Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone review: "A double-edged sword"

GamesRadar+ VerdictThe Sennheiser Profile USB mic is a solid microphone for content creation, streaming, and gaming because you very much get what you pay for. I wouldn’t call it entry-level since it has a really solid cardioid capsule and a $100 price tag. That said, it lacks the features that take its rivals further up the ranks.TODAY’S BEST DEALS$119.95at Walmart$129at Musician’s Friend$179.99at Sweetwater SoundPros+Affordable price+Decent sound quality+Good cardioid capsule and distance control+Solid boom armCons-Lacks bass response-Can lack power-No software and short on features GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict The Sennheiser Profile USB mic is a solid microphone for content creation, streaming, and gaming because you very much get what you pay for. I wouldn’t call it entry-level since it has a really solid cardioid capsule and a $100 price tag. That said, it lacks the features that take its rivals further up the ranks.TODAY’S BEST DEALS$119.95at Walmart$129at Musician’s Friend$179.99at Sweetwater Sound The Sennheiser Profile USB mic is a solid microphone for content creation, streaming, and gaming because you very much get what you pay for. I wouldn’t call it entry-level since it has a really solid cardioid capsule and a $100 price tag. That said, it lacks the features that take its rivals further up the ranks. TODAY’S BEST DEALS$119.95at Walmart$129at Musician’s Friend$179.99at Sweetwater Sound TODAY’S BEST DEALS$119.95at Walmart$129at Musician’s Friend$179.99at Sweetwater Sound TODAY’S BEST DEALS$119.95at Walmart$129at Musician’s Friend$179.99at Sweetwater Sound TODAY’S BEST DEALS $119.95at Walmart$129at Musician’s Friend$179.99at Sweetwater Sound $119.95at Walmart $119.95at Walmart $129at Musician’s Friend $129at Musician’s Friend $179.99at Sweetwater Sound $179.99at Sweetwater Sound Pros+Affordable price+Decent sound quality+Good cardioid capsule and distance control+Solid boom arm Affordable price Decent sound quality Good cardioid capsule and distance control Solid boom arm Cons-Lacks bass response-Can lack power-No software and short on features Lacks bass response Can lack power No software and short on features Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. The Sennheiser Profile USB mic and boom arm are a solid solution for content creators who want decent audio quality without breaking the bank. It’s placed in a bit of a tricky position in the market though, because it separates itself from truly basic entry-level mics while lacking so much of what makes its competitors great. We say it almost every time we review one, but thebest microphones for streaming and gaminghave their work cut out for them. There are so many mics out there these days and they all have a lot going for them, so it can be truly difficult for non-established brands to make a dent. Some opt for software to help them stand out, others focus on pure audio quality or plain old convenience. Sennheiser is definitely in the latter camp in that regard. For just $100/£100, you can get the Profile USB mic, but for $179/£149 you can get the streaming set, which bundles in the brand’s accompanying boom arm. At that kind of price range, where does this mic fit in amongst a competitive field? Design & Features (Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson) TheEPOS B20may be the closest relative of the Sennheiser Profile USB that we’ve tested previously. With that now beginning to age, however, Sennheiser has made the wise decision to make the design of its new USB mic a little more down to earth. The Profile isn’t trying to compete with the biggest, baddest mics like the Shure’s of the world, but it maintains a classic black chassis and professional-looking grille all the way around its top. Perhaps most handy, is its tilt functionality which I really like because you can benefit from it regardless of whether you put it on a boom arm or sit it on a table. The tilt is built into the microphone’s body, and that’s a nice degree of convenience to have for this price. On top of that, it also has a self-locking joint for when you find the correct angle you want it to sit at. You can really tell Sennheiser wanted to focus on convenience because most of the value for money with this mic comes from its three tuning dials. With one, you can control the gain of the mic, with another you change the monitoring level, and with another, you can fine-tune your mix - how the mic fits in with the rest of your audio devices. Above all of those, you’ll find a soft-touch mute button with an LED ring that indicates if your mic is hot or not. The gain control dial has a similar indicator that shows you if you’re clipping, too. (Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson) The mic itself uses a metallic chassis which feels nice and premium. Considering you can get more expensive microphones like theSteelSeries Aliasthat don’t utilize metal chassis, that is a bonus. Around the back of the microphone, you’ll find a USB-C port for connecting it to one of thebest gaming PCsand a 3.5mm headphone jack. The boom arm you’ll get if you opt for the streaming set is pretty fantastic. The brace that locks it down to one of thebest gaming desksis pretty standard, but it has an integrated cable management slot that runs along its entire length to help you keep cables out of the way. I found this to be a real perk for the 1.2m included cable, which, I’ll admit, could have been a bit longer. Other than that, there’s not much to speak about when it comes to features. There’s no included pop filter, there’s no partner software or helpful firmware. This feels glaringly lacking, in all honesty, especially when so many other brands include these things. Performance (Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson) When I’m not testing the latest gaming tech out, I run aYouTubechannel in my free time where I talk about game design. As someone who takes a pretty perfectionist approach to those videos, liking a microphone enough to use it for one of them is a solid test of whether I can recommend it or not. I’m happy to say that after using the Blue Yeti Nano for a little over a year and a half, I was happy to make the switch to the Sennheiser Profile USB. While I think both produce some great sound quality for the money, I do miss the bass response of the Yeti Nano. I haven’t been blessed with the low dulcet tones of your average late-night jazz radio host, so I prefer a mic that won’t enhance the treble that’s naturally there and instead give my VO a bit of a bassy bost. Without any software to naturally help that, Sennheiser does suffer a bit. If you want a more practical example, you can compare how my voice sounds inthis video about The Last Clockwinder, and in this onewhere I talk about The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood. Keep in mind that both VO tracks went through the exact same dynamics processing editing. When recording VO with the Sennheiser Profile, I found that no matter what distance I was away from the mic, no matter how I configured the tuning dials on the mic’s front, and no matter how I changed my vocal, I couldn’t get a very lively response from it. It was nearly impossible to peak, and even if I am fairly soft-spoken, other mics have been a bit more dynamic for me in the past. (Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson) This is a bit of a double-edged sword, because it means you can count on the Profile USB to save you from clipping, and you’ll get consistency during live streams if you don’t want your mic right up on your chin. On the other hand, it means you have less to play around with when it comes to editing tracks, whether that’s music, VO, or a podcast. I’d rather have a broader range of dynamics I can play around with in editing than a fairly muted track that hasn’t picked up the different ranges I’ve tried to put into place when recording. A real benefit to having a solid cardioid capsule with off-axis rejection is distance control though. Talking to friends on Discord calls while playing a game can be a bit of a pain without this because more times than not your mic will need to be on the tip of your nose and will probably end up blocking a section of yourbest gaming monitor. Regardless, I did like being able to turn my monitoring level up and down without messing with gain at the same time. I felt I could do so accurately when I plugged in myRazer Moray in-ear monitors, and this sort of control can sometimes be reserved for audio interfaces like theBEACN Mix Create. (Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson) I don’t have many complaints with the sound quality of this mic overall - it still produced some decent voice-over tracks for me - it’s just hard not to imagine what kind of software support and extra features you could get from something that’s only $40-$50 more in the USB space. The only other thing I think that’s worth mentioning is that the boom arm is great, and I’ll probably continue to use it from now on. That cable management slot really does a world of good. I just wish the pivoting joints on it weren’t so tight because it frequently starts to come out of its desk mount socket after moving it into position. Should you buy the Sennheiser Profile USB mic? (Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson) If you’re a content creator who’s just starting out, or you’re a PC gamer looking for a better mic to chat to friends with, the Sennheiser Profile USB mic is pretty recommendable. It’s not cheap for a simple gaming mic, but you will get really decent audio quality from it, with the convenience of those three tuning dials and no faff of playing around in software. Today’s best Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set and Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone deals$179.99View$199ViewLow Stock$199.95ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Today’s best Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set and Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone deals$179.99View$199ViewLow Stock$199.95ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Today’s best Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set and Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone deals $179.99View$199ViewLow Stock$199.95View $179.99View $179.99View $179.99View $179.99 $179.99 $199ViewLow Stock $199View $199View $199 $199 Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock $199.95View $199.95View $199.95View $199.95 $199.95 Show More Deals Show More Deals We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices How we tested the Sennheiser Profile USB mic I used the Sennheiser Profile USB mic as my central microphone for gaming, content creation, and work calls for a few months before this review was written. In that time I recorded three or four VO tracks for YouTube and put in plenty of hours in Discord calls with friends. I tested different gain configurations, different distances, and voice timbres to see what kind of recording I’d get back, and thoroughly edited the waveform after the fact. For more on how we test the latest mics here at GamesRadar+, check out ourhardware policy. Looking for more streaming gear? Here are thebest capture cards, thebest webcams, and thebest ring lights for streaming. Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone: Price Comparison $119.95View$129View$179.99ViewNo price informationCheck Amazon $119.95View $119.95View $119.95View $119.95 $119.95 $129View $129View $129View $129 $129 $179.99View $179.99View $179.99View $179.99 $179.99 No price informationCheck Amazon No price informationCheck Amazon No price informationCheck Amazon No price information No price information We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Latest The 33 greatest post-credits scenes The 33 greatest post-credits scenes I can’t lie - my Christmas plans include using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds I can’t lie - my Christmas plans include using this 480Hz monitor to play Overwatch 2 at ridiculous speeds See more latest► Most PopularAnbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an 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review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”