Sennheiser celebrates 80 years of audio innovation & legacy

Sennheiser is marking its 80th anniversary, reflecting on eight decades of audio technology development and the company's ongoing commitment to sound engineering.

Founded in 1945 by Dr. Fritz Sennheiser as the Wennebostel laboratory near Hanover, the company has remained independent and family-owned, currently overseen by Co-Chief Executive Officers Daniel and Andreas Sennheiser. Under their stewardship, the business continues to prioritise curiosity, bold choices, and a dedication to delivering high-quality sound experiences for its customers.

Sennheiser's journey in the audio technology industry has included a range of notable achievements, including the introduction of the world's first wireless microphone system in 1957 and, more recently, the launch of the Spectera wireless ecosystem in 2024. The company has consistently developed products used by audio professionals in a variety of industries, with the MD 421 microphone and HD 25 headphones continuing to be recognised in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region.

Daniel Sennheiser, Co-CEO of Sennheiser Group, commented on the occasion, stating, "We live and breathe audio in everything we do. That's what defines us. 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."

Reflecting on the anniversary, Dr. Andreas Sennheiser, Co-CEO, added, "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." He emphasised the company's journey as one full of experiences, curiosity, and the willingness to make bold decisions, noting, "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."

One of Sennheiser's most significant technological developments occurred in 1957, when it collaborated with a German broadcaster to create the first professional wireless microphone system. This technology has since become a mainstay in radio and television production worldwide, as well as among performing artists. In 2024, Sennheiser introduced the Spectera system, described as a bidirectional, digital wireless broadband ecosystem and developed together with customers. The system builds on the company's years of expertise and aims to set new standards in wireless audio technology.

The company's outlook towards innovation is underpinned by a culture that values both experimentation and learning from setbacks. Fritz Sennheiser once remarked that "engineers need room for crazy ideas," a sentiment that continues to inform the company's approach today. Andreas Sennheiser highlighted this ethos, commenting, "Through our passion and creative dissatisfaction, we have repeatedly brought groundbreaking products to the market and redefined milestones in the audio world."

Sennheiser's history of product launches includes the DM 2 microphone in 1947, the enduring MD 421 in 1960, and the release of the HD 414 headphones in 1968—considered the first open headphones of their kind. The HD 25, introduced in 1988, became well known in professional audio circles, while later models such as the HD 800 (2009) and HE 1 (2015) have continued to influence audiophile markets. The company expanded internationally under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Jörg Sennheiser, establishing sales subsidiaries around the world.

Daniel Sennheiser observed, "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." He added, "These stories are what bring our technology to life – because they show how sound can touch people."

Sennheiser continues to view its historical products as a source of inspiration and a benchmark for future developments. The balance between maintaining established product lines and exploring new technological innovations is described as central to the company's long-standing relevance. The company allocates more than 8 percent of its annual turnover to research and development, focusing on expanding its portfolio and integrating software with hardware and services.

Daniel Sennheiser noted, "The path to the future is never straightforward. 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."

Andreas Sennheiser continued, "These products were often the starting point for our boldest developments. They show that innovation 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."

Throughout its anniversary year, Sennheiser plans to showcase important products online, along with stories and interviews that provide insight into its history and ongoing work. The company will also roll out anniversary promotions and special product editions, starting with the IE 100 Pro and HD 25 Light headphones in the coming months.