Latin America. This year Sennheiser celebrates its 80th anniversary. While looking back on his history, Sennheiser reveals why this celebration isn't so much about the number of years, but more about what is learned for the future.
The family-owned company is telling the stories behind its legendary products, bold decisions, and vision to build the future of audio. On the occasion of this special anniversary, customers around the world will be able to enjoy attractive offers and products.
For 80 years, independent family-owned company Sennheiser has been building the future of audio. In June 1945, Dr. Fritz Sennheiser founded the Wennebostel laboratory in Wedemark near Hanover. What started as an idea is now one of the world's leading audio technology companies.
"We live and breathe audio in everything we do. That is what defines us. We are driven by a passion for creating unique sound experiences for our customers. Authentic, pure sound that is not only heard, but also felt. This is why we have been building the future of audio for 80 years," says Daniel Sennheiser, Co-CEO of the Sennheiser Group. "When we look back at our company's history, it is not so much about the number of years as it is about what we have learned from the past for our future," adds Dr. Andreas Sennheiser, Co-CEO of the Sennheiser Group. It is a journey full of exciting experiences, great curiosity, brave decisions, but also product failures and, above all, 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 world of audio."
Sennheiser's wireless technology is an impressive example of this. In 1957, the company, together with a German broadcasting partner, developed the first wireless microphone system for professional stage and television use; It was quite a sensation. Since then, wireless microphones have become a fundamental part of radio and television, and music stars from all over the world use Wedemark products in their concerts.
In 2024, the next milestone in wireless technology is achieved: Sennheiser launches Spectera, a new bi-directional, digital and wireless broadband ecosystem. A system that, once again, completely redefines the world of wireless audio technology. A system that incorporates the expertise and experience of many years. A radical innovation, born of the courage to question what is known. Just as before, one thing is also the same: the system was developed together with the customers.
Fritz Sennheiser once said it in a nutshell: Engineers need room for crazy ideas. This spirit continues to characterize Sennheiser today. Because true innovation isn't just created in the lab, it takes place where there's room for the unconventional – on stages and in recording studios around the world. "Through our passion and creative dissatisfaction, we have repeatedly launched innovative products on the market and redefined milestones in the audio world," describes Andreas Sennheiser.
As early as 1947, Wennebostel's laboratory presented its first in-house microphone, the DM 2. This was followed by milestones such as the MD 421 (1960), which is still used today in studios around the world, and the HD 414 (1968), the first open-back headphones that revolutionized the listening experience. The HD 25 (1988) became an icon of professional monitoring and in clubs, the HD 800 (2009) set new standards for audiophile sound and the HE 1 (2015) reinterpreted the legendary Orpheus, the best headphones in the world. During this time, Sennheiser becomes an internationally successful brand: Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Jörg Sennheiser, the company opens numerous sales subsidiaries around the world.
"Our products tell stories of people all over the world: DJs who toured with the HD 25, journalists who captured vocals with the MD 421 or music lovers who discovered new sound worlds with the HD 800," explains Daniel Sennheiser. Sennheiser products have also been present at important historical moments and have captured words that have touched people all over the world. "These stories are what bring our technology to life, because they show how sound can touch people."
80 years of experience for the future
The successful products of the past are an important inspiration for the future, but so are their toughest competitors. The balance between preserving legendary products and developing innovative technologies and solutions is the key to success. Because it is precisely this balance that has made Sennheiser relevant for more than 80 years.
Research and development is and remains one of the Sennheiser Group's most important strategic priorities. Every year, more than 8 percent of turnover is invested in expanding the product portfolio, in new software solutions and in the intelligent combination of hardware and services.
"The road to the future is never easy," says Daniel Sennheiser. "That's why this year we not only celebrate our successes, but also the products that didn't become milestones, didn't make it to market, or were simply ahead of their time. These products were often the starting point for our boldest developments. They show that innovation is not a destination, but a path. And in this way, each of our products contains 80 years of experience, curiosity and the willingness to constantly question the status quo," continues Andreas Sennheiser.
