The showcase highlights interoperability across broadcast signal chains from capture and augmentation to monitoring and delivery, featuring hardware from Sennheiser, Neumann, and partner ecosystem solutions from SoundBase.
Spectera Wireless Ecosystem Expansion
Sennheiser is fronting its wireless showcase with Spectera, its bidirectional wideband wireless ecosystem, paired with the new Spectera SKM handheld microphone. According to Sennheiser, the SKM handheld is slated for commercial release in mid-September 2026, completing the core Spectera platform by uniting microphones, in-ear monitors, and remote control into a single ecosystem for broadcast applications. The hardware builds on deployment milestones achieved earlier this year at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, where manufacturing samples of the handheld operated across multiple Base Stations.
Complementing the hardware rollout, the Spectera Base Station ZMAN carries a Merging ZMAN audio network module designed for AES67 ecosystems. According to Sennheiser, the ZMAN module brings native SMPTE ST 2110-30 audio integration directly into professional broadcast workflows and is expected to ship in October 2026. Furthermore, the system introduces Spectera Command functionality in October 2026, offering artists and speakers direct control over pre-configured audio routing via a Command Button for bodypacks and a Command Ring for the SKM handheld, configured as either latched or momentary switches.
Broadcast RF Management and Neumann Studio Monitors
Partner integration forms a core pillar of the IBC 2026 exhibit, with SoundBase showcasing brand-neutral RF planning and management software updated with full Spectera and Command functionality compatibility. According to Sennheiser, SoundBase features a Remote View tool that allows broadcast productions to share live monitoring data across team members without increasing network traffic loads. Rounding out the hardware demonstrations, Neumann is providing visitors with an exclusive first look at new additions to its studio monitor portfolio.
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