Sennheiser launches solo Profile Wireless mic with 32-bit float

Sennheiser has introduced its Profile Wireless 1-channel microphone system, aiming to provide high-quality audio capture in a lightweight and portable format for solo content creators, podcasters and remote workers.

The new single-channel system operates using the 2.4 GHz spectrum and is packaged with a compact storage bag, a second USB charging cable instead of the charging bar found in the previously released two-channel version, and supports future system upgrades using the same two-channel receiver as the original package.

Profile Wireless 1-channel is designed to be used with cameras, smartphones and computers, and can be paired with external lavalier microphones or repurposed as a wireless boom, extending its flexibility for different recording settings.

The kit includes a clip-on microphone with a mini windshield and magnetic mount, a two-channel receiver, two USB cables, USB-C and Lightning adapters, a camera cable, and a shoe mount adapter. The microphone offers an operating time of up to seven hours and features 16 GB of memory capable of storing up to 30 hours of audio recordings.

Hendrik Millauer, Product Manager Broadcast & Film at Sennheiser, said, "Following the huge success of the Profile Wireless 2-channel system, we're now catering to the solo creator, who does not require the full two-channel package but would rather like to save on weight and cost and still have Sennheiser audio quality. Profile Wireless 1-channel is also ideal for the casual user looking for a wireless mic to hook up to their laptop, for example."

Sennheiser has structured the new offering for expansion, allowing users to purchase additional Profile Wireless components separately and upgrade from one- to two-channel operation as needed.

The company also launched a firmware update for all Profile Wireless systems, now available for download, which adds 32-bit float recording functionality. This feature is aimed at providing creators with a wider dynamic range and reducing risks of audio clipping or distortion during recording in challenging environments.

Millauer commented, "With the latest Profile Wireless firmware update, we're addressing user requests for a 32-bit float functionality. This will allow creators to record with extremely high dynamic range, and help them to recover clipped audio."

The 32-bit float function works by combining audio signals from two analogue-to-digital converters inside the microphone, creating a single 32-bit float audio stream. Users who prefer the traditional 24-bit recording format for its lower memory requirements can disable the new feature and enable Safety Channel Mode, which outputs a -6dB version of the audio alongside the original to add an extra safeguard against signal clipping.

For users updating their equipment, Sennheiser advises installing firmware version V4.1.0, available for download on both Mac and PC platforms, with an update tool to guide through the process for receivers and transmitters. Early batches of the Profile Wireless 1-channel microphones require this upgrade to enable the new functionality.

Millauer added, "With the addition of the one-channel system and 32-bit float recording, Profile Wireless becomes the most versatile tool for creators who value excellent sound and see it as a key differentiator for quality content."

The Profile Wireless 1-channel microphone system is now available for purchase at a recommended retail price of AUD $369 and NZ $409.