sennheiser ie 100 pro

Sennheiser IE 100 PRO Wireless in-ear monitoring systems revealed

Sennheiser has expanded its in-ear monitoring solutions portfolio with the launch of the IE 11 PRO and IE 100 PRO Wireless. 

The new Sennheiser IE 100 PRO and IE 100 PRO Wireless in-ear monitors are designed for use both on the stage and day-to-day use, such as listening to music, making calls and watching videos. 

The system comes with a Bluetooth connector that can be swapped with the cable when preferred. The Bluetooth connector also features an in-built microphone, a remote for call and music control and a battery life of up to 10 hours. A USB-C cable, which fully recharges the Bluetooth connector in 1.5 hours is also included. 

“When you choose the IE 100 PRO Wireless, you get an outstanding two-in-one solution,” said product manager Gunnar Dirks. “In addition to the standard accessories, the IE 100 PRO Wireless includes the IE PRO BT Connector – simply unplug the standard cable, attach the lightweight semi-wireless cable instead and enjoy great audio with all the freedom of a Bluetooth connection.”

While the IE 100 PRO retains the same transducer and frequency response of its predecessor, the IE 40 PRO, it is now fitted with the same connector type and stage-proof internal cable duct as the IE 400 PRO and IE 500 PRO.

You may also be interested in:

“Using one connector platform allows users to simply select their favourite cable regardless of the model they own,” Dirks continued. “For example, IE 500 PRO users can simply get themselves an IE PRO BT Connector to use their professional in-ears for wireless music enjoyment. Moreover, with the IE PRO Mono Cable, we’re adding a new solution for broadcasting.” 

The Sennheiser IE 100 PRO Wireless in-ear monitors are available now in black, clear and red colour finishes. 

Last month, Sennheiser made the shock announcement that it was looking for an investor to take on its consumer audio division so that it could plough more resources into its professional audio division. Sennheiser’s business is split into two divisions- professional and consumer – with the pro segment made up of three strands: pro audio, business comms and high-end microphone brand Neumann. It is these three arms of the business that Sennheiser will now look to develop, with an investment partner on the consumer side of the company freeing up vital resources.

“In all of these areas we see great potential for growth”, said Andreas Sennheiser, co-CEO of Sennheiser. “At the same time, they are characterised by different customer groups, customer requirements, product life cycles and market dynamics.”

“To be best able to exploit the potential in each of these markets, we are concentrating our own resources on the three business areas in the professional division and are looking for a strong partner to invest in our consumer business,” added Daniel Sennheiser, co-CEO of Sennheiser. 

Co-CEOs Daniel and Andreas Sennheiser spoke exclusively to Audio Media International about what the new set up means for the industry. You can read the interview in full here.

Sennheiser’s repositioning of its business units and redistribution of resources follows last year’s announcement that it would be cutting 650 jobs by 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The staff cuts were revealed in July 2020 when its 2019 financial report was published.

The company’s financial results for the fiscal year 2019 showed that the firm generated turnover of €756.7 million, which is €46.0 million or 6.5 per cent more than in 2018, while EBIT of €18.5 million fell short of the previous year’s level of €21.2 million.

Its pro division generated turnover of €363.3 million, up 9.2 per cent on the previous year. This increase was driven predominantly by the product categories of live music, studio recording and business communication.

The consumer division generated turnover of €393.4 million. However, while turnover grew by 4.1 per cent, or €15.4 million, this was significantly below the growth of the headphone market as a whole. 

Though the company’s 2029 fiscal year results were described by the company as ‘mixed’, the pandemic dealt a major blow to turnover and earnings. Subsequently, it was confirmed that 650 jobs – around 300 in Germany – would be cut over the next 18 months. Key areas affected are Sennheiser’s corporate functions, such as supply chain and operations, according to the company.

Daniel Sennheiser said at the time: “We look back on a rather mixed fiscal year 2019. In addition, we face major challenges this year due to massive changes in the consumer market and the declining demand for audio products because of the COVID-19 crisis. In order to position the company for a successful future, we will adapt our organisational structure to the changing conditions and align it with the new requirements.“ 

Sennheiser

“We had to pivot in 2020 but need to tell the industry that we have done so”
Read the Audio Media International partner plan.