At NAB Show NY, Dennis Gaines of Sennheiser showcased Spectera, the world’s first WMAS (Wireless Multi-Channel Audio System) — a groundbreaking step toward more efficient, scalable, and flexible wireless workflows.
The Next Generation of Wireless Efficiency
Spectera operates within a 6 MHz WMAS carrier, capable of supporting 32 microphones and 32 mono IEMs (or 16 stereo mixes) simultaneously. Instead of needing racks of splitters, combiners, and antennas, the entire system fits into a single 1U rackmount base unit, dramatically reducing space and complexity.
True Bidirectional Communication
Each Spectera bodypack functions as both a transmitter and receiver—a mic and an IFB in one. Because communication is continuous and bidirectional, engineers gain real-time insight into device status, including battery life, temperature, and volume control, directly from the GUI.
Category Cable Simplicity
The system’s antennas connect via standard CAT5e/CAT6 cabling, eliminating coax runs and simplifying deployment. With fiber extension, connections can span up to 3 kilometers, enabling large-scale productions without the infrastructure burden of traditional RF systems.
Resilience Through Redundancy
Using digital replication across the carrier, Spectera avoids dropouts by duplicating audio data hundreds of times within the 6 MHz band—so if one portion of the spectrum experiences interference, other copies fill the gaps seamlessly.
Tailored Performance: Low Latency, High Fidelity
With 11 configurable link modes, engineers can optimize for latency, quality, or bandwidth.
- In-ear monitoring: as low as 0.7 ms latency
- Microphone transmission: down to 1 ms latency
- Choose between uncompressed PCM or advanced codecs like CDAC and Opus, depending on system demands.
Advanced Control and Security
A new Link Desk software interface (and built-in web server) allows for comprehensive monitoring—signal health, LQI, levels, grouping, and continuous spectrum scans—all in one view. Spectera also includes AES-256 encryption and synchronized clocks for phase-accurate multi-pack performance, ideal for 3D and immersive audio workflows.
Future-Proof Design
Spectera already supports Dante networking with plans for ST 2110 and cascade capabilities, allowing multiple base units to scale coverage and carriers. A handheld transmitter will also join the lineup in 2026.
To learn more about Spectera, reach out to us directly or visit here.
Watch the entire NAB NY Spectera presentation below:
