Sennheiser SKM 6000 BK A1-A4 Hand-held transmitter, digital, LR mode, AES 256, black, including microphone bracket

Product Overview

The Sennheiser SKM 6000 BK is a professional digital handheld wireless transmitter built for demanding live production, broadcast, and touring environments. Operating in the 470–558 MHz range (A1-A4 variant), it delivers intermodulation-free transmission across an equidistant frequency grid, enabling tighter channel packing in congested RF environments. AES 256 encryption provides end-to-end signal security for sensitive productions. Sold without a capsule, it gives integrators and engineers the flexibility to pair it with the capsule best suited to the application.

Product Description

The SKM 6000 BK is the handheld transmitter at the core of Sennheiser's Digital 6000 wireless system — a platform engineered for high-density channel deployments where spectral efficiency is non-negotiable. Its intermodulation-free design allows frequencies to be evenly spaced without complex calculations, supporting up to five links per 1 MHz bandwidth in Link Density (LD) mode. The Sennheiser Digital Audio Codec (SeDAC) ensures uncompressed, artifact-free audio with a 112 dB(A) dynamic range. Long Range (LR) mode extends transmission reliability across larger venues, and the transmitter is confirmed compatible with the EM 6000, EM 6000 Dante, EK 6042, and EM 9046 receivers in LR mode. The Sennheiser standard capsule interface accepts capsule heads from the evolution wireless G3, 2000, and Digital 9000 series, as well as Neumann KK 204 and KK 205 — making this a single transmitter body that spans a wide range of vocal and instrument applications. The magnesium alloy housing keeps weight low while meeting the mechanical demands of live stage use. Power comes from the rechargeable BA 60 lithium-ion battery pack, rated at up to 5.5 hours of operation; an optional B 60 battery set allows standard AA battery use when recharging is not practical. The transmitter ships in black (BK) and includes a microphone clip.

Key Features

• Intermodulation-Free Transmission — Equidistant frequency grid eliminates intermodulation products, allowing more channels in less spectrum.
• Link Density (LD) Mode — Up to 5 links per 1 MHz bandwidth for high-channel-count productions.
• Long Range (LR) Mode — Extended transmission range compatible with EM 6000, EM 6000 Dante, EK 6042, and EM 9046 receivers.
• AES 256 Encryption — Military-grade encryption plus Digital 9000 encryption for secure wireless audio transmission.
• SeDAC Audio Codec — Sennheiser's proprietary uncompressed digital audio codec; 112 dB(A) dynamic range, 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response (±0.5 dB).
• Universal Capsule Interface — Compatible with Sennheiser evolution wireless G3, 2000, Digital 9000 capsule heads, and Neumann KK 204/KK 205.
• Magnesium Housing — Low weight with high mechanical durability for touring and broadcast.
• BA 60 Li-Ion Battery Pack — Up to 5.5 hours runtime; optional B 60 battery set for AA alkaline operation.
• Capsule-Free Configuration — Sold without capsule so integrators specify the exact head for their application (vocal, speech, instrument).
• Frequency Range: 470–558 MHz (A1-A4) — Three frequency band variants available to suit regional frequency allocations.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio
• Auditorium
• House of worship

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the SKM 6000 BK ship with a microphone capsule?

No. The SKM 6000 BK is sold as a transmitter body only. You select and purchase the capsule head separately — options include Sennheiser ME 9002, ME 9004, ME 9005, KK series, and Neumann KK 204 or KK 205, depending on your vocal or instrument requirements.

Q: Which receivers is the SKM 6000 compatible with?

The SKM 6000 is designed for use with the Sennheiser EM 6000 and EM 6000 Dante receivers. In Long Range mode, it is also compatible with the EK 6042 and EM 9046.

Q: What is the difference between LD mode and LR mode?

Link Density (LD) mode prioritizes spectral efficiency — supporting up to 5 links per 1 MHz of bandwidth — making it ideal for multi-channel productions with crowded RF environments. Long Range (LR) mode prioritizes transmission distance and reliability at the cost of channel density.

Q: Is the SKM 6000 compatible with capsules from my existing Sennheiser system?

Yes. The SKM 6000 uses the Sennheiser standard capsule interface, which accepts heads from the evolution wireless G3, 2000, and Digital 9000 series, as well as Neumann KK 204 and KK 205. It is not compatible with capsules from evolution wireless G4 or EW-D.

Q: How long does the battery last?

The included BA 60 lithium-ion battery pack provides up to 5.5 hours of continuous operation. The optional B 60 battery set allows the use of standard AA alkaline batteries as a backup power source.

Q: What frequency band should I order for the US market?

For US deployments, the A1-A4 variant (470–558 MHz, SKU 506302) or the A5-A8 variant (550–638 MHz, SKU 506367) are the typical choices. Always verify that your chosen frequencies are cleared for use in your specific region, as TV band allocations vary.

Q: Is AES 256 encryption required, or can it be disabled?

AES 256 encryption is a selectable feature on the SKM 6000. It can be enabled or disabled based on production requirements, and must be matched with a compatible receiver that also supports AES 256.

Q: What does the magnesium housing offer compared to plastic?

The magnesium alloy shell delivers high rigidity and impact resistance at significantly lower weight than comparable metal constructions, making the SKM 6000 well-suited to the physical demands of touring and live broadcast environments.