Pro audio company Sennheiser has just released a wireless recording system that will challenge the space currently dominated by DJI and Rode. Profile Wireless is a compact all-in-one wireless microphone system for creators and videographers. It includes a two-channel 2.4 GHz receiver, two clip-on microphones, mounting and connection accessories. It’s all housed in charging bar that doubles as a handheld interview microphone.
“We cannot imagine content creation today without compact 2.4 GHz mic systems, and I am really proud that Sennheiser is adding an all-in-one microphone system to its portfolio that truly makes a difference for creators and videographers,” says Hendrik Millauer, Product Manager, Broadcast and Film, at Sennheiser.
“We’ve outfitted Profile Wireless with many exciting features that will help users to capture audio more reliably, longer, and more flexibly than was possible before.”
Features
- All-in-one: includes 2-channel 2.4 GHz receiver, 2 clip-on microphones, accessories, charging bar, and carrying pouch
- Quick and easy set up — no app required
- Ultra-portable charging bar stores components and doubles as handheld mic
- Signature Sennheiser sound for superior audio quality and connectivity over 2.4 GHz
- Long-lasting battery life provides up to 7 hours of runtime
- 2-channel 2.4 GHz system allows for simultaneous recording of two sources
- Versatile capabilities: receiver and clip-on microphones connect to camera, computer, phone, or to use as a desktop mic
- 16 GB memory in each clip-on mic for up to 30 hours of internal recording; start/stop recording locally via clip-on mic or remotely via receiver
- Safety Channel Mode outputs backup audio at lower volume to help protect against clipping
- Activate Backup Recording Mode to automatically turn on internal recording if wireless signal becomes weak
- Includes cold shoe mounting adaptor, USB-C and Lightning connector, threaded mounting sockets
- Pre-paired clip-on microphones automatically connect to receiver, no configuration required
- Lockable external 3.5 mm TRS connector on each microphone for secure connection to optional Sennheiser lavalier mics
- Dedicated headphone output for easy audio monitoring
- Includes microphone mounting clips and magnets for attachment to clothing
The sound quality is impressive from my early testing and while there’s provision for a safety channel, there is no 32bit float recording. This helps many solo operators prevent distorted recordings. A type of set and forget option.
But it does come to the rescue in other ways. Each clip-on microphone has 16 GB memory for internal recording in wav format. When Backup Recording Mode is activated, internal recording will 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 microphone has 24-bit recording capability, and records simultaneously at two different audio levels”, notes Blake. “This not only reduces the risk of clipped audio, but also maximises the usable dynamic range of the capsule.”
Sennheiser claims a range of up to 245 m in line of sight, and up to 150 m line of sight when taking body blocking into account. I’ll be putting that and many other specs to test over the next few days.
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)
Price and Availability
Profile Wireless can be pre-ordered from 31 October and will start shipping in Q4/2024 and Q1/2025. The system retails at AUD $549.
