Visit Sennheiser’s ‘Spectera Lab’ At IBC
As an ecosystem, the bidirectional Spectera wideband wireless system will be continuously expanded with new software features, hardware devices and services going forward. Here’s a roundup of the sneak peeks available during IBC.
Spectera SKM handheld and dedicated Command adapter
Sennheiser invites its IBC guests to be the first to try out prototypes of its Spectera SKM handheld microphone. Five working samples of the Spectera handheld for the UHF and the 1.4 GHz ranges will be available for demonstration at IBC.
The sleek, aluminium-anodised handheld with OLED display will have the Sennheiser standard capsule interface for both Sennheiser and Neumann microphone heads. The bidirectional data stream enabled by Sennheiser’s WMAS technology gives the operator full remote control of mic parameters such as low-cut, gain and more.
Command functionality will be added to the handheld via a Command adapter which screws in between the mic head and the microphone body. The programmable Command function, for example, adds a talkback channel to the microphone audio channel when an on-site reporter needs to exchange with the production team or production director on program content, such as potential next interview partners.
The Spectera handheld and the Command adapter are scheduled to start shipping in September 2026.
Command function for the SEK bodypack
The Command functionality and adapter for the Spectera bodypack will be made available from May 2026. Like the Command adapter for the handheld, it will allow the wearer to converse with the production crew.
SMPTE 2110 integration for broadcast production
IBC visitors will also be able to see a Spectera Base Station ZMAN prototype that carries a Merging ZMAN audio network module for AES 67 ecosystems. This module has the Base Station working according to the ST 2110-30 standard for audio transport, allowing for simple integration into high-quality broadcast production and distribution workflows.
SMPTE 2110 integration for Spectera is anticipated to be completed in August 2026.
Engineer Mode
Also on show is the upcoming Engineer Mode for Spectera. This cue mode will provide engineers with the ability to listen in on up to 16 IEM mixes. The software update will be available from January 2026.
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