Sennheiser, a name synonymous with sound engineering, marks its 80th anniversary. This milestone looks beyond the number of years, focusing instead on lessons learned and future directions. The family-owned business delves into the stories behind its products, decisions, and its vision for audio’s future.
Key Takeaways:
- Wireless Audio Redefined: Sennheiser’s Spectera is a new bidirectional, digital, wireless broadband ecosystem launching in 2024, set to redefine wireless audio.
- Legacy of Firsts: From the first wireless microphone system in 1957 to the HD 414 (first open headphones) in 1968, Sennheiser has a history of audio breakthroughs.
- “Creative Dissatisfaction”: A core philosophy at Sennheiser, fostering an environment where engineers can pursue unconventional ideas, leading to significant product developments.
- Investment in the Future: The Sennheiser Group invests over 8% of its turnover annually into research and development, focusing on expanding its product portfolio, software solutions, and integrated hardware and services.
- More Than Products: Sennheiser views its products as storytelling vehicles, connecting people through sound and marking historical moments.
From Wennebostel to Global Stages: An 80-Year Sound Journey
In June 1945, Dr. Fritz Sennheiser founded the Wennebostel laboratory in Wedemark near Hanover. What began as a local idea has grown into a global audio technology leader. “We live and breathe audio in everything we do. That’s what defines us,” states Daniel Sennheiser, Co-CEO of the Sennheiser Group. “We are driven by a passion for creating unique sound experiences for our customers. Genuine, pure sound that you can not only hear, but also feel. This is why we have been building the future of audio for 80 years.”
His brother, Dr. Andreas Sennheiser, Co-CEO, adds, “When we look back on our company history, it’s less about the number of years and more about what we have learned from the past for our future.” This journey includes exciting experiences, curiosity, courageous decisions, and even product failures, all fueled by a passion for sound. “Every product, every milestone, every challenge has shown us how we can build the future of audio — with new ideas that change the audio world.”
The Wireless Revolution: A History of Breaking Barriers
Sennheiser’s wireless technology stands as a testament to its forward-thinking approach. In 1957, in collaboration with a German broadcasting partner, the company developed the first wireless microphone system for professional stage and TV use. This system was a sensation, quickly becoming a staple in radio and television. Music stars worldwide adopted Sennheiser products for their concerts.
The year 2024 marks another significant moment: Sennheiser introduces Spectera. This new bidirectional, digital, wireless broadband ecosystem is designed to redefine wireless audio technology. It incorporates years of accumulated expertise and experience. Spectera represents a radical shift, born from a willingness to question existing norms. Like its 1957 predecessor, Spectera was developed alongside customers, reflecting a continued commitment to collaborative development.
Cultivating Creative Discomfort: The Birthplace of Breakthroughs
Fritz Sennheiser once said, “Engineers need room for crazy ideas.” This philosophy continues to define Sennheiser. True breakthroughs, the company believes, are not solely forged in the laboratory. They emerge where unconventional thought is permitted: on stages and in recording studios globally.
“Through our passion and creative dissatisfaction, we have repeatedly brought groundbreaking products to the market and redefined milestones in the audio world,” Andreas Sennheiser explains. This drive led to the Wennebostel laboratory’s first microphone, the DM 2, in 1947. Subsequent milestones include the MD 421 (1960), still used in studios worldwide, and the HD 414 (1968), the first open headphones that transformed the listening experience.
The HD 25 (1988) became a standard for professional monitoring and club use. The HD 800 (2009) set new benchmarks for audiophile sound. In 2015, the HE 1 reinterpreted the legendary Orpheus, often considered the best headphones globally. During this period, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Jörg Sennheiser, the company expanded its international presence by opening numerous sales subsidiaries worldwide.
Stories in Sound: Products That Shaped Moments
“Our products tell stories of people from all over the world – of DJs who went on tour with the HD 25, of journalists who captured voices with the MD 421, or of music lovers who discovered new worlds of sound with the HD 800,” Daniel Sennheiser shares. Sennheiser products have also been present at significant historical events, capturing words that moved people worldwide. “These stories are what bring our technology to life.”
80 Years: Learning from the Past, Building the Future
While successful products from the past serve as inspiration, they also present a challenge. The balance between preserving legendary products and creating new technologies is central to Sennheiser’s sustained relevance for over 80 years. Research and development remains a primary strategic priority for the Sennheiser Group. Each year, more than 8% of turnover is dedicated to expanding the product portfolio, developing new software solutions, and combining hardware with services.
“The path to the future is never straightforward,” Daniel Sennheiser notes. “That’s why this year we’re not only celebrating our successes, but also products that didn’t become milestones, that didn’t make it onto the market or were simply ahead of their time.” These products, often the genesis for Sennheiser’s boldest developments, show that “progress is not a destination, but a path. And on this path, each of our products contains 80 years of experience, curiosity — and the will to constantly question the status quo,” Andreas Sennheiser adds.
An Anniversary of Stories and Sound
Throughout this anniversary year, Sennheiser will feature these milestone products on its website and social media channels. The company plans to share reports, interviews, and background stories, offering behind-the-scenes insights into its iconic products.
