Sennheiser PROFILE WIRELESS comprehensive review

Introduction to the Sennheiser PROFILE WIRELESS

Sennheiser has released a wireless microphone that uses the 2.4GHz band, the “PROFILE WIRELESS.” What makes it different from the many other similar microphones is the gimmick built into the case, which allows it to be used as a handheld microphone by placing the transmitter in the case.

In this review, I will review this microphone, focusing on how I can use it in the workplace where I do my daily work.

Features and main functions

Exterior

The receiver is stored on the opposite side to the transmitter. Even when stored, the OLED screen and input/output parts are exposed. There is also a power button on the case, and when stored in the case, you can turn on and off the transmitter and receiver with just this button.

On the bottom there is a 1/4 inch screw, a receiver removal button, and a magnet for magnetically attaching the transmitter. It can be removed by pushing it with your finger, or by using the magnet part of the transmitter to remove it.

On the side are the release buttons for each transmitter and a USB-C port for charging the case. When you open the door, you’ll find the parts for attaching the receiver to the cold shoe of a smartphone or camera.

Receiver

It is equipped with an OLED touch panel that automatically changes the screen orientation with a gyro sensor, and basic operations are performed by touch operations such as swiping and tapping. In addition, you can control the start and stop of recording on the transmitter by double-tapping the transmitter status display of TX1/2, so you can control recording at your fingertips even when a microphone is already attached to the performer.

Remove the parts stored in the case and slide them onto the receiver as shown in the photo.

This is what it looks like when attached to a camera or smartphone with USB-C input. The USB-C terminal has ample margin, so it can be attached without interference even to smartphones with thicker cases.

Most wireless microphones can be connected to cameras via either USB-C, Lightning, or 3.5mm TRS, and the fact that a single receiver supports all of these is very convenient as it means you can use it with any camera.

When mounting it on a regular camera, a cold shoe is used. The cold shoe also has a 1/4 inch thread, so there should be no problem finding a place to mount it.

Transmitter

The power button and REC button on the side of the transmitter are recessed to prevent them from being pressed accidentally. The clip part is also compatible with cold shoes, allowing for a variety of mounting options.

The convenience of being able to use the Sennheiser PROFILE WIRELESS while it’s in the case

Using the transmitter while it is in the case

This product boasts the ability to store the transmitter in a case and use it as a handheld microphone. However, as you can see, it is box-shaped and quite different in shape from a conventional handheld microphone, which may make the person pointed at the microphone and those watching the video feel uncomfortable.

However, I personally don’t think it would feel too strange if you use it like a tabletop microphone on a small tripod like in the photo, or if you use a microphone arm. If you use it like a tabletop microphone, you could place it on a table and use it at a small distribution site. The microphone built into the transmitter is omnidirectional, so it can pick up the voices of multiple speakers.

Using the receiver while it is in the case

Another major benefit of this product is that you can significantly extend the continuous operating time by using it while it is stored in the case or while it is being powered from the case. The receiver not only displays the transmitter’s recording status, but also the remaining battery level, so you can use it for long periods of time with peace of mind.

In addition, by using the 1/4 inch screw on the bottom of the case to mount the receiver together with the case at a higher position, you can receive radio waves from the transmitter more stably. Even in that case, you don’t need to worry too much about battery life as long as you keep it in the case.

Summary – the Sennheiser PROFILE WIRELESS has potential

Currently, many manufacturers are releasing 2.4 GHz wireless microphones, and both transmitters and receivers are becoming increasingly miniaturized.

This product’s transmitter and receiver are larger than those of today’s 2.4GHz microphones, but it is considerably smaller than a B-band bodypack. If used in conjunction with an external lavalier microphone, it can reduce the burden on performers in scenes with a lot of movement, and it can also be easily hidden in clothing.

In addition to using it with an external microphone, it can also be used for long periods of time in a case, and has an internal recording function, making it a product with advantages for professional use. In terms of sound quality, Sennheiser, a long-established manufacturer of microphones, is able to provide sufficient sound quality. This may be because the size of the case allows for some leeway in the circuit configuration of the microphone preamplifier.

I usually use B-band wireless microphones for work, but there are many cases where I cannot use the B-band, such as when shooting in a venue nearby that uses the B-band. It would be a good idea to have a wireless microphone that can withstand such professional use using the 2.4GHz band in your camera bag.