Sennheiser Profile Wireless mic system: 'the creator’s audio multitool'?

Sennheiser reckons that Profile Wireless, a 2-channel, 2.4 GHz all-in-one microphone system, provides videographers with everything they need to effortlessly capture high-quality audio.

Low-cost, adaptable systems that can be configured for a range of different scenarios out of the box are justly popular with content creators, and Sennheiser's new Profile Wireless kit, which will retail for $299 when it launches next month, fits the description perfectly.

The top line summary is that it's a two-channel, 2.4 GHz wireless microphone system that connects to mobile phones, cameras or computers, and can be used as a clip-on mic, handheld mic or table-top microphone – whatever the situation demands.

It's got some neat design to it too. It's centred around a charging bar that both stores and charges the key components of the system. It also doubles as a handheld or desktop mic.

The charging bar safely holds a two-channel mini-receiver with an OLED touch display, two pre-paired clip-on microphones that automatically connect to the receiver, magnetic clips for attaching the mics to delicate clothing, and adaptors for connecting the receiver to mobile phones or a camera cold shoe mount. The bag also contains a 3.5 mm jack coiled cable for camera use, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, and windshields for the clip-on mics and charging bar.

There are adaptors to ensure the receiver can connect to the filming device of choice, allowing the creator to monitor the audio via a dedicated headphone output. The mini-mics of the system simply clip to the clothing or can be attached using the included magnetic mounts.

When a mobile phone is used for capturing video, the Profile Wireless receiver is connected with the included Lightning or mini-USB adaptor. Thanks to a gyro-sensor, the receiver display automatically rotates by 180° to remain clearly legible. Which is a neat touch.

Each of the clip-on mics has 16 GB memory for internal recording at 24-bit. When the creator activates Backup Recording Mode, internal recording will be automatically turned on if the wireless signal should become too weak. A Safety Channel Mode outputs and records backup audio at a lower volume to help protect against clipping.

Range is up to 245 m in line of sight, and up to 150 m line of sight when taking body blocking into account. ​

Pricing and availability ​

​​​Profile Wireless can be pre-ordered from 30 October and will start shipping in Q4/2024 and Q1/2025. The system retails at $299, €299, and £259 respectively.

Technical details

System

RF link: 2400 – 2480 MHz​Audio frequency response: 60 – 20,000 Hz (110 – 20,000 Hz with low-cut filter activated)​Audio THD: ​Signal-to-noise ratio: typically 78.5 dB (A)​Transmission range (line of sight): ≤ 245 m​Transmission range (with body shielding): ≤ 150 m​System latency: ​Operating temperature range: -10 to +45 ​ C (32° F to 122° F)​Charging temperature range: 0 to +45 ​ C (32° F to 122° F)​Operating humidity range (relative): 25 – 95 % (non-condensing)

Two-channel receiver

Transmission power: ​Camera output: min. 1 kΩ impedance​Digital output: USB-C audio class 2.0 / 48 kHz / 24 bit​Headphone output: 25 mW (min. 32 Ω impedance)​Operating time: ≤ 7 h​Charging time (0–100%): ​Battery capacity: 350 mAh / 1295 mWh​Dimensions: 45 x 42 x 19 mm​Weight: 30 g

Clip-on mic

Transducer principle: condenser​Pick-up pattern: omni-directional​Max. sound pressure level: 113 dB SPL​Transmission power: ​Operating time: ≤ 7 h (recording and transmitting) / ≤ 14 h (recording only)​Charging time (0–100%): ​Battery capacity: 280 mAh / 1036 mWh​Dimensions: 42 x 33 x 21 mm (including clip)​Weight: 27 g

Charging bar

Power supply: USB-C, charging current max. 1.5 A​Charging time (0–100%): ​Battery capacity: 2000 mAh / 7400 mWh​Dimensions: 152 x 41 x 55 mm​Weight: 198 g (empty) / 290 g (including all devices)

tl;dr

• Sennheiser's Profile Wireless is a versatile, 2-channel, 2.4 GHz wireless microphone system designed for videographers, retailing at $299.
• The system includes a charging bar that also serves as a handheld or desktop mic, along with pre-paired clip-on mics, adaptors, and accessories for seamless connectivity to various devices.
• Key features include 16 GB internal recording for each mic, Backup Recording Mode for automatic recording during weak signals, and Safety Channel Mode to prevent clipping.
• It offers an impressive wireless range of up to 245 m line of sight and 150 m when accounting for body blocking.