Sennheiser MobileConnect: streaming multilingual audio to smartphones

Making the spoken word accessible in several languages: with Sennheiser MobileConnect you stream live audio via Wi-Fi to your audience's smartphones. Participants listen to a live interpretation or an amplified speaker without extra receivers. In this article you can read how MobileConnect works and why it is so well suited to multilingual events.

What is Sennheiser MobileConnect?

MobileConnect is an assistive listening system that streams live audio via Wi-Fi to iOS and Android smartphones. It is designed for accessibility in places such as universities, conferences and theatres and supports multiple channels for simultaneous interpretation. Because it uses the existing Wi-Fi, no special receivers are needed. That makes it cost-effective and user-friendly.

The system consists of three parts: the MobileConnect Station as the hardware core, the MobileConnect app for the listeners and the MobileConnect Manager software for administration. The app can be customised to your house style and offers features such as a talk-back microphone for interaction.

How does it work?

MobileConnect streams audio from a source, such as a microphone or interpreting equipment, via Wi-Fi to smartphones. The MobileConnect Station has XLR and Dante inputs, among others, and handles up to two audio channels. Listeners open the app, scan a QR code or choose a channel, and hear the speaker clearly in their own language.

For multilingual applications you use several channels, for example for live interpretation at a conference. Audio description is also possible. Combined with Live Caption on Android, listeners even get live subtitles.

Benefits for multilingual events

The biggest advantage is barrier-free access to audio in several languages. Participants use their own device: hygienic and familiar. The app has its own volume control and works with hearing aids.

For organisers, MobileConnect is scalable and easy to fit into an existing set-up, without investing in receivers. The Audience Mic function enables interaction, ideal for a Q&A session in several languages. The high audio quality ensures that the speaker's nuances are preserved.

Applications

• Education: multilingual lectures and inclusive seminars for international students.
• Businesses: international meetings in which teams from different countries work together smoothly.
• Theatres and museums: audio description or interpretation for hard-of-hearing visitors and speakers of other languages.
• Conferences: live interpretation of speakers, so language is no longer a barrier to taking part.

Conclusion

Sennheiser MobileConnect makes the spoken word accessible in several languages through the smartphone your audience already carries. Would you like to experience it for yourself? Get in touch for a demonstration.