Sennheiser MobileConnect Station for Assistive Listening System - 508895

Product Overview

The Sennheiser MobileConnect Station (SKU 508895) is the hardware core of the MobileConnect assistive listening platform — a WiFi-based audio streaming solution that delivers high-quality sound directly to audience members' personal smartphones and tablets. As a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) assistive listening system, it eliminates the need to purchase, manage, and sanitize dedicated receiver hardware. Each station supports up to 100 simultaneous clients across two independent streaming channels, making it one of the most scalable app-based assistive listening systems available for ADA-compliant venue deployments.

Product Description

The MobileConnect Station functions as an audio-to-network bridge: it accepts analog audio via two balanced XLR inputs or digital audio via two Dante-enabled RJ-45 ports, processes the signal through onboard DSP, and streams up to two separate mono or stereo audio channels over the venue's existing WiFi network. Audience members download the free MobileConnect app for iOS or Android, connect to the WiFi network, and receive the audio stream directly on their own device — through any wired or wireless headphones, induction neck loops, hearing aids, or cochlear implants.

The station is housed in a half-19" rackmount chassis (212 x 168 x 43 mm) and is powered entirely via Power over Ethernet (PoE IEEE 802.3af Class 3), so no separate power supply is needed at the rack — only a single Ethernet cable for both network connectivity and power. This simplifies installation considerably in permanent AV installations and touring deployments alike.

For single-room deployments, the station operates in Standalone Mode with a local web interface for configuration — no server is required. When deploying multiple stations across a facility or campus, the free MobileConnect Manager software (Docker-based, on-premise) provides centralized administration of all stations, custom app branding, and stream access control. The system scales to hundreds of simultaneous users by adding stations.

Third-party control system integration is available through official plugins for Crestron, Extron, and QSC, and the open MobileConnect API supports broader automation workflows. The two XLR output sockets allow the station to pass audio downstream to other devices in the signal chain. The system's 101 dB(A) signal-to-noise ratio and 40 Hz–20 kHz frequency response deliver premium audio fidelity — significantly beyond what traditional FM or IR-based assistive listening systems provide. Average end-to-end latency is 40–60 ms, which is well within acceptable range for most assistive listening and interpretation applications.

Key Features

• BYOD Architecture — Streams audio to the free MobileConnect iOS/Android app, so venues do not need to purchase or manage dedicated receiver hardware.
• 100 Simultaneous Clients per Station — Each station supports up to 100 concurrent users; add stations to scale to any venue size.
• Two Independent Streaming Channels — Simultaneously carry two separate audio streams per station, such as language interpretation and assistive listening, or main program and audio description.
• Dante Integration — Two RJ-45 Dante ports accept digital audio inputs and outputs, enabling integration with Dante-networked audio ecosystems common in modern AV installations.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) — Single Ethernet cable delivers both data and power (IEEE 802.3af Class 3), simplifying cabling and eliminating a separate power feed at the rack.
• Balanced XLR Inputs and Outputs — Two XLR-3F inputs and two XLR-3M outputs provide flexible analog connectivity to mixers, DSPs, and amplifiers.
• Standalone and Manager Modes — Operate a single station via local web UI, or manage a multi-station campus deployment centrally through the free MobileConnect Manager software.
• Third-Party Control Integration — Official plugins for Crestron, Extron, and QSC, plus an open API, allow the station to participate in automated AV control workflows.
• Premium Audio Quality — 101 dB(A) SNR, 40 Hz–20 kHz frequency response, and −82 dB(A) THD+N deliver fidelity well above legacy assistive listening technologies.
• ADA Assistive Listening Compliance — Designed to support ADA Section 4.33 assistive listening requirements using personal smartphones and hearing devices.
• Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Compatible — The app supports induction neck loops, hearing aids, and cochlear implants, serving the broadest range of hearing accessibility needs.
• Free App and Manager Software — Both the MobileConnect app and MobileConnect Manager are available at no additional charge.

Typical Applications

• House of worship
• Auditorium
• Government space
• Conference room
• All-hands room
• Training room

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do listeners need to purchase any hardware to use the MobileConnect system?

No. Listeners download the free MobileConnect app for iOS or Android on their own smartphone or tablet. They can listen through any wired or wireless headphones, compatible hearing aids, or induction neck loops — no dedicated receiver hardware is needed.

Q: Does the MobileConnect Station replace our existing WiFi infrastructure?

No. The station connects to your existing WiFi network and streams audio over it. Your IT team will need to ensure adequate WiFi coverage in the listening area. Sennheiser recommends consulting your network administrator to confirm the network meets streaming requirements before deployment.

Q: How many users can the system support?

Each station supports up to 100 simultaneous clients. For larger venues requiring more than 100 concurrent listeners, additional stations can be deployed and centrally managed through the free MobileConnect Manager software — the system scales to hundreds of users.

Q: Is this system ADA compliant for assistive listening?

The MobileConnect system is designed to support ADA Section 4.33 assistive listening requirements. It works with hearing aids, cochlear implants, and induction neck loops. Venues should confirm their specific compliance obligations with a qualified accessibility consultant.

Q: Can I run two different audio programs simultaneously — for example, English and Spanish?

Yes. Each station provides two independent streaming channels. You can simultaneously stream different language interpretation feeds, an audio description track alongside the main program, or any two separate mono or stereo audio sources.

Q: Does the station integrate with Crestron, Extron, or QSC control systems?

Yes. Official plugins are available for Crestron, Extron, and QSC control systems. The open MobileConnect API also supports custom integration with other automation platforms.

Q: What is the audio latency of the MobileConnect system?

Average end-to-end latency is 40–60 ms depending on network conditions and listener devices. For assistive listening and most interpretation use cases, this latency is imperceptible in practice.

Q: How is the station powered?

The station is powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE IEEE 802.3af Class 3). A single Ethernet cable from a PoE-capable switch or injector provides both network connectivity and power — no separate power supply or additional AC wiring is required at the station.