Sennheiser has launched the Profile USB microphone, a cardioid condenser microphone that promises ‘an easy and stylish solution for streaming and podcasting’. The microphone combines professional sound with easy access to all functions, allowing streamers, podcasters and gamers to focus on content.
The side-address microphone is available as a table stand version and as the Profile Streaming Set with a three-point self-locking boom arm. At its heart is a Sennheiser KE 10 condenser capsule, whose cardioid pick-up pattern provides the typical attenuation of sound from the rear.
In designing the Profile, Sennheiser Product Managers Benny Franke and Dennis Stegemerten also put an emphasis on ease of use. ‘When you are recording your podcast or doing a live stream, you already have to worry about the content, perhaps room treatment, the camera set-up, interaction with your audience – the last thing you need in this situation is a complex audio set-up’, Franke explains. ‘So we tried to create tech that gets out of the way of your creative process.’
‘The design is simple and efficient and does not overwhelm you,’ Stegemerten continues. ‘Profile is simply plugged into the USB-C port of your computer or tablet – your device will automatically recognize the microphone, and it’s ready to capture your voice. There is no need for an interface or any software, no additional window to keep open so that you can control the mic settings. One intuitive touch of a control directly on the mic – that’s all that is needed.’
On its front, the Profile USB Mic features a soft-touch, no-noise mute button, a gain control for the microphone level, a mix control to set the balance between voice and the computer/tablet audio, plus a level control for headphone monitoring. Headphones or earphones can be connected via a 3.5mm socket at the rear.
LED rings on the mic signal the operating status – when the LED ring around the gain control is green, it is ready to go. When the same light ring turns yellow at times or all of the time, the mic is clipping and the level needs to be lowered. When the microphone has been muted, light rings around the mute button and the gain control light up red.
‘Right out of the box, the Profile delivers a natural, warm sound that accentuates the body and presence of your voice. Interestingly enough, you can even hear this difference on platforms that compress the audio,’ explains Franke. ‘Having a great capsule is essential for this – but placing the microphone correctly is just as important. It should be positioned within 150mm (6-inch) from your mouth or the sound source to ensure both clarity and warmth.’
The Profile can be tilted for optimum positioning, the self-locking joint will ensure that the mic stays in position. 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch connectors at the bottom allow the mic to be used with third-party table stands. Users looking for more sophisticated placement possibilities may opt for the Profile Streaming Set, which comes with a three-point self-locking boom arm. With its sleek and modern design, including integrated cable management, the boom arm is suited tp any on-camera applications.
‘To round things off, Profile is made from metal,’ Stegemerten concludes, ‘so it will be a rugged companion, no matter whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned professional looking to simplify your set-up.’
As a table stand version, the microphone is priced at €129 (MSRP), and as the Profile Streaming Set with a three-point self-locking boom arm, at € 199 (MSRP). Both models are shipping now.
