The Ambeo processing from Sennheiser, with its eight-decade legacy as a key player in pro audio, has been around for six years now delivering the brand’s proprietary 3D audio technology to noise-cancelling wireless headphones, wireless ear buds, car speakers, and ambisonic microphones. It is primarily associated with the beast of a soundbar that is known for its immersive, experiential sound effects.
At its virtual Consumer Innovation briefing in March 2022, teaser of a new generation of Sennheiser’s premium Ambeo soundbar could potentially be launched as early as September 2022. A picture of an owl walking along an Ambeo-branded soundbar was used on invites to an event at the IFA technology conference in Berlin.
Attendees were invited to “take a walk on the wild side” and promised “an exciting new product announcement, new product experience” towards Sennheiser’s vision for the future of audio.
The event takes place on 1st September starting at 6pm EST.
Predictions on “Sennheiser Ambeo 2”
Pricing expectations
Launched initially at $2,500, the Ambeo is priced out of reach for many. According to Sennheiser company’s director of portfolio management Stefan Krämer, the company planned to “expand the entire portfolio to bring it to lower price points”, offering customers “a similar experience” within “normal price ranges in the competition”.
As for pricing, Sennheiser Ambeo 2 could be similar to the current leader in the Dolby Atmos market, Sonos, which sells its flagship Sonos Arc for $899, its mid-range Sonos Beam Gen 2 for $450 and Sonos Beam Gen for $399.
Design possibilities
At the beginning of 2022, Sennheiser reportedly sent a product concept survey to customers that included images of two smaller potential models placed next to the existing Ambeo. The prototype images are described as having dimensions similar to those of the Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam Gen 2. An Ambeo with a lower price could lead to an Ambeo that is more space-efficient.
Features Predictions
With the current Ambeo, users can connect a third-party subwoofer via an optical output. Rather than using traditional sound technology, Ambeo uses a front-loaded sound field that bounces sound off walls and ceilings to envelop the listener with surround audio for an immersive experience.
With Ambeo’s desire to provide customers with “a similar experience” with all its new models, new Ambeo models should still be capable of delivering a decent level of robust low-end without compromising the holy grail of soundbar design.
In the event that Sennheiser keeps its single speaker philosophy for the new Ambeo soundbars, it is possible that new Ambeo models might follow other manufacturers’ example and focus on Dolby Atmos, the most popular 3D format.
