Sennheiser SKM 9000 BK A5-A8 US Digital Handheld Wireless Microphone Transmitter (A5-A8 US: 550 to 608 MHz, Black) - 505950

Product Overview

The Sennheiser SKM 9000 BK A5-A8 US is a professional-grade digital handheld wireless microphone transmitter built for high-stakes live production environments. Operating in the A5-A8 frequency range (550–608 MHz), it delivers Sennheiser's renowned Digital 9000 audio quality in a lightweight magnesium housing. This black-finish model ships without a capsule, allowing engineers and performers to select the capsule head best suited to their application. It is compatible with the EM 9046 receiver and also operates with the EM 6000 and EK 6042 in Long Range mode.

Product Description

The SKM 9000 BK A5-A8 US is Sennheiser's top-tier handheld transmitter for the Digital 9000 wireless system. The transmitter operates across a 58 MHz switching bandwidth within the 550–608 MHz A5-A8 frequency block, giving RF coordinators significant flexibility in dense spectrum environments. Two transmission modes are available: HD (High Definition) mode uses uncompressed 24-bit audio transmission at 10 mW RF output for pristine, cable-like sound; LR (Long Range) mode uses Sennheiser's proprietary SeDAC codec at 25 mW for maximum throw distance in large venues. The equidistant, intermodulation-free frequency grid allows more simultaneous channels to coexist without interference, a critical advantage in broadcast studios or multi-act festivals where dozens of transmitters share the same RF space.

The capsule-free design pairs with any ME or KK series capsule head, including the Neumann KK 204 and KK 205 for vocalists who demand the highest fidelity. Capsule swaps are tool-free — unscrew one head, screw on another — making the SKM 9000 versatile across different performers and microphone preferences within the same show. The intuitive backlit LCD menu allows in-field gain adjustment in 3 dB steps from 0 to +62 dB and a low-cut filter switchable at 80, 100, or 120 Hz to tame wind or handling noise. Infrared sync with the EM 9046 receiver handles channel assignment and gain settings in seconds. The automatic lock mode prevents accidental parameter changes during a live event. Power is supplied by the BA 60 rechargeable battery pack (up to 5.5 hours) or the B 60 battery case with two AA batteries, both sold separately. Battery status is visible on both transmitter and receiver simultaneously.

Key Features

• A5-A8 Frequency Range (550–608 MHz) — 58 MHz switching bandwidth for flexibility in congested UHF spectrum.
• HD and LR Transmission Modes — Uncompressed 24-bit HD mode for studio-grade audio; SeDAC-powered LR mode for extended range in large venues.
• Intermodulation-Free Equidistant Frequency Grid — Supports more simultaneous channels without crosstalk or intermodulation products.
• Capsule-Free Design — ME and KK Series Compatible — Pairs with MMD 935, MMD 835, MMD 845, MMD 945, MME 865, MMK 965, MD 9235, ME 9002/9004/9005, Neumann KK 204, and KK 205 capsule heads (all sold separately).
• Neumann KK Capsule Compatibility — Accepts Neumann KK 204 and KK 205 for vocalists requiring reference-class transducers.
• Lightweight Magnesium Housing — Stage-ready durability without compromising performer comfort during extended shows.
• Adjustable Mic Gain (0 to +62 dB in 3 dB Steps) — Optimizes signal level for everything from a whisper in an interview to a full-voice vocal performance.
• Selectable Low-Cut Filter (Off / 80 / 100 / 120 Hz) — Reduces low-frequency handling noise, breath noise, and stage rumble.
• IR Sync with EM 9046 Receiver — Fast, one-step synchronization of frequency, gain, and filter settings.
• Automatic Lock Mode — Prevents unauthorized or accidental parameter changes during live events.
• Dual Battery Options — BA 60 rechargeable pack (approx. 5.5 hrs) or B 60 AA battery case, both sold separately.
• Compatible Receivers — EM 9046 (full feature set); EM 6000 and EK 6042 in Long Range mode.

Typical Applications

• Theater and touring musical productions
• Broadcast television studios and news programs
• Large-format live concerts and festival stages
• Corporate events and keynote presentations requiring pristine audio
• Houses of worship with multi-performer wireless systems
• Recording studios requiring wireless handoff between vocalists

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the SKM 9000 BK A5-A8 come with a microphone capsule?

No. This transmitter ships without a capsule. You select and purchase a compatible capsule head separately — options include the MMD 835, MMD 945, Neumann KK 204, and others from the ME/KK series.

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

HD (High Definition) mode transmits uncompressed 24-bit audio at 10 mW RF output, prioritizing audio quality at shorter range. LR (Long Range) mode uses Sennheiser's SeDAC codec at 25 mW, extending the operating range at a minimal audio quality trade-off.

Q: Which receivers are compatible with the SKM 9000 BK A5-A8?

The primary compatible receiver is the Sennheiser EM 9046. The transmitter also works with the EM 6000 and EK 6042 receivers when those units are set to Long Range (LR) mode.

Q: What batteries does the SKM 9000 use?

The transmitter uses either the BA 60 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (approximately 5.5 hours of operation) or the B 60 battery case loaded with two AA batteries. Both are sold separately.

Q: Can I use Neumann capsule heads with the SKM 9000?

Yes. The SKM 9000 is compatible with Neumann KK 204 and KK 205 capsule heads in addition to the full range of Sennheiser ME and MMD capsules.

Q: How does the SKM 9000 sync with its receiver?

The transmitter uses infrared (IR) synchronization. Point the transmitter toward the receiver's IR port and initiate sync from the receiver menu to transfer frequency, gain, and filter settings automatically.

Q: What is the A5-A8 frequency block, and is it legal to use in the United States?

The A5-A8 block covers 550–608 MHz. This range is approved for wireless microphone use in the United States. Always verify current FCC spectrum allocations before deployment, as spectrum availability is subject to regulatory changes.

Q: Does the Digital 9000 system support encryption?

Yes. The Digital 9000 series includes proprietary digital encryption to prevent unauthorized interception of the audio signal, which is important for confidential presentations and broadcast scenarios.