In a bid to further foster meaningful dialogue and exchange within the professional audio ecosystem, Sennheiser and Neumann open their doors to the industry press.
With over 37 global journalists in attendance, Sennheiser’s 80th Anniversary International Press Trip was designed as a journey through the past, present, and future of the Sennheiser Group – a celebration of 80 years of innovation, independence, and a passion for sound.
By hosting the experience across two locations – the Sennheiser headquarters in Wennebostel and Neumann’s home in Berlin, Germany – the brand aimed to showcase the shared DNA that unites the Sennheiser Group brands: a commitment to excellence, a pioneering spirit, and of course, a deep respect for craftsmanship.
In Wennebostel, attendees explored the story of Sennheiser from its farmhouse beginnings to the state-of-the-art production facilities, seeing first-hand the precision and dedication that underpin every product. The roving newsroom experienced innovations such as Spectera, AMBEO and Sennheiser Mobility’s in-car audio solutions, highlighting the audio specialist’s commitment to future-facing technology that continues to redefine what’s possible in professional audio.
“This press trip allowed attendees to experience how heritage and innovation coexist, showing that every Sennheiser Group product embodies the pursuit of extraordinary sound. For 80 years, we have been building the future of audio, guided by a belief in sound that is authentic, unfiltered, and deeply engaging,” stated Maik Robbe, Manager Global Communications at Sennheiser, proudly. “As an independent, family-owned company led by the third generation of the Sennheiser family, we are driven by responsibility, courage, and vision, and we are committed to continuous investment in meaningful innovation.”
The farmhouse and factory tours were an invitation to step into the heart of Sennheiser, to see where passion and precision come together to create exceptional sound. Guided by Gritta Gramm, Curator of Heritage Archives, and Andreas Grüning, Director of Plant Management, the tour offered a rare glimpse into the spaces where craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology.
A recurring theme throughout the press trip was a deep appreciation for the enthusiasm and knowledge of the teams across the Sennheiser Group. “Attendees noted how genuinely committed each presenter was to their craft, from the detailed explanations of Gritta Gramm and Andreas Grüning during the factory tour, to the demonstrations led by Volker Schmitt, Theresa Vondran, and Gerhard Spyra showcasing the new Spectera system,” Robbe recalled.
There was also high praise for the AMBEO sessions led by Kai Detlefsen and Renato Pellegrini, and in-car audio demonstrations by Véronique Larcher, Felix Teufel, Sarah Talaat, and Marcell Varga of Sennheiser Mobility, which offered a glimpse into how Sennheiser sound extends beyond traditional environments. “We wanted visitors to sense the continuity that runs through our story, and how the curiosity that sparked our beginnings in 1945 remains alive in every stage of production today,” Robbe said, further underlining the enduring spirit behind the brand.
“Whether observing the meticulous hand-assembly of microphones or witnessing modern automation in action, the aim was to show that Sennheiser’s commitment to quality is as personal as it is technological. Each product is a reflection of the expertise, dedication, and pride of the people behind it.”
The following day in Berlin, journalists were introduced to the world of Neumann, a brand that has shaped studio sound for nearly a century. From legendary products such as the U 47 and U 87 microphones to the KH series studio monitors, RIME plug-in and MT 48 audio interface, Neumann’s story is one of uncompromising quality, precision, and dedication to detail.
Journalists were further impressed by the expertise of Boris Kummerer, Martin Schneider and Medzid Veseli during the HQ tour, and the technical mastery displayed by Jorma Marquardt and Felix Lau during the product demonstrations on show.
Across both sites, the sense of pride and unity among the in-house teams was palpable. “Every presentation, conversation, and hands-on session reflected the shared belief that sound has the power to connect, inspire, and transform experiences, a conviction that has driven Sennheiser and Neumann for decades,” Robbe explained.
These press days, as Robbe elaborated, were not only an opportunity to showcase innovation but to connect people and to bring the industry together through shared experiences and genuine interaction. “By opening our doors and sharing our spaces, we hope to inspire trust, transparency, and collaboration across the global audio community,” he added, earnestly.
Strolling through the award-filled corridors of both locations – meeting the minds behind the development, and at times the revival, of revered and forward-thinking sonic solutions – it became clear: within the wider Sennheiser Group, sound is not merely a product, but a profound devotion. “Moments like these remind us why we do what we do,” Robbe reflected, philosophically. “Behind every breakthrough lies a shared pursuit of excellence – and an enduring reverence for the art and science of audio.”
Words: Jacob Waite
Photos: Nady El-Tounsy
