Mini test: Sennheiser Profile Wireless

Posted on Nov 15, 2024 by Pro Moviemaker

Sennheiser’s Profile Wireless kit offers versatile mics, backup recording, and seamless connectivity. We looked into whether it delivered

Sennheiser is a major player in wireless audio systems, renowned for its traditional bodypack systems with plug-in lavalier mics. Though the brand has developed compact tech like the Memory Mic, much of the audio world has moved towards ultra-compact dual-channel systems, featuring two small mic units with built-in wireless transmission and internal backup recording. These feed to a separate, small receiver that connects to the camera via a cable or through the multi-interface shoe, all charged in a case, much like Airpods.

Now, Sennheiser has fully entered the game with its brand-new Profile Wireless kit, which covers all bases. Additionally, it offers a certain unique function which could be exactly what many content creators and YouTubers are after.

Instead of merely serving as a home for the TX and RX units as well as an internal battery, Sennheiser’s charging case – referred to as a charging bar by the brand – is much more functional. Both transmitter units are stored at one end, allowing the addition of the included foam rubber windshield, making it usable as a handheld-style reporter microphone with one or both mic units. You can even use the included, small furry windshields rather than the foam if you want a bit more of a low-profile look.

While it may not be as easy to hold as your typical round reporter mic, it’s convenient to have on hand for when needed. Plus, if you’re tired of the hundreds of online videos showing people holding and speaking into small transmitter units, the Sennheiser set-up looks much better on camera.

Sennheiser refers to the entire kit as the creator’s multitool, providing everything needed for wireless audio in one case – and all for a reasonable £299/$299. The system includes the charging bar/case, into which the two transmitter units and the receiver unit slide in, kept in place by a click-stop latch to prevent them from falling out.

A small holder for a Sennheiser microphone

Opening a flap reveals three adapters for the receiver: one USB-C for newer iPhones, smart devices or computers; one Lightning for older iPhones; as well as a coldshoe mount for attaching the unit to the top of a camera or rig.

The kit also includes a coiled TRS cable to connect the receiver to a camera or recorder, two furry windshields that securely bayonet onto the mic/transmitter units and a USB-C cable, which powers the charging case or connects the RX unit to a smart device or computer. This set-up works with nearly any modern system a filmmaker or content creator might use – all packed in a durable pouch.

To get you going, there’s no faffing around with an app. Just take one or both of the TX units out of the case, turn on the RX unit and you are guided through a quick menu to set the date and time. All the units pair instantly. While in the charging bar, the RX unit shows how much recording space is available on the TX units to a maximum of 30 hours. Take it out and you see signal strength, battery power and a volume bar chart. When recording, the green light turns to red to let you know what’s happening.

The receiver features a small touchscreen, which you swipe around to access and change all the settings, with tap-to-hold, short-tap and double-tap gestures all being natural to most people who use smartphones.

Accessing the TX device menu gives you options for gain adjustment, low-cut filter, mute and LED dimming. On the RX menu, you can adjust the headphone levels, screen rotation and brightness as well as enabling backup recording, with options for stereo, mono or a safety track.

Each TX unit includes a built-in omnidirectional condenser mic and a 3.5mm input jack with a locking thread to accept a separate lav mic, which is not included in the kit. On the side of the TX units, three LEDs indicate battery status, connection confirmation and recording status. The red recording LED flashes yellow if audio clipping is detected and stays a steady yellow when the mic is muted.

Two black devices with furry microphones and a black device with a blue cable and a screen showing Sennheiser dual-channel

The heart of the system is this dual-channel wireless set-up

The transmitter units have a useful clip located on the back to fasten them to a shirt, with a separate magnetic fastener held on the side of the case. They also feature a 1/4in-20 thread so can be mounted on a rig or boom.

One aspect where the Sennheiser kit is a little different from many rival set-ups is in the backup recording. Many have gone to the incredible 32-bit float technology, eliminating the need to set gain as all sounds from loud to quiet are captured. The Profile Wireless, on the other hand, sticks to more traditional 24-bit/48kHz.

The backup recording can be set using either a dedicated red button on each TX unit or via the touchscreen on the RX unit.

Setting global backup recording on the RX unit triggers an instant backup when the wireless transmitter signal drops. This means a backup is created only during instances of interference, not from the start of the recording.

Best of all, accessing backups is straightforward; just plug each TX unit into a computer via USB-C and the WAV files are ready without needing an app. With internal recording activated by a simple press of the red button, the TX units function as mini recorders in the field, even without the RX unit.

But the proof lies in the audio, and in this case, Sennheiser’s signature clean and precise sound quality is upheld. The built-in mics are excellent and suitable for most users, but for an even greater quality boost, using a lav mic takes your sound further.

The kit is well designed, practical and affordable, offering superb sound quality. It’s a shame there’s no 32-bit float support, and having an RX connector compatible with the multi-interface shoe of Sony or Canon cameras would eliminate the need for a plug-in cable in this so-called ‘wireless’ system. Maybe that’ll come later in a new or more ‘pro’ version.

£299/$299

sennheiser.com