Australia’s first-ever South by Southwest is underway and part of it is thanks to Sennheiser.
The audio company is the official Supporting Sponsor for this month’s series of events, and they’re bringing a crisp, warm tone to the SXSW Sydney Podcast Stage in the form of their new Profile USB Microphone.
The Profile USB Mic combines high-fidelity sound with a wide-open accessibility in its design, making it a viable option for anyone looking to level up their podcast, or provide crisp commentary for streams or gaming videos.
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“Right out of the box, the Profile delivers a natural, warm sound that accentuates the body and presence of your voice,” explains Benny Franke, co-product manager. “Interestingly enough, you can even hear this difference on platforms that compress the audio.”
The Profile provides a signature comfort and clarity that fledgling and experienced creators alike can utilise to make their voice stand a cut above. The new design is compact and convenient but still boasts a crisp and clear sound.
Contained within the centre of the Profile USB Mic is Sennheiser’s KE 10 condenser capsule, providing a cardioid pick-up pattern that allows for the speaker’s voice to be recorded clear and central. In simple but intuitive design, the mic features a no-noise mute button, gain and volume knobs. Headphone compatibility is offered via a 3.5mm socket at the back of the model.
LED lights on the front indicate the status of the signal. If the LED light around the gain knob is green, you’re all set. If the light is yellow, the microphone is clipping, and the gain will need to be reduced. Muting the microphone turns the LEDs on the mute button and the gain red – making it crystal clear for streamers to know when they are and aren’t being picked up.
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A standout feature is how easy the Profile is to use. Whether it’s a weekly podcast you have with your mates, a YouTube channel you’re getting off the ground, or a gaming stream you run on Twitch, you can save your time and energy for thinking about your content, rather than your equipment.
Sennheiser have built the Profile to be effortlessly efficient in set-up, so you have more time to focus on what you do best. “When you are recording your podcast or doing a live stream, you already have to worry about the content – perhaps room treatment, the camera set-up, interaction with your audience – the last thing you need in this situation is a complex audio set-up”, says Franke. “So we tried to create tech that gets out of the way of your creative processes.”
Once plugged into a USB-C port, whether computer or tablet, the Profile will automatically be recognised and ready for recording. Where other microphones can complicate things with interfaces or external software, the Profile USB Mic keeps things easy by having the controls all sit directly on the front of the microphone itself.
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Designed for the desk, the Profile USB Microphone works best at a moderately close distance. “It should be positioned within 15cm from your mouth or the sound source to ensure both clarity and warmth.”
A self-locking joint in the build allows the mic to be tilted into whichever position best suits the user. Additionally, the Profile contains 3/8” and 5/8” connectors on the bottom to enable connection with third-party table stands. Streaming maestros may benefit from the Profile Streaming Set, which provides, alongside the mic, a 3-point self-locking boom arm. Perfect for on-camera applications.
“To round things off,” concludes Sennheiser’s co-product manager Dennis Stegemerten, “Profile is made from metal, so it will be a rugged audio companion throughout – no matter whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned pro and looking to simplify your set-up.”
The Profile USB Microphone is interoperable between multiple operating systems, and can be used on a standard desktop just as smoothly as on an iPad because the microphone is compatible with USB-C enabled Apple devices.
The Profile’s warmth is on full display during SXSW’s round of events in Sydney this month. As part of the conference’s launch in the Asia-Pacific region, the SXSW Sydney Podcast Stage is showcasing the Profile USB Mic alongside other industry-leading audio equipment as high-profile broadcasters (including Peter Garrett, Osher Günsberg and The Betoota Advocate) cover a wide range of conversational ground including sustainability, AI, mental health and more.
The model is also appearing at the SXSW Sydney 2023 Tech and Innovation Expo. Supported by Young Henry’s, SXSW has a diverse lineup of over 300 artists performing from October 18-21.
Learn more about the Profile USB Microphone here. Alternatively, those interested in the Profile Streaming Set can find more information here.
This article was made in partnership with Sennheiser.
