Sennheiser just launched the first bidirectional wideband solution: Spectera. Using WMAS (Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems) technology, Sennheiser says Spectera greatly reduces wireless system complexity enabling time-saving workflows and offering full remote control and monitoring, including permanent spectrum sensing. Spectera features bidirectional bodypacks that manage both digital IEM/IFB and mic/line signals at the same time. The solution is resistant to RF fading and allows for flexible use of the wideband RF channel, for example for digital IEMs with a latency down to a spectacular 0.7 milliseconds.

Sennheiser says bidirectional digital wideband transmission addresses many of the typical challenges that users, operators and owners of wireless audio systems experience today. These challenges include overly complex frequency coordination and complicated rack cabling for high channel counts, and the large footprint that a multichannel wireless system still has — in the warehouse, on tour and backstage, both for space and the amount of time required for load-in, load-out and setup.

​One of the most stunning innovations in the Spectera ecosystem is certainly the Base Station, which, in a single rack unit with 32 inputs and 32 outputs, replaces a rack-full of wireless mic receivers and IEM transmitters. An entire production could be accommodated in a single wideband RF channel (6 or 8 MHz). The lower footprint continues to the bodypacks, which handle mic/line and IEM/IFB requirements simultaneously.

​Spectera represents a total shift in control and monitoring: It doesn’t just offer a back channel, but continuous two-way communication throughout, for truly complete remote control. Via the permanent control data stream, audio settings can be adjusted, IEM and mic levels adapted, RF health and battery status monitored, and much more. AES 256 encryption (AES 256 CTR Mode with >10kYears expiry) for both audio and control data ensures the necessary data privacy.

Also, all units help in continuously sensing the spectrum, meaning they scan for potential interference from other RF sources. With Spectera, it is possible for the first time to see “behind” the RF channel that is actually being used and detect interference.

Eleven Audio Link Modes allow for selectable control of audio quality, latency, channel count, and operating range for each and every audio link, flexibly throughout a production. The operator can always use the RF channel to the maximum, either by giving fewer audio links a high quality or by allowing more links and reducing the quality accordingly. No matter which Audio Link Mode gets selected, Spectera offers clear sound.

​The rack-mount Base Station is the heart of the Spectera ecosystem, and is a true space-saver. It handles up to 64 audio links, meaning 32 inputs and 32 outputs, in a mere 19”, 1U format. One Base Station accommodates up to two RF wideband channels. The Base Station is frequency-agnostic; activation of the respective local license for the Base Station will automatically load the authorized frequency ranges.

The SEKs, too, are space-savers because the very same bodypack can handle both IEM and microphone or instrument requirements, and this can be flexibly determined and changed during a show.

The bodypack features a 3-pin connector for a lavalier or headset microphone (select from a wide range of acclaimed Sennheiser models) or an instrument cable (such as the CI 1-4). The 3.5 mm headphone jack connects to Sennheiser’s range of professional in-ear phones and features an impedance-matching high-power headphone amplifier. The SEK is fitted with a persistent display, where device information is retained on the display even when a unit has been powered down.

The bodypack is available in a UHF (470 – 608 MHz and 630 – 698 MHz) and a 1G4 (1350 – 1400 MHz and 1435 – 1525 MHz) frequency variant. It is powered by a BA 70 rechargeable battery (the same as for as Evolution Wireless Digital) and can deliver up to seven hours of operating time depending on the selected configuration.

The IP 54 protected DAD antenna is a transceiving antenna that manages mic/line signals, IEM signals, and control data at the same time. The antenna carries the RF components of the system, eliminating the need for boosters, splitters and combiners. The RF is digitized here, therefore the DAD antenna does not use a BNC connector and co-axial cable for connection to the Base Station, but a ruggedized RJ 45 connector and CAT 5e cable instead, which are much easier to handle, more cost-effective, and not prone to cable losses like co-axial cables. The antenna is powered by the Base Station via PoE.

LinkDesk software is its backbone of the system and it runs on Mac or PC and turns it into a remote control and monitoring center. The operator can choose between the Audio Link Modes with their varying levels of audio quality, latency, possible audio links and range, as well as fully remote control, and monitor the entire system, with visibility of all audio settings and RF statuses.

The LinkDesk software also handles the activation of the Base Station via single node-based licenses. By entering the specific local license code, the software ensures that the system operates within the local regulatory requirements for frequencies, RF channel bandwidth, and transmission power, putting operators on the safe side regarding compliance.

​Spectera can be pre-ordered from today. The date when shipping commences will be announced during the first half of 2025. All through 2025, a special introductory pricing will be in place.