Spectera Wideband Wireless Ecosystem Expands at IBC 2026
The Sennheiser Group showcased its growing Spectera ecosystem at the IBC 2026 trade show in Wedemark, Germany, highlighting integrated solutions across the entire broadcast signal chain. Front and center was the Spectera platform, a bidirectional wideband wireless system that combines audio transmission with full remote control and monitoring capabilities.
According to Sennheiser, the new Spectera SKM handheld microphone anchors this push, offering premium wireless performance paired with the intelligence of the Spectera platform. The microphone is scheduled to become commercially available in mid-September.
Pro Tip: Broadcasters evaluating wideband wireless setups can pair the Spectera platform with native ST 2110-30 audio integration via the Merging ZMAN audio network module to streamline professional broadcast workflows.
Base Station ZMAN and Audio Network Integration
The Spectera Base Station ZMAN carries a Merging ZMAN audio network module for AES 67 ecosystems, bringing native ST 2110-30 audio integration directly into professional broadcast environments. According to the Sennheiser Group, this hardware integration provides the flexibility and interoperability required by broadcast engineers, with availability expected in October 2026.
Complementing the base station infrastructure, the system introduces Spectera Command functionality. Available via a Command Button for the SEK bodypack and a Command Ring for the SKM handheld starting in October 2026, the feature gives artists and speakers direct control over pre-configured audio routing. Users can configure the switch as either latched or momentary to mute audio or open a talkback channel depending on workflow preferences.
SoundBase RF Planning and Neumann Capsule Additions
Partner solutions also featured prominently at the Sennheiser booth.
On the capsule front, Neumann unveiled two new capsule heads: the KK 104 A cardioid and the KK 105 A supercardioid. Designed as successors to the KK 204 and KK 205 condenser capsule heads, these units bring studio sound quality to Sennheiser’s state-of-the-art wireless systems—including Spectera—while featuring a more elegant form factor and vastly improved suppression of handling noise.
Did You Know?
The Sennheiser Group booth also highlighted workflow-oriented end-to-end optimization, demonstrating connectivity across SMPTE 2110, Dante, NMOS, and Lawo HOME standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Spectera SKM handheld microphone be available?
According to Sennheiser, the Spectera SKM handheld microphone will become commercially available in mid-September.
What does the Spectera Base Station ZMAN offer?
What are the new Neumann capsule models?
Neumann unveiled the KK 104 A cardioid and KK 105 A supercardioid capsule heads as successors to the KK 204 and KK 205.
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