Sennheiser SK 6000 BK Bodypack transmitter, digital, LR mode, 3-pole SE plug, AES 256, black

Product Overview

The Sennheiser SK 6000 BK is a professional digital bodypack transmitter designed for the Digital 6000 Series wireless system. Operating in Long Range (LR) mode, it delivers intermodulation-free transmission across three UHF frequency bands, making it suitable for demanding multi-channel deployments in live production and broadcast. The transmitter features AES 256 encryption for secure audio transmission and uses the Sennheiser proprietary 3-pole SE connector, providing compatibility with a wide range of clip-on microphones and headsets. Its black magnesium housing balances low weight with structural durability and moisture resistance.

Product Description

The SK 6000 BK sits at the top of Sennheiser's Digital 6000 Series, a platform built around the proprietary SeDAC (Sennheiser Digital Audio Codec) that delivers artifact-free, high-dynamic-range audio in a fully digital transmission chain. In Long Range mode, the transmitter works in tandem with the EM 6000 receiver — as well as the EK 6042 and EM 9046 — to sustain reliable RF links in environments where signal paths are challenging due to distance, obstacles, or dense RF congestion. The equidistant frequency grid eliminates intermodulation products, allowing operators to pack up to five simultaneous links per 1 MHz of spectrum in Link Density mode, a critical advantage in large theatrical, broadcast, or touring deployments.

The 3-pole SE connector is the Sennheiser standard for professional wireless bodypack applications, accepting the MKE 1, MKE 2, and MKE 40 clip-on microphones along with the HSP 2, HSP 4, and SL Headmic headsets without adapters. Power is supplied by the rechargeable BA 61 lithium-ion battery pack, rated for up to 6.5 hours of operation; the optional B 61 battery holder enables AA battery use when mains charging is unavailable. Three frequency variants cover the A1–A4 (470–558 MHz), A5–A8 (550–638 MHz), and B1–B4 (630–718 MHz) bands, allowing integrators to match regional frequency allocations and avoid local interference.

AES 256 encryption — the same standard used in government and financial data security — ensures that audio signals cannot be intercepted during transmission, which is essential for broadcast, corporate, and law enforcement applications. The magnesium housing provides the mechanical integrity of a metal chassis while keeping the transmitter profile slim enough for discreet body wear under costumes or clothing.

Key Features

• Sennheiser SeDAC Digital Audio Codec — Proprietary lossless codec delivers artifact-free audio with wide dynamic range throughout the digital signal chain.
• Long Range (LR) Mode — Sustains reliable RF links at extended distances; compatible with EM 6000, EK 6042, and EM 9046 receivers in LR mode.
• AES 256 Encryption — Military-grade encryption protects audio transmission from interception in sensitive broadcast and corporate environments.
• Intermodulation-Free Equidistant Frequency Grid — Enables up to five simultaneous links per 1 MHz bandwidth in Link Density mode for high-density deployments.
• 3-Pole SE Connector (Sennheiser Proprietary) — Direct compatibility with MKE 1, MKE 2, MKE 40, HSP 2, HSP 4, and SL Headmic without adapters.
• Three UHF Frequency Variants — A1–A4 (470–558 MHz), A5–A8 (550–638 MHz), and B1–B4 (630–718 MHz) to match regional spectrum allocations.
• BA 61 Li-ion Battery Pack — Up to 6.5 hours runtime; optional B 61 holder enables AA battery operation as a backup.
• Magnesium Housing, Black Finish — Lightweight yet durable enclosure with moisture resistance for demanding stage and production environments.
• Compact Profile — Discreet form factor suited for body wear under costumes or performer clothing.
• Digital 6000 Series Ecosystem — Integrates with the full Sennheiser Digital 6000 infrastructure including receivers, chargers, and remote management software.

Typical Applications

• Live theatrical and Broadway productions requiring high channel counts and discreet body wear
• Broadcast studio and field production with encrypted RF transmission requirements
• Large-format concert touring with congested RF environments
• Houses of worship with multi-channel wireless infrastructure
• Television production and ENG where Long Range mode extends transmitter coverage
• Corporate events and conference productions with high performer counts

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between LR mode and standard mode on the SK 6000?

Long Range (LR) mode increases the RF output power and receiver sensitivity to extend the operating range, making it suitable for large venues or situations where the transmitter is far from the receiver antenna. Standard mode conserves battery life and is adequate for typical stage distances.

Q: Which receivers are compatible with the SK 6000 BK in Long Range mode?

The SK 6000 BK in LR mode is compatible with the EM 6000 dual-channel receiver, the EK 6042 camera receiver, and the EM 9046 multi-channel receiver. All three support the full Digital 6000 feature set including AES 256 encryption and remote control.

Q: What microphones can I connect to the SK 6000 BK?

The 3-pole SE connector accepts Sennheiser's professional clip-on microphones including the MKE 1, MKE 2, and MKE 40, as well as the HSP 2, HSP 4, and SL Headmic headsets. These connect directly without adapters. For instruments, the SE connector also accommodates a guitar/bass instrument cable input.

Q: How long does the BA 61 battery last, and can I use standard batteries?

The BA 61 lithium-ion pack provides up to 6.5 hours of runtime. The optional B 61 battery holder accepts standard AA batteries, giving you a backup power option when charging infrastructure is not available on location.

Q: What does AES 256 encryption mean in practice for wireless audio?

AES 256 encrypts the digital audio stream between the SK 6000 transmitter and the receiver. This prevents the signal from being intercepted and decoded by third-party RF receivers, which is important for broadcast, legal proceedings, corporate confidentiality, and government applications.

Q: Which frequency band should I choose for my region?

Band selection depends on local spectrum regulations and the frequencies already in use at your venue. The A1–A4 band (470–558 MHz) aligns with much of the UHF TV white space in the US. Always verify current FCC or regional regulations before purchasing. Creation Networks can advise on frequency coordination for your specific market.

Q: Can the SK 6000 BK be used in the same deployment as Digital 9000 equipment?

The SK 6000 supports Digital 9000 encryption protocol and can operate alongside Digital 9000 infrastructure, but it is not a Digital 9000 transmitter. For full Digital 9000 interoperability, Sennheiser offers the SK 9000 bodypack. The SK 6000 is the Digital 6000 Series transmitter.

Q: Is the SK 6000 BK suitable for high-density deployments with many simultaneous channels?

Yes. The equidistant frequency grid and intermodulation-free design allow up to five simultaneous links per 1 MHz of bandwidth in Link Density mode. This makes the SK 6000 one of the more spectrum-efficient bodypack transmitters available for large theatrical or broadcast deployments.