On the other extreme of the market, the "prosumer" and content creation space is increasingly relying on existing wireless standards, including Bluetooth, to create robust wireless audio applications that do not require complex regulatory frequency coordination in every region of the globe, leveraging the availability of license-free ISM radio bands in 2.4GHz, 5GHz and eventually 6GHz. Thanks to the evolution of technologies that include robust and efficient data protocols and audio codecs, low latency, high-quality digital wireless systems are now able to cover professional, content creation needs in environments with very high levels of interference.
Sennheiser has explored those opportunities in the past with some degree of success, but that market has now been flooded with highly sophisticated microphone systems at much lower cost - a similar scenario to the one happening in the consumer headphone space, which motivated Sennheiser to exit the segment. That seems to have motivated Sennheiser to explore a new approach in that product segment with ready-to-use and simple to configure systems. As the company explains "When creating content, preparedness and flexibility are key, as is a versatile wireless audio system that helps you capture sound easily and quickly without sacrificing audio quality."
The new Sennheiser Profile Wireless was designed with that concept in mind, offering a two-channel solution that connects to mobile phones, cameras or computers, and can be used as a clip-on mic, handheld mic or table-top microphone – whatever the situation demands. In terms of design this required a complete departure from what is regarded as conventional in professional microphones.
"We cannot imagine content creation today without compact 2.4GHz 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."
"It was important to us that Profile Wireless can master a diverse set of recording requirements, while being as compact and portable as possible," says Callie Blake, Category Marketing Manager, Creators. "The range of use cases for Profile Wireless is impressive."
With the included adaptors, the Sennheiser Profile Wireless receiver connects to the filming device of choice, and lets the creator monitor the audio via a dedicated headphone output. The mini-mics of the system simply clip to the clothing or can be attached using the included magnetic mounts.
"While the clip-on mics ensure signature Sennheiser audio quality and are quite unobtrusive, there may still be instances where a creator or videographer would like to work with separate lavalier mics, so there’s a lockable 3.5 mm TRS jack for connecting external mics," adds Blake.
When a mobile phone is used for capturing video, the Profile Wireless receiver is connected via USB-C, or with the included Lightning or mini-USB adaptors. This two-channel receiver outputs digital audio via the USB-C connector, at 24-bit/48kHz. Thanks to a gyro-sensor, the receiver display automatically rotates by 180° to remain clearly legible.
There are recording situations where a handheld microphone is an ideal choice, for example for reporter-style pieces to camera, and interviews where the creator needs more control over the conversation or is speaking with varying interviewees. For this application, the creator simply inserts a clip-on mic into the charging bar, puts the included big foam windshield on – and the system becomes a fully-fledged, handheld reporter’s microphone. All Profile Wireless components come with mounting threads for standard creator's accessories such as table stands. Thus, the system can also be conveniently used as a desktop mic.
Since users for such systems are not experienced professionals, to make the system more robust and avoid losing audio on a shoot, Sennheiser added clever features in Profile Wireless. First, each clip-on microphone has 16GB of memory for internal recording – a comfortable safety net. When the creator activates Backup Recording Mode, internal recording will be automatically turned on if the wireless signal should become too weak. Secondly, 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 maximizes the usable dynamic range of the capsule." And even though the Profile Wireless system works on 2.4GHz, range is ample, at up to 245 meters in line of sight, and up to 150 meter line of sight when taking body blocking into account.
"Right from the start of product development, we involved seasoned videographers and content creators to see what they wished for from a compact wireless audio system, and how existing products could be improved upon," shares Millauer. "So we’ve come up with a few exciting usability features that make Profile Wireless a gem among 2.4GHz systems. Profile Wireless is the first and at present only compact 2.4GHz wireless system that has a handheld option integrated, and this option gives you a real 15+ hours of runtime, while with other sets, you cannot use the mics when the system is being recharged."
"Usability features like the auto-rotating receiver display, the fact that no app is required, and the diverse mounting options – only Sennheiser has thread mounts on the components – make for smooth workflows in content creation. And while there may be lighter clip-on mics on the market, they do not have internal recording or a connector for an external lav mic," Millauer adds.
The Sennheiser Profile Wireless system can be pre-ordered and will start shipping in Q4/2024 and Q1/2025. Unofficial sources report a tentative MSRP price of $299 USD or €299 EUR, which would mean it could easily compete with even the cheaper Chinese competitors.
www.sennheiser.com
