The release notes say Sennheiser call it the “Creator’s Audio Multitool”. With the versatility it offers, I can well believe that description might be spot on.
In this case “it” is the spanking new Profile Wireless, 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.
As I said, versatile.
About an hour after I received the official press release, a real unit was delivered by the nice Mr Courier, all packed in the signature blue Sennheiser box. Inside is a black branded zipped up case and once you open it, you hold a rugged, multifunctional charging bar in your hands. This charging bar is the heart of Profile Wireless.
Charging Bar
It stores and charges the key components of the system and doubles as a handheld or desktop mic. The charging bar 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.
It may not be as compact as a DJI Mic 2 or Hollyland Lark M1 say, but then again, you are getting a bit more tech per cubic centimetre too!
I have the unit on charge at the moment so will be doing a longer proper review in the next day or so under real circumstances, but looking over the entire kit, upon deeper investigation it is even more versatile than what is hinted at by the contents of the Profile case.
Handheld AND Handheld
For example, you might have a need to use a handheld mic as against the supplied wireless units. No problem, for this situation, simply insert a clip-on mic into the charging bar, put the included big foam windshield on – and a fully-fledged reporter’s microphone is ready for the job. Or, if you want to use a 3rd party mic, there is a 3.5mm in port as well as a headphone port for monitoring.
There are nice touches too such as a tripod mount thread. Additionally, when a mobile phone is used for capturing video, the Profile Wireless receiver is connected with the included Lightning or mini-USB adaptor and thanks to a gyro-sensor, the receiver display automatically rotates by 180° to remain clearly legible.
Backup
Each clip-on mic has 16GB memory as a backup, and there is also a Backup Recording Mode which if activated causes internal recording to be automatically turned on if the wireless signal should become too weak. And finally, a Safety Channel Mode outputs and records backup audio at a lower volume to help protect against clipping.
The clip-on mic also is also fitted with a thread mount for accessories and a connector for an external lavaliere mic.
The range has been extended over previous Sennheiser wireless models too, up to a very respectable 245 metres in line of sight (LOS), and if there is “body blocking” such as recording in a crowded location, you’ll still get 150 metres LOS.
Initial Conclusion
Based on the specifications and physical characteristics, it is somewhat hard to fault the Sennheiser Profile Wireless system on initial look. Some may baulk at the AUD$549 price tag, but as I say, you are getting a LOT for the price – not just a wireless mic system but a whole microphone ecosphere in its own right.
The final proof of course is in the audio quality under all circumstances. Once that little charging light says I can, I can’t wait to put it through its paces.
For the tech inclined.
Specifications
System
RF link: 2400 – 2480 MHz
Audio frequency response: 60 – 20,000 Hz (110 – 20,000 Hz with low-cut filter activated)
Audio THD: < 1.5 %
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: < 8 ms
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: < 20 dBm EIRP
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%): < 2 h
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: < 20 dBm EIRP
Operating time: ≤ 7 h (recording and transmitting) / ≤ 14 h (recording only)
Charging time (0–100%): < 1.5 h
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%): < 3 h
Battery capacity: 2000 mAh / 7400 mWh
Dimensions: 152 x 41 x 55 mm
Weight: 198 g (empty) / 290 g (including all devices)