microphone capsules are compatible with the EW-DX SKM-S handheld?

The EW-DX SKM-S accepts Sennheiser ME capsule heads compatible with the EW-DX interface, including options suited to vocal performance, speech reinforcement, and instrument capture. Contact Creation Networks for capsule compatibility recommendations based on your application.

Q: How many channels can I run simultaneously with the EW-DX system?

The EW-DX ecosystem scales to up to 269 simultaneous channels within the same frequency band, enabled by equidistant frequency spacing and Link Density mode. Each BASE SET receiver adds 2 channels to your system.

Q: Can I manage this system remotely without a computer?

Yes. The Sennheiser Smart Assist app connects to the EW-DX system via Bluetooth, allowing you to sync components, adjust RF settings, and monitor status from a smartphone without a wired connection or laptop present.

Q: Is the EW-DX compatible with my existing EW-D hardware?

Yes. The EW-DX system is backward-compatible with Sennheiser EW-D components, allowing mixed deployments where EW-DX and EW-D transmitters or receivers are used in the same installation.

Q: What software supports large-scale EW-DX installations?

For enterprise and networked installs, Sennheiser Control Cockpit and Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) provide full computer-based monitoring and control over a standard RJ45 network connection. Both support multi-room and multi-zone deployments.

Q: What is the battery life of the SK bodypack transmitter?

The SK bodypack provides up to 12 hours of operation with its rechargeable lithium-ion battery, or approximately 8 hours with standard AA alkaline batteries. The AA option is useful in environments where battery charging infrastructure is not immediately available.

Q: Which frequency band variant should I order?

The Q1-9 variant covers 470.2–550 MHz (SKU 509462) and the R1-9 variant covers 520–607.8 MHz (SKU 509463). Choose based on your local frequency allocation and any existing systems in the venue. If unsure, contact Creation Networks for frequency coordination guidance.