Sennheiser SKM 9000 BK A1- A4 Digital Handheld Wireless Microphone with No Capsule & No Battery Pack (A1-A4: 470 to 558 MHz, Black) -

Product Overview

The Sennheiser SKM 9000 BK is a Digital 9000 series handheld wireless transmitter body in black, covering the A1–A4 frequency range (470–558 MHz). It is sold without a capsule head, allowing engineers and production teams to install the capsule best suited to the performance context — from vocal dynamics to condenser options including Neumann KK series heads. As the handheld companion to the EM 9046 four-slot receiver, the SKM 9000 is the wireless handheld transmitter of choice for high-stakes live sound, broadcast, and theater applications where signal integrity and audio quality are not negotiable.

Product Description

The Digital 9000 platform offers two operating modes: Long Range (LR) mode, which uses the proprietary SeDAC audio codec at 25 mW RF output for maximum transmission distance, and High Definition (HD) mode, which uses an uncompressed transmission technique at 10 mW for the highest audio fidelity at reduced range. Both modes operate on an equidistant frequency grid within an 88 MHz switching bandwidth — one of the widest in the professional wireless category — enabling efficient coordination of a large number of channels even in RF-dense environments.

The SKM 9000 body is machined from lightweight magnesium, providing durability under nightly touring conditions without the weight penalty of heavier alloys. The transmitter syncs with the EM 9046 receiver via infrared, pulling channel, gain, and filter settings directly from the receiver configuration. Mic gain is adjustable in 3 dB steps across a 0–62 dB range, which accommodates both powerful vocal performances and quiet interview situations. A low-cut filter can be set to 80, 100, or 120 Hz to control handling noise and wind noise, or disabled entirely. An automatic lock mode prevents parameter changes during live events.

Power comes from either the BA 60 rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack (approx. 5.5 hours runtime, sold separately) or the B 60 battery case with two AA batteries (sold separately). Battery status is shown on both the transmitter's backlit LCD and on the EM 9046 receiver for remote monitoring from the FOH position. The SKM 9000 is also compatible with the EM 6000 and EK 6042 receivers operating in Long Range mode.

Capsule options compatible with the SKM 9000 include the MMD 835, MMD 845, MMD 935, MMD 945, MME 865, MMK 965, MD 9235, ME 9002, ME 9004, ME 9005, and the Neumann KK 204 and KK 205 (all available separately).

Key Features

• No capsule included — Transmitter body only; choose from a wide range of Sennheiser and Neumann capsule heads to match the application.
• LR mode with SeDAC codec — Long Range mode at 25 mW provides maximum transmission distance with high dynamic range digital audio.
• HD mode uncompressed audio — High Definition mode at 10 mW transmits uncompressed digital audio for the highest possible signal quality at shorter range.
• 88 MHz switching bandwidth — Extended tuning range supports large channel counts and frequency coordination flexibility in crowded RF environments.
• Equidistant frequency grid — Intermodulation-free channel spacing for reliable multi-transmitter deployments on shared stages.
• Digital 9000 encryption — Proprietary Digital 9000 series encryption secures RF transmissions in broadcast and corporate productions.
• Lightweight magnesium housing — Stage-ready construction handles nightly touring demands while minimizing performer fatigue.
• Adjustable mic gain (0–62 dB, 3 dB steps) — Broad gain range covers quiet acoustic instruments through high-output vocal performances.
• Low-cut filter (off / 80 / 100 / 120 Hz) — Reduces handling and wind noise without requiring external processing.
• IR sync with EM 9046 — One-step infrared synchronization pushes channel, gain, and filter settings from receiver to transmitter.
• Remote battery monitoring — Transmitter battery level displayed on the EM 9046 receiver for FOH visibility during live events.
• Compatible with Neumann KK 204 and KK 205 capsules — Accepts Neumann capsule heads for premium vocal applications.

Typical Applications

• Live concert touring and music venues requiring high channel count wireless
• Broadcast studio vocal and host microphone systems
• Theater productions with nightly handheld wireless use
• House of worship lead vocal wireless microphone
• Auditorium and performing arts center sound reinforcement
• Corporate event keynote speaker microphone systems

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the SKM 9000 BK come with a capsule?

No. This listing is for the transmitter body only. A separate capsule head must be purchased. Compatible options include Sennheiser MMD 835, MMD 845, MMD 935, MMD 945, MME 865, MMK 965, MD 9235, ME 9002, ME 9004, and ME 9005, as well as Neumann KK 204 and KK 205.

Q: Which receiver is the SKM 9000 designed to work with?

The primary companion receiver is the Sennheiser EM 9046, a 4-slot Digital 9000 receiver. The SKM 9000 also works with the EM 6000 and EK 6042 receivers when those are set to Long Range (LR) mode.

Q: What is the difference between LR mode and HD mode on the Digital 9000?

LR (Long Range) mode uses the proprietary SeDAC codec at 25 mW RF output for maximum range and is suitable for large stages and arenas. HD (High Definition) mode transmits uncompressed digital audio at 10 mW, providing the purest audio signal at shorter transmission distances, ideal for studio or controlled stage environments.

Q: What battery is required and what is the runtime?

The SKM 9000 requires either the BA 60 rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack (approximately 5.5 hours runtime) or the B 60 battery case loaded with two AA batteries. Both are sold separately and are not included with this transmitter.

Q: Can I use Neumann capsules on the SKM 9000?

Yes. The SKM 9000 accepts the Neumann KK 204 and KK 205 capsule heads in addition to the full range of Sennheiser MMD and MME capsules. All capsules are sold separately.

Q: How does the transmitter sync with the receiver?

The SKM 9000 syncs with the EM 9046 receiver via infrared (IR). Pointing the transmitter at the receiver's IR port transfers channel assignment, gain settings, low-cut filter parameters, and other configuration data in a single step.

Q: What encryption does the Digital 9000 use?

The Digital 9000 series uses Sennheiser's proprietary encryption protocol to secure RF transmissions. This differs from the AES 256 standard used in the Digital 6000 and EW-DX platforms.

Q: What is the RF switching bandwidth of the SKM 9000 A1–A4?

The A1–A4 variant covers 470–558 MHz with an 88 MHz switching bandwidth, which is one of the widest tuning ranges in professional handheld wireless. This provides significant flexibility for channel coordination in dense RF environments.