Sennheiser’s new wireless clip-on mics can convert to a tabletop microphone
Sennheiser has announced a new portable wireless microphone kit designed to be an affordable and flexible all-in-one solution for content creators and videographers. The Profile Wireless system features a wireless receiver that can be connected to various devices, a pair of compact clip-on transmitters with built-in microphones that can also be used as handheld or tabletop mics, and a mobile charger.
The Sennheiser Profile Wireless kit isn’t expected to start shipping until late 2024 or early 2025, but it’s available for preorder starting today for $299. That’s cheaper than both the popular $349 DJI Mic 2 kit, which includes similar hardware, and the Shure MoveMic system, which is $499 when bundled with a wireless receiver. Rode’s Wireless Go II kit is also $299, but it doesn’t include an on-the-go charging solution.
The Profile Wireless microphones are similar in size to the DJI Mic 2’s and can be attached to clothing using either a clip on the back or a magnet, which allows for more freedom with placement. If you want to use a higher-quality microphone or need a more discreet lav mic, the transmitter includes a lockable 3.5mm connector for attaching external mics.
The microphones come pre-paired to a two-channel receiver and communicate over a 2.4GHz wireless signal that has a range of just over 800 feet with a clear line of sight. If anybody gets in between the receiver and mic, the range drops to around 490 feet. Sennheiser says the battery life for the mics and wireless receiver is around seven hours, but all three can be recharged while away from a power outlet using the included charging bar that is equipped with a 2,000mAh battery.
Each microphone has 16GB of built-in storage with an optional “Backup Recording Mode” that will automatically start recording locally if the connection to the wireless receiver becomes unreliable. There’s also a “Safety Channel Mode” that will record a second copy of the audio at a lower level to help prevent louder sounds from being clipped or distorted.
Since the Profile Wireless system doesn’t use Bluetooth, capturing audio to another device requires the receiver to be connected using an included USB-C or Lightning adapter for mobile devices, a USB-C cable for computers, or an audio cable for cameras. The receiver itself includes an OLED screen that displays information like audio levels and the charge level of the mics; thanks to an included gyro sensor, the screen will automatically flip 180 degrees as needed.
Although wireless mic systems like this are becoming more popular because of their ease of use and convenient size, using a tiny clip-on mic in hand to conduct an impromptu interview can sometimes be challenging. Sennheiser’s solution to that problem has you attaching one of the microphones to the end of the included charging bar and then adding a foam windscreen.
This results in a larger microphone that’s easier to hold or use on a desk when connected to a microphone support or a tiny tripod. The larger microphone’s shape is a bit odd and may result in an extra question or two when sticking it in someone’s face, but it does bring some extra flexibility to an affordable microphone kit that already offers a lot of functionality.
