Sennheiser has released a major firmware update for its flagship Ambeo Soundbar Max, introducing new audio customization features and enhanced high fidelity support. The update, available for free through the Sennheiser Smart Control app, brings the soundbar to Ambeo OS2.
The new features are headlined by Customizable Immersion, which gives users direct control over the volume levels for side, top, and center channel virtualization. This allows for a more personalized listening experience, letting owners tailor the spatial audio effect to their specific room or the type of content they are watching.
A second key addition is Voice Enhancement Mode. This function is designed to boost dialogue clarity, ensuring that speech remains intelligible and is not drowned out by loud sound effects, music, or crowd noise during movies, shows, or sports broadcasts.
Beyond these new controls, the update significantly boosts the soundbar’s music capabilities. While it already supported Dolby Atmos Music for a spatial audio experience, the Ambeo Max now gains support for lossless audio playback. Through Google Cast, the soundbar can handle audio files up to 24-bit/96kHz. For users of Tidal’s hi-fi tier, the soundbar supports an even higher resolution of up to 24-bit/192kHz when using Tidal Connect.
Originally launched in 2019 as simply the Ambeo Soundbar, the product was renamed the Ambeo Soundbar Max when Sennheiser expanded its lineup to include the mid-range Plus and the more compact Mini models. The Max was initially priced at $2,500, later increased to $3,000, but is now available for $2,000. Despite the high cost for a single unit, Sennheiser maintains that its combination of powerful integrated bass and advanced Ambeo 3D audio technology eliminates the need for a separate subwoofer or rear satellite speakers to create a fully immersive home theater experience.
