Henrik Oppermann’s Mobile Immersive Audio Studio
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Berlin-based 3D sound expert builds a groundbreaking mobile studio with technology from Sennheiser, Neumann, and Merging
Pioneering spatial audio designer Henrik Oppermann - Schallgeber, Berlin - has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of immersive sound. With extensive experience in 3D audio for film, TV, and music, and a professional background that includes positions at Sennheiser and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Oppermann has become a leading force in the field of spatial audio recording.
His latest innovation—a compact, mobile immersive audio studio—encapsulates his years of expertise into a uniquely designed van, ideal for field and on-site recording. Built using solar-powered mobile batteries and cutting-edge technology from Sennheiser, Neumann, and Merging, the studio enables high-quality spatial audio recordings virtually anywhere, even in off-grid locations.
“I was frequently working in new spaces and realized how transformative it would be to have a fully functional recording facility right on-site,” Oppermann explains. “That’s how the idea for a mobile studio was born. Traditionally, a large production truck would have been necessary to achieve what we have now packed into this small van. Thanks to Neumann and Merging Technologies’ networked audio solutions, we’ve been able to integrate groundbreaking equipment into a compact and highly versatile setup.”
With the ability to capture up to 120 high-quality audio channels, the mobile studio is a game-changer for spatial audio field recordings. Whether recording in outdoor environments or unconventional acoustic spaces, Oppermann can now achieve unparalleled sound fidelity. This approach not only enhances field recordings but also allows orchestras and musicians to explore unique acoustic settings—capturing performances in spaces like forests at dawn or other natural and artificial environments with rich sonic textures.
At the heart of the setup is a monitoring system equipped with Neumann loudspeakers featuring a full 3D monitoring up to 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos and a Merging Anubis controller, ensuring pristine playback and monitoring. The system is fine-tuned with Neumann’s MA 1 speaker calibration software, creating an optimized critical listening environment.
For spatial audio capture, Oppermann employs Sennheiser’s AMBEO Cube setup, using eight Sennheiser MKH 800 Twin microphones mounted on the Grace Design Immersive Microphone Array. This configuration allows for comprehensive sound field coverage, making it suitable for a vast range of recording scenarios. The microphone rig connects to a Merging HAPI interface, which then transmits audio to the Anubis controller via a single network cable—allowing for seamless, high-quality recordings up to 100 meters away from the van.
“This project has been a dream of mine,” says Oppermann. “Traditional recording studios and concert halls are great, but I believe there’s so much more potential in recording music outside of these spaces. Even for electronic music, where field recordings play an important role, this studio offers a unique way to contextualize sound in different environments.”
None of this would be possible without the innovative technologies from Sennheiser, Neumann, and Merging. The seamless integration of these brands under the Sennheiser Group umbrella was key to making this mobile studio a reality. “The Network Audio technology that has been at the center within the Sennheiser Group for many years is what makes this all work—without it, recording 120 channels would require an extensive and complex cable setup. Instead, with networked audio, we’ve minimized the physical footprint while maximizing efficiency and flexibility.”
By bringing together cutting-edge solutions from Merging, Neumann and Sennheiser, Oppermann has unlocked new possibilities in immersive audio recording. His mobile studio is not just a technological marvel—it’s a glimpse into the future of spatial audio production, where sound can be captured in its most natural and authentic form, anytime, anywhere.
