Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar | Max 5.1.4-channel powered sound bar with Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X

Audio/Video Section
Network & Bluetooth Integration
Control & Mounting Options

Audio/Video Section

Active Soundbar Speaker: The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max combines support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (up to 5.1.4ch) with the latest in virtualization technology and auto room calibration for an immersive surround sound experience from one active soundbar speaker. By capturing the characteristics of your living room and reflective surfaces, and using AMBEO virtualization technology, the soundbar merges with the acoustics of your room environment to create a 3D sound experience. Its thirteen independent drivers, along with the AMBEO technology, produce three-dimensional sound that puts you in the center of the action. The AMBEO Soundbar Max not only sounds great, but also looks great too, thanks to its brushed aluminum exterior.

Multichannel Driver Array: Powered by thirteen high-performance drivers, the AMBEO Soundbar Max delivers a 5.1.4ch sound experience while also producing extremely deep 30Hz bass without the need for an extra subwoofer. The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max's multichannel driver array consists of front-firing, side-firing, and top-firing drivers. On the front of the AMBEO Soundbar Max are five 1" aluminum dome tweeters and four 4" cellulose-sandwich cone long-throw woofers for the Front, Center, and Surround channels. There are also two angled side-firing 4" cellulose-sandwich cone long-throw woofers (one on each side) for the Surround channels. On top of the soundbar are two top-firing 3.5" full-range drivers for the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X elevation effects channels.

AMBEO Virtualization Technology: AMBEO is a state-of the-art 3D virtualization technology with 32-bit digital signal processing that delivers an incredibly immersive surround sound experience from a single speaker component for practically any content and in almost any room. The AMBEO Soundbar Max uses reflections off the walls to virtually position speakers in the room by calibrating its acoustics based on the room characteristics and the individual seating position. The result, is sound information from all directions around the main listening area. Using the Smart Control app for Apple iOS and Android, you can select between four AMBEO 3D modes - Light, Standard, Boost, or Off.

• The best acoustic results occur with the soundbar speaker 3.3' to 16.4' to the left wall, to the ceiling, and to the right wall. However, if there are any walls that are further away, reflections will still work but they may be slightly delayed.
• When positioning the soundbar, keep in mind that the sound is reflected by walls and ceilings. Many curtains, thick carpets, and other absorbent surfaces can affect the 3D spatial sound.

Auto Room Calibration: The AMBEO Soundbar Max uses wall reflections to virtually position speakers in the room, so it requires an exact calculation and room-based adjustment of the acoustics. Because most rooms do not offer perfect acoustic characteristics, the automatic room calibration microphone provided with the AMBEO Soundbar Max is necessary to adapt the soundbar speaker's sound to the room surroundings and successfully work with the reflections off the wall.

• The auto calibration process only takes a few minutes to complete. The room calibration should be performed when the soundbar is put into operation for the first time in a room, the position of the soundbar has been changed, a powered subwoofer has been connected or disconnected, or the room has been changed (furniture moved around).
• The auto calibration microphone should be placed on the main listening seat in front of the soundbar and positioned approximately at ear height during normal listening. The auto calibration microphone's cable plugs into the 2.5mm jack on the front of the soundbar speaker.
• High volume test tones will be played through the sound bar (avoid disturbing surrounding noises). The auto calibration process will take several minutes to complete.

High Resolution Multichannel Formats: The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max utilizes a dual-core 1.2GHZ ARM Cortex-A7 processor and two dual-core 500MHz SHARC digital signal processors for support of high resolution multichannel audio formats.

Immersive Surround Sound: The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max is capable of delivering up to 5.1.4-channel surround for Dolby Atmos & DTS:X through its HDMI inputs and HDMI eARC output.

• Dolby Atmos: With Dolby Atmos sound comes alive from all directions, including overhead, to fill your home theater with astonishing clarity, power, detail, and depth. Rather than being constrained to channels, sounds exist as individual entities that are precisely placed and moved in three-dimensional space. A new sensation of height immerses you in the action, creating a full audio atmosphere and realistically depicting objects moving overhead. Dolby Atmos renders everything from dialogue to quiet scenes to whirlwind action with astonishing clarity, richness, detail, and depth. It all comes together in sound that excites your senses and inspires your emotions to deliver the full impact of entertainment.
• DTS:X: DTS:X is the next generation object-based, multi-dimensional audio technology from DTS. Unbound from channels, DTS:X conveys the fluid movement of sound to create an incredibly rich, realistic and immersive soundscape - in front of, behind, beside and above the audience - more accurately than ever before. DTS:X offers the ability to automatically adapt the audio to the speaker layout that best fits your space.

Dolby Audio Settings: The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max offers several unique settings specifically designed for your Dolby Audio content. These settings are found in the Smart Control app on your compatible Apple iOS or Android device.

• Dolby Virtualizer: Dolby Virtualizer transforms 2ch stereo and 5.1 multi-channel content into immersive surround sound with virtual rear and overhead effects from one speaker component.
• Dolby DRC: This function compresses the dynamics of the Dolby Audio signal, thus shrinking the audible volume level change between soft and loud passages. Dolby DRC can be set to Normal, Heavy, Auto, or Off.
• Dolby Dialog Normalizer: This function makes dialog from Dolby Audio content easier to understand by reducing loud music/background noise and amplifying softer dialog passages.

Equalizer: The AMBEO Soundbar Max lets you tailor your listening experience with a built-in Sound Profiles, a 4-Band EQ, and Night Mode.

• Sound Profiles: Sound Profiles include Movie, Music, News, Sports, and Neutral.
• 4-Band EQ: The 4-Band EQ (Foundation [bass], Low-Mid [midbass], Clarity [midrange], Brilliance [treble]) features an adjustment range of -10dB to +10dB.
• Night Mode: Night Mode allows you to enjoy late night movies with clear dialog and sound effects even at low volume levels.

HDMI Connectivity: The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max is equipped with three HDMI 2.0a inputs and one HDMI 2.1/eARC output. The three HDMI inputs allow you to connect your Blu-ray player, cable/satellite box, and game console directly to the soundbar and then from its HDMI eARC output to your flat-panel TV. The HDMI inputs and output are HDCP 2.2 compatible and support 4K Pass-Through, as well as HDR video.

• 4K/60Hz + HDCP 2.2: The soundbar's HDMI 2.0a inputs and HDMI 2.1 output can pass 4K ultra-HD video @ 60Hz, as well as 1080p, 1080i, 720p, and 480p video. The soundbar's HDMI inputs and output support HDCP 2.2, which fully complies with the latest copyright protection standard for 4K video transmission.
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) Video: HDR delivers a much higher level of contrast between light and dark to produce an image that is more realistic and closer to what the content creator imagined. This increased contrast reveals the subtle nuances of the image, from detailed blacks and shadows to the brightest whites and colors, plus greater depth. The AMBEO Soundbar Max offers support for HDR 10 and Dolby Vision.

eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel): Along with standard ARC (Audio Return Channel), the AMBEO Soundbar Max will support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) through the use of its HDMI 2.1 output. ARC and eARC allows audio to be sent from your compatible TV to the soundbar system through the same HDMI cable already being used to send audio and video to your television. This eliminates the need for extra cables connected to your television. eARC will support uncompressed audio formats like Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, & DTS HD Master Audio - where standard ARC is limited to Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.

• Your TV will also need to support eARC or ARC for this feature to work. Some newer TVs will support eARC, but most TVs only support ARC.
• The ARC-enabled HDMI input on some TVs will only pass 2ch PCM from devices connected to the TV via HDMI or analog, we recommend that you connect your Blu-ray/DVD player, Satellite/Cable box, or Gaming console to the soundbar system directly; and then connect the system's ARC-enabled HDMI output to your TV's ARC-enabled HDMI input. This setup will give you with the best overall sound performance.

Digital & Analog Audio Inputs: The AMBEO Soundbar Max is equipped with an optical (toslink) digital input which supports 2ch PCM, Dolby Digital (5.1ch), and DTS (5.1ch); up to 24-bit/192kHz. The AMBEO Soundbar Max also features an analog Auxiliary input that consists of stereo RCA jacks to plug in your external legacy device; some TVs may require and stereo RCA-to-minijack adapter (sold separately).

Subwoofer Output: The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max is outfitted with a mono-RCA subwoofer output for connecting a powered sub (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) for even deeper and more immersive bass. When connecting a powered sub, set the subwoofer's volume level to approximately 50% and its low pass crossover to the maximum setting. The AMBEO Soundbar Max's auto calibration will take care of setting the soundbar's subwoofer output level and low pass crossover frequency.

Network & Bluetooth Integration

Wired or Wireless Network Connectivity: The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max provides wired and wireless network connectivity. The soundbar is equipped with an Ethernet (RJ-45) LAN jack for a wired connection to your home's network. It also offers built-in dual-band (2.4/5.0GHz) WiFi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) for a wireless connection to your home's WiFi network router.

AirPlay 2: AirPlay 2 is now available on the AMBEO Soundbar Max through an available other-the-air firmware update. AirPlay 2 is an advanced and easy-to-use wireless multiroom audio platform for iTunes, Apple Music, and other compatible Apple iOS apps. With AirPlay 2 you can play any sound from your Apple iOS device (running iOS 11.4 or later) or Mac computer (running OS X 10.13.2) through the soundbar speaker system and other compatible AirPlay 2 speakers throughout your home. You can choose to play audio in one room, play the same audio in grouped rooms, or play the same audio in every room. If you are an Apple Music subscriber, you can even play different music in different rooms (you can control and group directly from Apple's Music App and Home app on your Apple iOS device). You can even ask Siri-enabled devices (like your Apple iPhone, iPad, or Watch) to control playback of your Apple Music on the AMBEO Soundbar Max. In addition, you can watch videos and movies from YouTube and Netflix on your compatible Apple iOS device or Mac computer with perfectly synced audio on the soundbar speakerspeaker system.

Chromecast Built-in: Chromecast built-in lets you instantly stream a variety of music apps from your Apple iOS or Android mobile device to the AMBEO Soundbar Max. Chromecast built-in works over WiFi and allows you to connect more than one device at a time to the soundbar, as well as control what's playing from anywhere in the house with your compatible mobile device. Chromecast Built-In streams audio directly from the cloud, so you get the highest sound quality (up to 24-bit/96kHz) and the ability to enjoy crystal clear sound exactly the way the artist intended. Simply tap the Cast button from a Chromecast Built-in compatible music app to start streaming to the AMBEO Soundbar Max. You can search, browse, play, skip, and turn up the volume directly from the music apps you know and love on your compatible phone, tablet or laptop. While you cast your music, you can still use your phone to answer a phone call, play a game, send a text, and even leave the room, all without interrupting what's playing on the receiver's speaker system.

• Supported Content: Chromecast built-in offers Internet Radio apps like TuneIn & iHeart Radio; plus online music service apps like Pandora, Spotify, Tidal, YouTube Music, and more. Click here for a complete list of compatible apps. You can even wirelessly stream exactly what's playing on your Android phone or tablet through the soundbar system. Or, if you're on your laptop or computer, you can also cast any music streaming website through the Chrome browser to the soundbar. Chromecast built-in supports FLAC, WAV, AAC, and MP3 music files.
• 360 Reality Audio: Immerse yourself in sound all around you with 360 Reality Audio from Nugs.Net on Chromecast built-in. 360 Reality Audio delivers a "real-life" live concert or studio recording experience. Because 360 Reality Audio tracks incorporate three-dimensional sound location data, they're able to deliver the ultimate in ambient room-filling sound.
• Multiroom Audio: Using the Google Home app (for Apple iOS 14.0+ and Android OS 8.0+), you can sync multiple speakers with Chromecast built-in in multiple rooms of your home to play the same song from a Chromecast built-in music app throughout your house at the same time. Friends and family can even use their own Chromecast compatible smartphone or tablet to cast music to your system by connecting to your home's WiFi network. Only Chromecast built-in compatible music apps are supported for multiroom audio distribution.

Spotify & Tidal Connect: Through an available over-the-network firmware update, the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max now supports Spotify Connect & Tidal Connect, making listening to some of your favorite online music services even simpler.

• Spotify Connect: The AMBEO Soundbar Max offers Spotify Connect support, so you can stream millions of songs from your portable device with ease. You will need to subscribe to Spotify Premium and have the Spotify App on your Apple iOS or Android smartphone, so you can stream Spotify to the soundbar system. Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of the largest music libraries in the world (over 15 million tracks and counting). Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage, and share music with your friends. You can browse music by artist, album, track, or most popular; and create your own music library with customized playlists.
• TIDAL Connect (with Dolby Atmos): The integration of Tidal Connect will enable Tidal users to instantly select and wirelessly stream music (including Dolby Atmos content) to the AMBEO Soundbar Max from within the Tidal app (for Apple iOS and Android OS). TIDAL is a global streaming service that offers over 30 million songs in high-fidelity CD sound quality. TIDAL has two pricing tiers; either $9.99 or $19.99 a month. Both pricing levels allow you to access TIDAL's entire music library. The $19.99 tier has the added benefit of high-fidelity sound at CD-level quality, plus Dolby Atmos.

UPnP (Universal Plug-n-Play): The AMBEO is UPnP compatible, which enables you to play your digital music library stored on UPnP servers (such as NAS drivers, Windows PC, and Mac computers) through the soundbar speaker system. You can stream a variety of compressed, lossless, and high-res music files. UPnP music file browsing and playback control can be operated from the Smart Control app on your compatible Apple iOS or Android device. Supported music file formats include -

• High Res Audio: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, and ALAC music files (up to 24-bit/96kHz)
• Compressed Audio: MP3, AAC, and OGG music files (up to 320kbps/48kHz)

Bluetooth 4.2: The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max is equipped with built-in Bluetooth 4.2 with support for wireless audio streaming (A2DP) and remote control (AVRCP). You'll be able to wirelessly stream music apps, stored music, and other audio content on your Bluetooth source device (such as your smartphone, tablet, or computer) to the soundbar speaker. You'll also be able control basic playback functions (such as Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track) from the soundbar's top-panel buttons or the included IR remote. You'll still use your Bluetooth source device for advanced music browsing and to view song/artist/album information.

• Supported Codes: In addition to the standard SBC Bluetooth codec, the AMBEO Soundbar Max also supports AAC for higher quality playback from Apple iOS devices. The soundbar does not support aptX.
• Multi-Device Pairing: The soundbar speaker can pair with up to eight Bluetooth devices, but only one can be connected and used at a time. The speaker supports SSP (Simple Secure Pairing) and NFC (Near Field Communication) for easy pairing.

Software & Firmware Updates: Software & Firmware updates can be done over a network and Bluetooth LED connection through the Smart Control app on your Apple iOS or Android device. Updates can also be done by downloading new software & firmware from the Sennheiser website and then loading it on a USB thumbdrive to plug into the AMBEO Soundbar Max's rear-panel USB-A port.

Control & Mounting Options

Top-Panel Controls: The AMBEO Soundbar Max offers top-panel controls for frequently used functions such as Power On/Off, Source Selection, Volume Up/Down, Mute, Media Playback, AMBEO Virtualization Technology, and Bluetooth Pairing. Not all functions of the soundbar can be performed from the top-panel controls.

IR Remote: The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max comes with an IR remote for wireless operation of the soundbar speaker. Not all functions of the soundbar can be performed from the wireless remote control.

HDMI-CEC: The AMBEO Soundbar Max also supports HDMI-CEC for linked operation with other HDMI-CEC devices such as your Blu-ray player, satellite/cable box, and TV. This allows the soundbar to turn on when you turn on a HDMI connected source device. It also provides volume up/down from the source device's remote control.

Smart Control App: The Smart Control app (for Apple iOS 13.0+ and Android OS 8.0+) allows you operate all functions and settings of the AMBEO Soundbar Max from your compatible smartphone or tablet device. From the Smart Control app, you can adjust your acoustic settings and tailor the sound to your own personal taste from your compatible mobile device. You'll also be able control frequently used functions such as Power On/Off, Source Selection, and Volume Up/Down. You can also customize the name of sources within the Smart Control app.

Google Assistant Voice Control: Purchase a Google Assistant enabled wireless speaker (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) and gain voice control of compatible Chromecast built-in music apps. You'll be able to access a specific music app and then select a specific station or song using only your voice. You'll also have voice control over Play, Pause, Skip, & Volume. The AMBO Soundbar & the Google Assistant enabled device must be connected to the same wireless (WiFi) network.

• The AMBEO Soundbar Max is not equipped with a built-in microphone and requires an external Google Assistant device for voice control.
• Google Assistant Voice Control is limited to Chromecast built-in apps, playback functions, and volume control. You cannot control other functions of the soundbar speaker with your voice.

Mounting Options: The AMBEO Soundbar Max can simply be placed on a tabletop or shelf, or wall-mounted using Sennheiser's SB01-WM wall-mount bracket (143AMBESWM, sold separately). The correct placement of the AMBEO Soundbar Max is important for optimum sound performance.

• The soundbar speaker should be centered below the TV. The distance of the soundbar to the TV should be at least 3.9".
• The main listening seat (optimal "sweet-spot") should be positioned centrally in from of the soundbar and have a distance of at least 6.5' to the speaker.
• The distance of the AMBEO Soundbar Max to the side walls should ideally be the same, so the soundbar speaker is centered in the room. The optimum distance between the soundbar and the walls is between 3.3' and 16.4'.
• There must be no objects that block the sound or have a strong sound-absorbing effect (such as furniture, curtains, etc) between the soundbar and the side walls and the ceiling of the room.
• The distance of the soundbar to the ceiling should be between 3.3' to 16.4' (it should not exceed 16.4'). The ceiling should be flat and horizontal (not pitched roof or domed roof).

Standby Modes: The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max offers Auto Standby and ECO Standby to conserve energy. Both standby modes can be activated or deactivated within the Smart Control app on your compatible Apple iOS or Android device.

• Auto Standby: If the AMBEO Soundbar Max is inactive (without an audio signal) for 20 minutes, it will automatically switch to standby mode. The time duration can be adjusted or the feature turned off.
• ECO Standby: When ECO Standby is activated, the soundbar's power consumption is lessened. However, the boot-up time for the Soundbar will take longer.