Sennheiser begins global shipping of Spectera wireless system

Sennheiser has commenced shipping its Spectera wideband wireless ecosystem to customers globally.

Spectera incorporates Sennheiser's True WMAS (Wireless Multichannel Audio System) technology, combining wireless microphones, in-ear monitors (IEMs), and control data into a single radio frequency (RF) channel and bodypack within a compact 1U rack unit. The system is intended to offer a simplified setup and enhanced control for professionals working in live audio production, including concerts, broadcast environments, and theatrical performances.

The hardware package for Spectera includes a base station, a bidirectional SEK bodypack available in TV-UHF and 1.4 GHz versions, DAD transceiving antennas in matching frequency bands, MADI cards, and an array of accessories. Software components comprise the LinkDesk desktop application and a browser-based Spectera WebUI, both providing centralised system management.

Dr Andreas Sennheiser, Co-Chief Executive Officer at Sennheiser, commented on the product's release and demand. "As a growing and flexible ecosystem, Spectera will continue to be expanded and modelled on current and upcoming customer and user benefits, and we are extremely happy to start series production and shipping," he said. "I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all participants in the Pioneer Program for their contribution to shaping Spectera, and all our customers for taking this bold step into the future of wireless with us."

He acknowledged the current challenge of meeting demand, noting, "At the same time, I need to ask our customers for patience and understanding, as it will take some time to fulfil the long list of outstanding preorders. At our end, we have invested massively in the electronics production at our plant in Germany and have considerably increased our capacities, but due to the high demand, order fulfilment will inevitably take time."

The adoption of wideband technology in Spectera is aimed at reducing both setup times and operational complexity. Traditional narrowband wireless systems often require extensive frequency calculation and cabling, as well as complex power level adjustments for multichannel IEMs. The Spectera system automatically coordinates mobile devices within the assigned RF channel (6 or 8 MHz wide), allowing for more efficient use of spectrum resources and easier frequency reuse in environments such as broadcasting complexes or neighbouring theatres.

Benedikt Euen, Senior Product Manager at Sennheiser, remarked on the operational benefits observed by early users. "We have had so many happy comments from our Spectera Pioneers, saying that it was a totally new experience for them to be set up and ready so quickly," Euen said. "Before Spectera, everybody on a production had to wait for them, now they are the ones with time on their hands!"

Spectera's design allows both microphones and IEMs to share the same TV channel, eliminating the need for separate bands and guard bands. The system offers permanent two-way communication, providing engineers with remote control for real-time monitoring and adjustments, including ongoing spectrum sensing. This approach is intended to simplify frequency management and increase operational flexibility during live events, with microphones and IEMs able to be added seamlessly during a performance.

The LinkDesk desktop software component functions as a control and monitoring centre for multiple Spectera base stations, turning a Mac or PC into a central hub for configuring routing, zoning, and audio link modes. For smaller setups or single base stations, the browser-based Spectera WebUI enables access from any device for management tasks such as configuration, monitoring, and firmware updates.

Sennheiser has stated plans to integrate Spectera into the SoundBase RF planning tool in the future, allowing coordination of both wideband and narrowband wireless systems through one platform. A mode planner is already available for current users via SoundBase Tools.

Spectera has completed regulatory and product certification processes in numerous markets, including the EU-27 countries, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Greenland, Qatar, the UAE, the USA, Canada, Australia (for indoor use), Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand (510-606 MHz). Regulatory approval has also been granted—but final certification is pending—in countries such as South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, Mexico, Taiwan, and Bhutan. Certification also remains pending in India, awaiting a formal regulatory ruling.

Customers are encouraged to register their Spectera units in the Sennheiser customer portal to receive notifications about software updates and release notes. The portal includes a feature suggestion hub, where operators can submit, comment on, and vote for new functionalities. Product management teams will review all submissions, and the portal provides a visible roadmap of ongoing and planned feature development for the platform.

Euen expressed the team's anticipation regarding the ongoing development. "The entire Spectera team are super-excited about the start of shipping, and are very much looking forward to further evolving the ecosystem together with our customers."