Sennheiser Spectera: request your demo!

18-05-26


Sennheiser Spectera now on demo with us!


The theory behind the Sennheiser Spectera system and the groundbreaking WMAS technology sounds impressive, but wireless audio of this level simply has to be heard and felt to truly believe it. The extreme flexibility of the Base Station, the unprecedented convenience of the bi-directional SEK bodypacks, and the smart technology of the DAD antennas are radically changing the market. That is why we are particularly proud to have this absolute top-class system on display for demo from now on.


Make an appointment with our specialist Willem

Our colleague Willem has fully immersed himself in this new ecosystem and knows all the ins and outs of Spectera technology. Whether you are a sound engineer, rental company, theater technician, or facility manager, Willem is ready to guide you through this new world of wireless audio.

Do you have a specific location, an ongoing production, or do you simply want to test how the system performs within your own infrastructure? No problem: Willem will gladly load the Spectera set into the car to provide a comprehensive, practical demonstration at your location.


Need a tailored proposal immediately? Request a no-obligation quote.

Are you already fully convinced of the unprecedented benefits of Sennheiser Spectera after reading all the specifications, and do you want to know exactly what the investment entails for your business, rental company, or theater? Whether you are looking for a basic configuration or an extensive system with dozens of channels: we are happy to calculate it for you. Request a completely no-obligation customized quote from us today, and we will quickly provide you with a competitive proposal that perfectly matches your needs.


1.1 What makes Spectera fundamentally different?


From narrowband to broadband

Since the 1950s, all wireless microphone systems—and later in-ear monitoring (IEM)—operated based on narrowband technology: each channel was assigned its own narrow frequency carrier, requiring complex frequency coordination, boosters, splitters, and coaxial cabling.

Spectera breaks with this model by using WMAS (Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems) technology, where an entire production fits within a single wide RF channel of 6 or 8 MHz.


Up to 64 audio channels (32 in / 32 out)

  • 64 audio channels in a single 1U rack unit — a huge space saving compared to traditional systems.

No separate frequency calculation per channel

  • The system automatically coordinates all devices within the assigned spectrum.

Much less RF cabling

  • The transceiver antennas use CAT5e instead of coaxial cables, which is both cheaper and simpler.

Bidirectionality as the core

A conventional wireless system has only one-way traffic: the microphone transmits, the base station receives. Spectera, on the other hand, offers permanent two-way communication. Audio, control data, and monitoring run simultaneously over the same RF carrier, enabling unprecedented control.

  • Full remote control of every SEK bodypack: IEM volume, audio level, RF health, battery status, and more.
  • Continuous spectrum detection, even within its own RF channel — interference becomes immediately visible.
  • One bodypack for both a microphone or line signal and an in-ear monitor, instead of two separate devices per artist.

1.2 The components of the ecosystem


1.2.1 Base Station


The heart of the revolutionary Sennheiser Spectera system is the Base Station: an extremely compact 19-inch, 1U rack unit. Where previously towering racks filled with separate transmitters, receivers, and antenna splitters were required, this central nerve center bundles everything into a single housing. Thanks to the innovative WMAS (Wireless Multi-Channel Audio Systems) technology, the base station manages up to two broadband channels, accommodating up to 64 simultaneous audio links.

With built-in support for Dante and AES67, combined with extensive network redundancy, the Spectera Base Station offers unprecedented efficiency, shorter setup times, and absolute reliability for the most demanding live productions.

  • Redundant Dante connectors and optional redundant MADI for seamless integration into existing audio networks.
  • Redundant power supplies for maximum reliability.
  • Frequency-agnostic operation: upon activation, the system automatically loads the locally permitted frequency bands.

1.2.2 SEK Bidirectional Bodypack


Whereas traditional wireless systems are strictly separate—you have a transmitter for your microphone or instrument, and a separate receiver for your in-ear monitor (IEM)—the SEK bodypack completely changes course. Thanks to bi-directional WMAS (Wireless Multi-Channel Audio Systems) technology, the SEK is both a transmitter and a receiver in one compact housing.

Furthermore, the SEK is software-defined: via the central software, each bodypack can be immediately configured as a pure transmitter, pure receiver, or as a combined unit, with audio quality and bandwidth flexibly tailored per artist. Equipped with an energy-efficient high-contrast display and efficient battery management.

Flexible RF architecture

Instead of fighting for sharp, individual frequencies in an overcrowded spectrum, the SEK operates within a single broad RF channel band of 6 MHz or 8 MHz. Within this bandwidth, the base station dynamically divides capacity. This means that the SEK bodypack establishes a robust, interference-free connection with extremely low transmit power (often just a few milliwatts). As a result, intermodulation—the greatest enemy of traditional analog and digital systems—is a thing of the past, and dozens of bodypacks can function seamlessly within centimeters of each other.

Software-Defined Audio: Adjustable per second

The SEK is essentially 'software-defined hardware'. The physical input (3-pin Lemo for microphone or instrument) and output (3.5 mm jack for in-ear monitors) are digitally controlled via the central Link Control software. Does a backing vocalist only need mono in-ear monitors and a headset? Or does the lead singer want a high-end stereo IEM mix and a pop-free guitar signal? With a single click in the software, the priority, audio quality, and bandwidth allocation of the bodypack change, without having to physically touch the device.

Because communication between the SEK and the Spectera Base Station flows constantly in both directions, the sound engineer has a permanent live data feed at their disposal. From the control room, you not only see exactly how full the lithium-ion battery is, but you can also remotely adjust the audio gain, check the capsule's status, and monitor the RF link quality. Even if the artist is standing on the other side of a gigantic stadium, you maintain full control.


1.2.3 DAD Transceiverantenne


Whereas traditional wireless systems rely on passive or active directional antennas that must be connected to the receiver via thick, interference-prone coaxial cables, the DAD (Digital Antenna Device) redefines the entire infrastructure. This robust, IP54-protected transceiver antenna is not just an antenna, but an intelligent network hub that autonomously handles all RF tasks of the Spectera ecosystem on stage.

The DAD antenna is the physical counterpart to the bidirectional SEK bodypack. Instead of separate antenna systems for microphones (reception) and in-ear monitors (transmission), this unit combines all RF functions in a single housing. The antenna receives microphone and instrument signals from the stage, simultaneously transmits stereo IEM mixes to the artists, and constantly transports critical control and telemetry data to and from the bodypacks.

Direct digitization at the source

One of the major technological breakthroughs is that the DAD digitizes the analog RF signal directly on-site—within the antenna itself. Because the signal is converted directly into network data, the traditional and expensive coaxial cable has become obsolete.

The DAD connects via a ruggedized RJ45 connector and a standard CAT5e (or higher) Ethernet cable. This completely eliminates signal loss over long distances and allows for cable lengths of up to 100 meters without any issues. Furthermore, power is supplied efficiently via Power over Ethernet (PoE) directly from the Spectera Base Station.

Absolute Redundancye

If an antenna is lost due to a cable break or physical blockage, another DAD takes over the connection seamlessly and without audio interruption.

Extensive Zone Coverage

Perfect for larger festivals or theater complexes; you can easily place antennas in different zones (e.g., Main Stage, Backstage, and Dressing Rooms) so that artists maintain a connection everywhere.

Additional Spectrum Capacity

Perfect for larger festivals or theater complexes; you can easily place antennas in different zones (e.g., Main Stage, Backstage, and Dressing Rooms) so that artists maintain a connection everywhere.


1.3 The Digital Center of Spectera


1.3.1 SoundBase


Spectera's hardware delivers the audio and RF performance, but SoundBase is the software you actually use to work with it. It is a desktop application for macOS and Windows that allows you to manage a complete WMAS network without being overwhelmed by the complexity.


Everything in one place

With traditional setups, you walk past dozens of screens or struggle with various software packages for your microphones and in-ears. SoundBase throws everything together: microphones, IEMs, data—it doesn't matter. With support for 64 audio channels per rack unit, the dashboard is set up so you can see the status of all your artists or presenters at a glance.


Key Features

SoundBase is built around five core functions that together significantly simplify daily work with a WMAS network. Whether you are doing a quick soundcheck or coordinating a full festival production – this is what you work with.

Assign Audio Links

You assign one of the 11 Audio Link modes to each SEK bodypack via drag-and-drop. The interface immediately shows how much bandwidth that choice consumes within your available 6 or 8 MHz channel — handy for avoiding shooting yourself in the foot when adding extra packs.

Remote control and telemetry

WMAS works both ways, so your bodypacks continuously send data back. From SoundBase, you can adjust a microphone gain, fine-tune the in-ear volume for an artist, or read the exact remaining battery life — in minutes, not in three vague, useless bars. No more walking to the stage for minor adjustments.

Spectrum monitors

The DAD antennas continuously scan the RF environment, and SoundBase visualizes this via a built-in spectrum analyzer. If an interfering source appears that invades your WMAS channel, you receive a warning before it leads to audible dropouts. Reacting rather than repairing afterwards.

Setting up zones

Large productions can quickly become unmanageable: festivals with three stages, a TV studio with multiple sets, a theater with an orchestra pit and a main stage. In LinkDesk, you divide everything into zones and determine for each zone which DAD antennas serve which bodypacks. You also manage failover here — should an antenna fail, the system knows which backup to take over.


1.3.2 WebUI


Not everyone wants to or can run a separate application. Perhaps you work on a machine where you are not allowed to install software, or you simply do not want extra programs for a smaller task. For those situations, there is the WebUI.

The WebUI runs directly from the Base Station and you can access it via the browser on any device with Wi-Fi — laptop, tablet, phone, it doesn't matter. You don't need to install anything and are connected within seconds.

What can you do with it?

  • Monitor status of all bodypacks (battery, signal strength, audio status)
  • Adjust basic settings (gain, volume, muting)
  • Perform firmware updates
  • Do quick checks during soundcheck or the show

Where is the border?

For in-depth configurations — setting up zones, complex Audio Link assignments, extensive spectrum analysis, managing project files — you need SoundBase. The WebUI has been deliberately kept lightweight: fast, clear, and without the learning curve of a full application.

Ideal for the monitor engineer who wants to quickly check something on stage, or for compact productions where a full RF management station is overkill.