3 days Ago By AV Magazine
Sennheiser launched the first wideband, bidirectional, digital wireless ecosystem at IBC. Spectera utilises wireless multi-channel audio systems (WMAS) technology to reduce wireless system complexity, while at the same time considerably increasing capability, enabling time-saving workflows and offering full remote control and monitoring, including permanent spectrum sensing. Bidirectional digital wideband transmission addresses challenges such as overly complex frequency coordination and complicated rack cabling for high channel counts, and the large footprint that a multichannel wireless system still has.
The space-saving rack-mount Base Station – featuring 32 inputs and 32 outputs, in a 19”, 1U format – is the heart of the Spectera ecosystem, replacing a rack-full of wireless mic receivers and in-ear monitor (IEM) transmitters. Redundancy has been key in the design of the Base Station. It features two PSUs, primary and secondary Dante connections, two slots for optional redundant MADI connections (optical or BNC) and four antenna ports, which not only allow for redundancy, but also for extended, synchronised antenna zone coverage or higher system capacity by using additional frequency ranges.
The smaller footprint continues to the SEK bidirectional bodypacks, which manage mic/line and IEM/IFB requirements simultaneously. The solution is resistant to RF fading and allows for flexible use of the wideband RF channel – for digital IEMs, for instance, with a latency down to 0.7 milliseconds.
The bodypack features a three-pin connector for a lavalier or headset microphone or an instrument cable. It is available in a UHF (470-608MHz and 630-698 MHz) and a 1G4 (1350-1400MHz and 1435-1525 MHz) frequency variant. It is powered by a BA 70 rechargeable battery and can deliver up to seven hours of operating time.
The system's continuous two-way communication – rather than offering just a back channel – represents a shift in control and monitoring. Audio settings can be adjusted, IEM and mic levels adapted, and RF health and battery status monitored via the permanent control data stream. All units help in continuously sensing the spectrum, meaning they scan for potential interference from other RF sources.
With Spectera, it is possible to see 'behind' the RF channel that is actually being used to detect interference. Spectera delivers Sennheiser's signature digital audio quality for mics, instruments and IEMs, employing different application-optimised audio codecs, which are all internally processed with 32-bit-float precision. Eleven Audio Link Modes facilitate the selectable control of audio quality, latency, channel count and operating range throughout a production.
The new LinkDesk software is the backbone of the Spectera ecosystem. The desktop application offers a remote control and monitoring centre that allow operators to choose between the Audio Link Modes' varying levels of audio quality, latency, possible audio links and range, with visibility of all audio settings and RF statuses. LinkDesk also handles the activation of the Base Station via single node-based licenses.
By entering the specific local licence code, the software ensures that the system operates within the local regulatory requirements for frequencies, RF channel bandwidth and transmission power. Sennheiser will announce shipping dates for Spectera during the first half of 2025. The company's co-chief executives, Andreas and Daniel Sennheiser, said: “We are thrilled to see years of technological development and spectrum policy work turn into a digital wireless ecosystem that will solve many of the issues that users of wireless multichannel systems are faced with today.
“Our wideband solution will be ideal for large productions – whether in the touring, broadcasting or theatre fields – or in any other area that requires multichannel audio set-ups. "Spectera satisfies our customers’ chief desires and needs regarding ease of use, operational reliability and flexibility. It offers less hardware, drastically reduced frequency coordination, redundancy and the flexibility of an ecosystem that grows with your needs.
” Daniel added: “With the new workflows that this ecosystem facilitates, we will certainly see new creative uses of wireless audio technology." To read more about the Spectera, click here ..
