Upgrading DSP Firmware on Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless ANC Headphones

Why Updating DSP Firmware Matters

The digital signal processor (DSP) inside the Momentum 5 Wireless ANC headphones is responsible for everything from active noise cancellation to the fine‑tuned sound signature you hear. Firmware updates improve the algorithm that controls the microphones, adjust the equalisation curves, and fix bugs that can cause dropouts or latency. Even if the headphones feel solid today, a newer firmware version can give you:

• Better noise cancellation – the ANC model may learn to react faster to sudden changes in ambient sound.
• More accurate sound – the latest EQ tweaks can bring out detail in mids and tighten the bass response.
• Improved battery management – refined power‑saving routines can extend listening time by a few percent.
• Stability fixes – issues such as random disconnections or lag in the companion app are often resolved.

Because the Momentum 5 relies on its DSP for the core experience, keeping the firmware current is one of the most effective ways to preserve performance over the life of the product.

Preparing Your Setup

Before you begin the flashing process, gather everything you will need and make sure the environment is ready. Skipping a preparation step can lead to an incomplete installation or, in worst cases, a non‑functional unit.

Required Items

• The Momentum 5 headphones (fully charged, at least 80 % battery).
• A computer running Windows 10/11 or macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later.
• A USB‑C cable that supports data transfer (the cable that came with the headphones works fine).
• An internet connection capable of downloading a file of roughly 200 MB.
• The official Sennheiser Smart Control app installed on the computer.

Safety Precautions

• Do not attempt the update while the headphones are on a low battery; the process may be interrupted if power runs out.
• Work on a stable surface away from liquids.
• Avoid moving the headphones or disconnecting the cable once the flashing process has started.

Backing Up Settings

The Smart Control app stores your custom sound profiles and ANC preferences in the cloud when you sign in with a Sennheiser account. Verify that the latest settings are synced:

1. Open the Smart Control app and sign in if you are not already logged in.
2. Navigate to the “Profiles” section and ensure each profile shows a cloud icon indicating it is backed up.
3. If you have any locally stored profiles you want to preserve, export them to a folder on your computer using the export function.

Having a backup means you can quickly restore your favorite EQ curves after the firmware upgrade.

Downloading the Latest DSP Firmware

Sennheiser publishes firmware updates on its support website. Follow these steps to obtain the correct file.

1. Open a web browser and go to the official Sennheiser support page for the Momentum 5 Wireless.
2. Locate the “Firmware” tab. The page lists the most recent version (for example, version 1.5.0 released in September 2024).
3. Click the “Download” button next to the DSP firmware package. The file will be a zip archive.
4. Save the zip file to a folder where you can easily find it, such as Downloads/Firmware.

Verifying the Download

After the download finishes, verify the integrity of the file:

• Right‑click the zip file and select “Properties” (Windows) or “Get Info” (macOS). Check the file size matches the size listed on the website.
• Some releases include a checksum (MD5 or SHA‑256). Use a checksum utility to compute the hash of the downloaded file and compare it to the value provided by Sennheiser.

If the hashes differ, delete the file and download it again. A corrupted file will cause the flashing process to fail.

Installing the Firmware

With the headphones charged, the firmware file ready, and the Smart Control app open, you can start the flashing process.

Connecting the Headphones

1. Power off the Momentum 5 by holding the power button for three seconds until the indicator light turns off.
2. Connect the USB‑C cable to the left earcup (the charging port) and the other end to a USB‑A or USB‑C port on the computer.
3. Press and hold the power button for five seconds while the cable remains attached. The headphones will enter “USB mode” – the indicator will blink rapidly.

The Smart Control app should now detect the device as “Ready for update”.

Launching the Update

1. In the Smart Control app, go to the “Device Settings” menu.
2. Click the “Firmware Update” button.
3. When prompted, browse to the folder where you extracted the zip archive and select the file named Momentum5_DSP.bin (or a similar name).

The app will display the current firmware version and the version you are about to install. Confirm that they differ, then press “Start Update”.

The Flashing Process

• The app will copy the firmware to the headphones and begin writing it to the internal flash memory.
• You will see a progress bar that advances steadily. Do not touch the headphones, the cable, or the computer during this time.
• After the data transfer completes, the headphones will reboot automatically. The indicator light will switch to a solid white for a few seconds, then return to the normal ANC mode pattern.

Post‑Update Steps

• Once the app reports “Update successful”, disconnect the USB‑C cable.
• Power the headphones on normally by pressing the power button briefly.
• Open the Smart Control app and verify that the firmware version now reflects the new number (e.g., 1.5.0).

Verifying the Update

A successful firmware flash is more than a version number; you should confirm that the DSP is functioning as expected.

Functional Tests

• Noise Cancellation Test – Walk into a moderately noisy environment (such as a café). Activate ANC and listen for the characteristic reduction in background chatter. The new firmware may produce a smoother transition when turning ANC on or off.
• Audio Quality Check – Play a well‑recorded track that you know well. Compare bass depth, mid clarity, and treble sparkle to your memory of the previous version.
• Latency Check – If you use the headphones for video or gaming, observe any delay between the source and the audio. The update often reduces latency by a few milliseconds.

Re‑Syncing Profiles

If your custom EQ settings do not appear after the update, re‑import them:

1. In Smart Control, go to “Profiles”.
2. Click “Import” and select the .json files you exported earlier.
3. Apply each profile to make sure the sound changes as expected.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful preparation, problems can arise. Below are the most frequent symptoms and how to resolve them.

Headphones Not Detected

• Check the cable – Ensure you are using a data‑capable USB‑C cable, not a charging‑only cable.
• Switch USB ports – Some ports may be disabled for data on laptops with power‑saving settings.
• Restart the computer – A fresh boot can clear driver conflicts.

Update Stalls at 30 %

• Reset the USB connection – Disconnect the cable, power off the headphones, wait ten seconds, then reconnect and repeat the update.
• Disable antivirus temporarily – Some security programs interfere with the data stream.

Device Reboots Repeatedly After Update

• Battery level too low – Ensure the battery is above 80 % before flashing.
• Corrupt firmware file – Redownload the zip archive and verify the checksum again.

No ANC or Audio Output

• Factory reset – Hold the power button for ten seconds until the indicator flashes three times. This restores default settings and can revive a bricked DSP.
• Contact support – If a factory reset does not bring the headphones back online, the firmware may have failed to write correctly. Sennheiser support can provide a recovery file or arrange repair.

Maintaining Your Headphones

Regular firmware updates keep the Momentum 5 performing at its best, but there are additional habits that extend the overall lifespan.

• Keep the app up to date – The Smart Control app receives its own updates that improve compatibility with new firmware.
• Charge responsibly – Avoid leaving the headphones on a charger for weeks on end; a partial discharge every few weeks helps maintain battery health.
• Store in a case – When not in use, keep the headphones in a protective case to guard against dust and accidental impacts.
• Clean the ear cushions – Use a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid solvents that could damage the foam or leather.

By combining these care practices with periodic DSP firmware upgrades, you ensure that the Momentum 5 continues to deliver premium sound and effective noise cancellation for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update the firmware if the headphones are working fine?
While it is not mandatory, updates often bring subtle improvements that you may notice only after a side‑by‑side comparison. If you enjoy the best possible audio experience, applying the latest firmware is recommended.

Can I roll back to an older firmware version?
Sennheiser does not provide an official method to downgrade the DSP firmware. Once a newer version is installed, the hardware will only accept firmware that is signed by the current version.

Will the update erase my custom sound profiles?
If you are signed into the Smart Control app and your profiles are synced to the cloud, they will be restored automatically after the update. Exporting them beforehand adds an extra safety net.

Is the firmware update free?
Yes. All Sennheiser firmware releases are provided at no charge to owners of the product.

Can I update the firmware using a smartphone?
The mobile version of the Smart Control app supports some basic updates, but the most reliable method is the desktop application, especially for the DSP firmware which requires a stable USB connection.

Keeping the DSP firmware current is a simple yet powerful way to maximize the performance of your Momentum 5 Wireless ANC headphones. Follow the steps outlined above, stay mindful of safety precautions, and enjoy the incremental gains in noise cancellation, sound fidelity, and overall stability that each new release brings. Happy listening!