29. Oct 2025
Follow-me audio: How KNX in smart homes is redefining multiroom AV
Imagine walking from your kitchen to the living room while your favourite podcast seamlessly follows, adjusting the volume perfectly to each space. Or stepping into your garden as the dinner party playlist extends outdoors without touching a single button. This is what we call “follow-me audio”, and it's yet another application of the KNX system.
Multiroom AV is a simple example of how the KNX system works. By connecting individual smart features (in this case: presence detection, voice assistants and speakers) into a whole (namely the KNX system), homeowners can benefit from the very best smart technology has to offer!
What is follow-me audio?
The next evolution in making advanced technology accessible
Follow-me audio goes beyond having speakers in every room. It's about creating an intelligent sound environment that responds to your presence, activities and preferences automatically - without requiring a voice command.
As you move through your home, audio transfers seamlessly between zones, adjusting volume and even content type based on context.
This isn't just about luxury, it's about creating natural interactions with technology. It’s about making advanced technology part of your daily routines, rather than treating it as an accessory.
Is it a (retro)fit? Using existing smart sensors for your new multiroom AV setup
The beauty of working with a KNX system is that you can retrofit the new audio devices into your existing setup. Those same presence sensors controlling your lights and climate can trigger audio routing. Unlike standalone audio systems that require their own detection network, KNX leverages existing infrastructure to create a truly integrated experience. When everything speaks the same language—the KNX protocol—follow-me audio becomes remarkably simple to implement.
Traditional multiroom audio vs. intelligent follow-me systems
The old way: Fixed zones and manual control
Traditional multiroom audio treats each space as a separate zone. You manually select which rooms play audio, usually through an app, wall panel or voice assistant.
These systems often lock you into one manufacturer's ecosystem. Pick a custom installation brand, and you're tied to their amplifiers, controllers and upgrade path.
Each system operates in isolation: your audio doesn't know if lights are on, if windows are open, or if anyone's actually listening.
Advanced multiroom audio with KNX
KNX transforms multiroom audio into a responsive environment. Because KNX is vendor-independent, you can mix equipment from any manufacturer. Sonos in the kitchen, high-end KEF speakers in the living room, weatherproof Bose for the garden. They all work together through KNX integration, all managed with a central hub.
The 3 core components of a KNX follow-me audio system
- Presence detection network: Follow-me audio starts with knowing where you are. KNX presence sensors throughout your home create a real-time presence overview of your home. These aren't additional sensors just for audio; they're the same ones controlling lights and climate, maximising value from existing infrastructure. Advanced implementations can use Bluetooth beacons or NFC tags for person-specific audio.
- Audio distribution architecture: KNX doesn't process audio, it simply controls how audio routes through your home. This separation maintains perfect sound quality while adding intelligent control. KNX works with centralized systems (recommended for new builds) as well as distributed systems (best integrated in retrofits or larger homes).
- Intelligent control layer: Scenes link audio behaviour with environmental controls. 'Cooking' boosts kitchen speaker volume while ventilating. 'Reading' creates gentle background music with focused lighting. These scenes can either be pre-configured based on timestamps or be triggered by the detection of activity.
How to plan your KNX follow-me audio system
Scalable speaker implementation
Start with the core living areas of your home, where follow-me audio delivers immediate value. The kitchen, living room and master bedroom create a useful follow-me experience. Add secondary bedrooms, bathrooms and outdoor zones progressively.
Preserve upgrade paths during the initial installation of your smart AV system. Leave spare capacity for amplifiers and network switches. Document everything for smooth expansion, or ask your installer to do so!
Rely on certified installers
KNX follow-me audio requires coordination between devices. Your KNX installer has all required skills to install presence detection, scene programming and control interfaces.
Make sure to discuss your audio preferences and listening habits with your KNX installer. Audiophiles need different solutions than casual listeners. Families with teenagers require zone isolation. Home theatre enthusiasts want surround sound integration. Your installer tailors the system accordingly.
Sounds like a plan? Contact a KNX professional
Follow-me audio is only one application of home automation. Instead of managing multiple systems and apps, your home anticipates and responds to your behaviour. Music, news and podcasts become ambient intelligence.
Get in touch with a certified KNX installer to automate your home AV setup. Because the best speaker isn't the loudest or most expensive—it's the one playing exactly what you want, exactly where you are.
Highlights
-
PressKNX Launches KNX Standard Version 3.0.4
KNX Association is proud to announce the release of Version 3.0.4 of the KNX Standard to its manufacturer members. The KNX ... -
NewsThe KNX Journal 2025 is now available
The latest edition of our annual smart home and building solutions magazine has arrived. The KNX Journal 2025 offers ... -
KNXtoday#KNXis35: KNX history and evolution
KNX is 35. This worldwide building control standard, initiated by a handful of visionary European manufacturers, now has ...
