From pioneering microphone design to software-driven ecosystems and immersive sound, Sennheiser’s co-CEOs reflect on eight decades of audio excellence and the company’s evolving role in the modern AV landscape.
Sennheiser’s 80th anniversary marks a milestone in the company’s evolution from a family-led microphone pioneer to a global leader shaping the future of commercial AV. In a recent Convergence Conversations podcast hosted by Chris from AV Technology, co-CEOs Daniel and Andreas Sennheiser reflected on how the brand’s legacy of innovation continues to define audio experiences in a rapidly converging AV landscape.
From microphones to ecosystems
Over the past decade, the commercial AV segment has become a cornerstone of Sennheiser’s growth, driven by hybrid work, digital collaboration, and integrated technology standards such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. While Sennheiser’s reputation was built on transducer precision—its Neumann and MD441 microphones remain iconic—the company’s focus has expanded toward complete solutions. The TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC2) and its dynamic beam-steering technology exemplify this shift, integrating high-performance hardware with advanced DSP processing and echo cancellation.
Andreas noted that the transition doesn’t diminish Sennheiser’s microphone heritage; instead, it builds upon it through deep expertise in signal chain design and acoustics. Daniel emphasized that Sennheiser still manufactures its own K10 capsules in Germany to ensure unmatched reliability and control over audio quality.
Agnostic innovation and integration
Unlike brands seeking to control entire ecosystems, Sennheiser embraces interoperability. Its products integrate natively with control platforms like Crestron, Q-SYS, and Extron, allowing customers the flexibility to mix best-of-breed technologies. “We want customers to enjoy the best possible audio experience without being locked into one ecosystem,” Andreas explained. This approach places Sennheiser squarely in high-impact meeting spaces—boardrooms, lecture halls, and hybrid classrooms—where sound clarity directly affects collaboration outcomes.
Software-defined experiences
A major theme of the discussion was the company’s accelerating focus on software innovation. Nearly half of Sennheiser’s R&D now centers on software development, including Control Cockpit—its management and monitoring platform—now transitioning to a cloud-based solution. This evolution, particularly valuable for universities and healthcare environments, enables IT administrators to manage hundreds of devices across multi-campus networks with ease.
“Our products are becoming software-defined devices,” said Andreas. “We’re shaping future feature sets based on real-time user feedback through cloud connectivity.”
The rise of Ambio and immersive audio
Beyond conferencing, Sennheiser’s Ambio technology represents decades of research in immersive sound. Originally developed for binaural and VR recording, Ambio now spans from broadcast applications to automotive audio and home entertainment. Platforms like Apple Music and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio have accelerated adoption, and Sennheiser sees expanding opportunities in AV settings—where spatial sound can enhance presence, reduce fatigue, and deepen engagement in hybrid meetings.
Looking ahead
As Sennheiser approaches its next century, the company remains guided by its family-owned independence and commitment to quality. Its transformation from microphone craftsmanship to software-driven sonic ecosystems illustrates a brand comfortable balancing heritage with innovation. In an AV market focused increasingly on seamless collaboration and sensory connection, Sennheiser continues to define what great sound means—both technically and emotionally.