Sennheiser EM 9046 SU Basic system housing for D 9000, power supply unit, antenna splitter

The Sennheiser EM 9046 SU is a professional 4U modular digital wireless receiver mainframe designed for the Sennheiser Digital 9000 system. Supporting up to eight EM 9046 DRX receiver modules, it delivers high-quality digital audio with true-bit diversity, a wide 470–798 MHz operating range, 328 MHz switching bandwidth per receiver, and reliable HD and Long Range transmission modes. The mainframe includes the PSU, ASP antenna splitter, and CCC clock core controller modules, with dual Ethernet connectivity, word-clock synchronization, a large TFT display, and remote control via Wireless Systems Manager (WSM).

The Sennheiser EM 9046 SU Digital Wireless Receiver Mainframe is a high-end modular receiver platform engineered for demanding live sound, broadcast, theatre, touring, rental, corporate, and large-scale production applications. As part of the Sennheiser Digital 9000 wireless system, the rugged 4U, 19-inch chassis can accommodate up to eight EM 9046 DRX receiver modules, providing a scalable multichannel wireless solution with exceptional RF performance and digital audio quality. The EM 9046 supports a 470–798 MHz system frequency range and offers up to 328 MHz of switching bandwidth per receiver, allowing flexible frequency coordination in challenging RF environments.

The receiver uses true-bit diversity to combine two parallel reception paths at the individual bit level, helping maximize reception reliability and minimize dropouts. Digital 9000's equidistant frequency grid is designed to reduce intermodulation concerns when operating numerous wireless channels. In HD mode, the system provides uncompressed digital audio, while Long Range (LR) mode uses Sennheiser's SeDAC codec for demanding transmission conditions. HD mode offers a 112 dB(A) dynamic range, with approximately 3 ms latency via AES3/EBU digital output and 3.2 ms via analog output.

The EM 9046 SU features a large TFT color display with an intuitive icon-based interface for monitoring and configuration. A built-in spectrum analyzer and RF level recorder assist with frequency coordination, antenna positioning, and reception optimization. The system can also be monitored and configured remotely using Sennheiser Wireless Systems Manager (WSM) software. Dual Ethernet ports support computer networking and receiver daisy-chaining, while the integrated clock system provides internal or external word-clock synchronization at 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz.

The mainframe incorporates an ASP active antenna splitter module, allowing remote antennas and antenna boosters to be integrated into a scalable system. Up to four EM 9046 receivers can be RF daisy-chained, providing up to 32 receiver channels from a coordinated antenna system. Compatible antenna products include the A 9000 omnidirectional antenna, AD 9000 directional antenna, and AB 9000 antenna booster.

For audio integration, the EM 9046 can be equipped with analog AAO, digital DAO, or mixed output modules, while a Dante output module is also available. The modular architecture allows receiver and output modules to be exchanged for maintenance or future upgrades. Remote antennas and at least one audio output module are required for a complete operating system, and the receiver modules are available separately. The EM 9046 SU itself is listed by Sennheiser as a discontinued/archive product. 

Key Features

• Professional Sennheiser Digital 9000 modular wireless receiver mainframe
• Supports up to 8 EM 9046 DRX receiver modules
• 470–798 MHz system frequency range
• Up to 328 MHz switching bandwidth per receiver
• True-bit diversity reception
• HD mode with uncompressed digital audio
• LR mode with Sennheiser SeDAC audio codec
• 112 dB(A) dynamic range in HD mode
• Approximately 3 ms AES3 digital latency
• Large color TFT display with icon-based user interface
• Built-in graphical spectrum analyzer and RF level recorder
• Integrated ASP active antenna splitter
• Dual Ethernet ports for networking and receiver daisy-chaining
• Internal/external word-clock synchronization
• Supports 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz word-clock rates
• Compatible with WSM remote monitoring and configuration software
• Modular analog, AES3 digital, mixed and optional Dante output solutions
• Designed for touring, broadcast, theatre, live events, rental and installation applications