Connections
Thanks to the AMBEO series' unique virtualisation technology, the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus is capable of delivering what feels like an immersive 7.1.4 home‑cinema experience. It is in fact equipped with a total of seven full‑range drivers and two long‑throw subwoofers, covering a wide frequency range (38Hz–20kHz) for thrillingly accurate sound with a very powerful bass response. The AMBEO can calibrate its output the the space it's in automatically, and the free Smart Control app also help to make sure system setup is as streamlined as possible. Playback can also be optimised for different types of audio content thanks to the soundbar's preset – yet fully adjustable – sound profiles. The AMBEO Soundbar Plus supports a huge variety of streaming services, including Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Spotify Lossless, Tidal Connect with Dolby Atmos, and Google Chromecast. It also offers a broad selection of connections, including an HDMI output with eARC. In addition, the soundbar can be expanded with the optional AMBEO Sub.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus was designed with one clear goal: To create a full 7.1.4 home‑cinema system in a single device with only nine speakers. It accomplishes this using the room's own acoustics to its advantage: Instead of projecting targeted sound through dedicated speakers, the audio reaches the listener indirectly via reflections from the walls and ceiling. This is why the automatic calibration is such a crucial part of the initial system setup: It helps the soundbar to eliminate negative acoustic effects such as room modes and to calculate when the users will hear various components of the sound. Even the specific layout of a room's furniture plays a decisive role, with closed curtains or a sofa right up against a wall having a significant effect on the resulting sound.
Whether they're watching films or series, listening to music, or playing their favourite game, the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus creates an immersive soundscape that places listeners at the centre of the action. Under optimal conditions, its spatial rendering comes very close to a classic home‑cinema setup with dedicated individual speakers. However, in terms of aesthetics, its compact dimensions and attractive design means it's likely to blend rather more seamlessly into typical living rooms. The AMBEO Soundbar also scores points thanks to its ease of use and its comprehensive connectivity. It likewise performs exceptionally well when it's tasked with simply playing music – activating the AMBEO mode here noticeably expands the soundstage.
In June 1945, Prof. Fritz Sennheiser founded the Wennebostel Laboratory, which initially produced measuring equipment. Commissioned by Siemens in 1945, the young company developed the MD-1 microphone, which was launched in 1946. After the development of further microphones, the company was renamed Sennheiser Electronic in 1958. Two years later, Sennheiser introduced the MD 421 dynamic microphone, which is still in production today and still held in high esteem by many sound engineers. Further groundbreaking developments, such as the HD 414 headphones and the MD 441 microphone classic, hugely enhanced the company’s international reputation, eventually making Sennheiser one of the leading manufacturers of microphone and headphone systems in the world.
Developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, Sennheiser's AMBEO virtualisation technology creates an immersive audio experience. The system's upmixing audio processor allows the AMBEO mode to reconstruct a 3D soundstage from almost any input signal, whether sourced from stereo or from classic surround formats such as 5.1. It can also enhance the impact of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X or MPEG‑H, at least to a certain extent. The AMBEO mode can be combined at any time with the available sound profiles. The 3D sound can also be adjusted to personal preference, with three different intensity levels.
Using the Smart Control app
It couldn't be easier to set up a new AMBEO Soundbar – thanks to the free Smart Control app. There's no need for complex measurement procedures involving external hardware or software: The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus is equipped with four integrated microphones and an automatic calibration function that's simply activated in the app. The app also assists with the initial firmware update as well as the setup and pairing of the optional wireless AMBEO subwoofers. Operating of the soundbar, such as selecting sound profiles, adjusting sound settings, and choosing input sources, is also made virtually effortless with the help of the app.