Learn what Sennheiser MobileConnect is, how it works, the advantages of streaming live audio over Wi-Fi directly to smartphones, and its applications in conference venues, theaters, educational institutions, and other professional environments.
What Is MobileConnect? Why Is This Solution Becoming Increasingly Popular?
Sennheiser MobileConnect is a Wi-Fi audio streaming platform designed for Professional Audio systems. At the heart of the system is the MOBILECONNECT STATION, which functions as a streaming server. It receives audio signals via analog XLR or Dante, then distributes them to users' smartphones through the local LAN and Wi-Fi network.
Unlike traditional assistive listening systems that require a dedicated receiver for every participant, MobileConnect follows the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) concept. Users simply use their own smartphones to receive audio, making the system more intuitive and convenient.
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The solution was developed to improve accessibility for people with hearing loss in conferences, classrooms, and live events. Participants do not need to borrow dedicated assistive listening devices and can sit anywhere within the Wi-Fi coverage area.
In addition to assistive listening, MobileConnect is well suited for:
- Multilingual interpretation systems.
- Theaters and cinemas.
- Corporate auditoriums.
- Conference centers.
- Schools and lecture halls.
- Museums and visitor attractions.
With its scalable architecture for both audio channels and simultaneous listeners, the system is suitable for everything from small meeting rooms to venues hosting hundreds of attendees.
How Sennheiser MobileConnect Works
The entire system follows a simple yet efficient architecture, making integration with existing audio systems straightforward.
The MOBILECONNECT STATION acts as the streaming server within the network. It receives audio input through XLR or Dante, then connects to the LAN to distribute the audio via Wi-Fi to smartphones running the MobileConnect app (iOS & Android).
- Analog XLR input.
- Dante digital audio network.
After receiving the audio signal, the MOBILECONNECT STATION encodes and prepares the stream for transmission across the local network.
2. Audio is distributed through the LAN and Wi-Fi network
The station connects to the network via its PoE/Stream LAN port. From there, the audio stream is delivered through the venue's Wi-Fi infrastructure.
It is important to note that MobileConnect does not create its own Wi-Fi network. Instead, it uses the venue's existing Wi-Fi infrastructure.
3. Users receive audio on their smartphones
To listen to the audio, users simply need to:
- Connect their smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the MobileConnect app.
- Join the desired channel using one of the following methods:
- Select a channel from the list.
- Scan a QR code.
- Enter the Channel ID manually.
Once connected, the audio is streamed directly to the smartphone with very low latency.
4. Listen using different audio devices
MobileConnect supports multiple listening methods:
- Wired headphones connected to the smartphone.
- An Induction Neck Loop for hearing aid users.
- Hearing aids or cochlear implants operating in T-Position when used with an Induction Neck Loop.
Bluetooth headphones are also supported. However, due to the limitations of Bluetooth technology (versions earlier than 5.2), audio latency will be higher and perfect lip-sync with video cannot be achieved.
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Key Benefits of MobileConnect for professional audio Systems
A modern assistive listening experience
Instead of distributing and collecting dozens or even hundreds of dedicated receivers after every event, MobileConnect leverages participants' own smartphones. This significantly simplifies system operation while enhancing the user experience.
Flexible scalability
Each MOBILECONNECT STATION supports up to 100 simultaneous listeners. The system can be expanded by adding additional stations to support more users or additional audio channels.
Examples:
- 100 listeners on a single channel.
- 60 listeners on Channel A and 40 listeners on Channel B.
- Multiple MOBILECONNECT STATION units can be deployed for large-scale conferences and events.
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Supports two audio channels
Each station supports:
- Two mono channels.
- Or one stereo channel.
This is especially useful for simultaneous interpretation and multi-language audio applications.
Easy integration with existing systems
With support for both analog XLR and Dante, MobileConnect integrates seamlessly with most Professional audio mixers and sound systems without requiring changes to the existing infrastructure.
Lower endpoint equipment costs
The BYOD approach eliminates the need to purchase, maintain, charge, sanitize, and manage large numbers of dedicated receivers, reducing both initial investment and ongoing operating costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is MobileConnect designed for?
The solution was primarily developed to improve accessibility for people with hearing loss, while also serving applications such as simultaneous interpretation and live audio streaming.
Does MobileConnect create its own Wi-Fi network?
No. The system uses the venue's existing Wi-Fi infrastructure.
What devices do users need to listen?
Users only need a smartphone with the MobileConnect app installed and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the system.
Is a dedicated receiver required?
No. MobileConnect follows the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model, allowing users to receive audio directly on their own smartphones.
How many simultaneous listeners can one MobileConnect Station support?
Up to 100 simultaneous listeners per station. The system can be expanded by adding additional MobileConnect Stations.