Sennheiser Profile USB Streaming Set review: The go-to microphone for those starting their streaming or podcasting journey

• The Sennheiser Profile USB microphone is the company's first budget plug-and-play mic for streamers, podcasters, and creators.
• It competes against Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+, and Samson Q2U.
• The side-address microphone is available in a table stand version at ₹10,900, and the streaming set is available at ₹15,999.

Sennheiser has been at the forefront of making professional media gear like headphones and microphones for over seven decades. Still, its range of USB microphones has been limited as it focuses on professional demands that don't prioritize ease of use.

To address the given gap in demand, the company has now introduced a budget plug-and-play microphone called the Sennheiser Profile USB microphone. The mic has been launched, keeping the increasing demand for consumer USB microphones that can connect directly to computers and offer zero-latency headphone monitoring - a space that Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+, and Samson Q2U monopolized till now.

USB microphones have gained popularity among budding music producers, streamers, and podcasters due to their ability to offer high-quality sound without needing a separate USB audio interface, making them ideal to set up and use anywhere they need. The new Sennheiser Profile USB microphone allows users to plug it into their laptop and easily adjust the mic's gain, headphone output volume, and sound mix between the microphone and computer audio, all via the front-facing controls. It also has a USB Type-C port, headphone jack, and a mute button to cut off audio instantaneously when there's a disturbance while recording or broadcasting.

The microphone is said to provide top-notch audio quality and easy access to all controls, allowing content creators such as streamers, podcasters, and gamers to concentrate entirely on their content. The side-address microphone is available in a table stand version at ₹10,900, and the Profile Streaming Set, which includes a 3-point self-locking boom arm, is available exclusively on Amazon at ₹15,999.

I have been using the mic for over two weeks for recording voiceovers and trying to podcast and stream, and I have a lot to share, especially for those looking to start their content creation journey in any of the given fields.

The unit we received is the streaming set with a boom arm, table stand, user manual, and a 3m USB C cable that passes through a channel inside the mic to connect to the port. It can be connected to any Android or iPhone without needing a mixer, software, or any additional accessory. So it makes for a neat setup without any wire cluttering your desk.

The boom arm is sturdy, made of high-quality material, and easy to set up. The arm solves multiple problems - first, you don't need to place the mic on the table, leaving space for your keyboard and mouse, which helps gamers and streamers. Also, it allows you to adjust its positioning at any angle to allow a comfortable sitting position while keeping the audio clean. It helps streamers and podcasters to adjust it as per their comfort.

Sound Quality

The most crucial factor to consider while buying a microphone is the sound quality. A microphone that captures clear, crisp audio with minimal background noise.

Note that it's a cardioid microphone, which means it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear. So it is ideal for the best output when the sound source is located in front of the mic at a 6-inch distance.

The mic exhibits a proximity effect, which means that as the microphone gets closer to the sound source, the bass frequencies are emphasized. This can enhance the warmth and richness of a voice or instrument.

The sound quality is crisp and clear in suitable surroundings and rejects sound from the sides and rear; it still exhibits some sensitivity to off-axis sound. This can result in coloration of the sound, particularly in the mid-range frequencies like a person's voice to a dog's bark or someone dropping utensils in the kitchen.

While it is typically more sensitive to sound coming from the front than other directions, it can result in a higher signal-to-noise ratio when background noise is present.

The mic also catches eco if you're recording in an empty room. So the overall takeaway is that you should keep the surroundings silent while recording and also try to soundproof the room if you're concerned about background noises and need a seamless stream or recording. If you are backed up with these, you can get a flawless output without needing to clean it using a software.

The Sennheiser Profile USB microphone offers an impressive frequency response as well.

Whether streaming or recording a voiceover, the frequency response remained flat. It makes the voice output sound more natural and well-balanced in terms.

Design and build

The design of the Sennheiser Profile USB mic follows the classic design language that the company is known for. It's compact and has an all-metal build, which not only looks premium but is also durable. In addition, the metal design only adds a little weight to it, so carrying it for a remote setup isn't an issue.

If you're buying the boom arm variant, it'll add around ₹5000 to the overall cost. But if your use case requires the arm, I suggest you go for it. While it might seem pricey, it justifies every penny you pay as it's made of high-quality material and offers high-level customization, as mentioned above.

It has a USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom. Also, there are quick access physical controls for muting, adjusting headphone output volume, gain, and mixer for sound from the mic and the audio from the computer.

Ease of use

The ease of use of this mic is the USP, and Sennheiser is highly emphasizing this feature. This is a solid solution for someone like me looking to set up a home studio for doing voiceovers, recording podcasts, and doing occasional streaming without needing to go through the hassle of adding a mixer or learning software. As advertised, this microphone is plug-and-play, but getting the best output will come with trial and error depending on the surrounding you are using it in.

I will rate it very highly in this department, but that doesn't mean it's something that was missing in the market. As I mentioned, Blue, Audio-Tecnica, and Rode have been in the space, but Sennheiser has delivered a solid alternative and offers its signature quality performance.

Verdict

The Sennheiser Profile USB microphone is a great tool for those starting their streaming, podcasting, or music-making journey at home. Its easy-to-use, plug-and-play nature makes it a no-brainer for anyone who wants to avoid getting into the complex setup process and learn software to get professional-sounding audio.

Its boom arm makes it the best option out there. In addition, the frequency range of the Profile mic ranges from 20-18,500Hz, which is a good spread and ideal for capturing a range of instruments and voices.