Thanks for making EXACTLY what I've been looking for. Also amazing how aggressive the pricing is to put it in the market. The point is clear, you want the sennheiser name on every desk.
@@EXTREME-DIARRHEA-BLASTING Here in Chennai India Availability a Major Problem Not Just the Profile, PD400X Earthworks Ethos XLR/USB Unavailable No BEACN Presonus with Inbuilt Audio Interface and Sadly Dropped Profile Seeing Very Bad Reviews And Returns Mentioned due to Buzz Sounds and Very Low Pickup of Voice. Samson Q9U from the Reviews sound Better in comparison to the Options, But XLR Mode the Headphones Monitoring is Not Available, which I Learnt from Another Creator/Reviewer's Video! So Sticking to My Principle of Take Everything With a Grain of Salt! Out of the Box, without Audio Interface EQ'd Processed in Post, what's the Actual Performance of the Mics is what All Consumers would Prefer to Hear! Still Haven't Seen Proper Tests videos on so Called Multiple Polarity options in One Mic/s like Lewitt 441 Flex Blue Yeti X Same or Not Unknown, AKG Lyra Ultra, M-Audio Uber, etc. Basically, I'm Hoping to Find a Mic/s USB&XLR on One Mic That Can Pick up Voice Clearly Without Background Noise Positioned Slightly Further Away to Handle Documents Images Displaying Limping to a Board or Screen to Explain Cases Crimes Laws Rights Violations, etc. I Do have the Comica Boom X-D2 Pro lying around because you Can't See Pickup in the Mics Monitor Screens even on Gain Increased Very Low Battery Life on Them! Wireless vs Wired! Not Many Reviews on sE Electronics Neom USB(high priced) or Creative Live or Samson Go USB equally priced to Sennheiser Profile, Creative has Dual Polarity! That's all Info from My Limited Research and Knowledge👍🏼@MICKYLEAKS_MGR🙏🏼
Absolutely fantastic comparison video! I've been working with audio for over 25 years, I listened to the entire video through a Sennheiser HD 560s headphone, which is a very analytical headphone. First I want to congratulate you. Unlike many RU-vidrs who test microphones, you know exactly that you need to speak close to the microphone to get an idea of the sound quality. But here are my quick impressions. I will list here the ones that seemed to me of better sound quality. But only those that have a USB function (for the convenience of plug and play, etc). Start with the best: 1. Rode NT-1 5th Gen - Quality Champion. Impressive. It is amazing for the price it costs. 2. Shure MV7 - It took second place by a very small margin. Nearly tied in terms of audio quality with second and third place. Another advantage is the application with compressor, limiter, etc. 3. Sennheiser Profile - Incredible for the price it costs. The version with the arm is a bargain. 4. Samson Q9u - This one is pretty much tied with the Sennheiser Profile. It's a somewhat overlooked mic, but a nice alternative to the Shure MV7. Of course, I listed them based on the audio quality, but we know that there are other characteristics in each of these microphones that can make them more practical or advantageous for each type of work/person. But overall I think these 4 are the best USM mics available today. (Sorry for the giant text. Hugs from Brazil, Rio de Janeiro)
Love the list! I'm really interested that you put the NT-1 5th gen at the top- can't wait to dig into that a bit more for a full review. I haven't yet compared it to the old NT-1 to see what the difference is, but the added USB functions are super nifty.
I was looking for a USB (easy and less clutter/wires) microphone and saw your preview video of the Profile. I loved the sound of it and the simplicity... and the boom arm that comes with the podcaster package is a solid arm as well. I also like that the Profile isn't super huge and blocking my face. It seemed to take forever for them to get into the stores but I got mine last week and it is everything I hoped it would be. I'm very happy and so glad I waited for this! Great job Tom!
So glad to hear this, thanks for the update Dana! The Profile isn't the flashiest mic around, but it's super solid and super simple. I genuinely appreciate that Sennheiser took their time to figure out exactly what kind of mic they wanted to make rather than hopping on any trends or bandwagons.
Yea, would agree to that. Maybe i would change NT1 with NT Usb+, because of the much higher price on the NT1, at least in my region. Profile sounds too metalic. MV7 Windscreen thing is also not great and Micro-USB. So actually only Rode with USB for me i guess.
Bought the Profile for my daughter largely due to the initial promotional video Tom put out months ago. She loves it and it, easy to set up, sounds great out of the box. Dial controls are well placed and the mic was recognized on the different devices. She's using it with her Playstation to talk to players and an iPad for Discord. I might even pick one up for use on Team calls. Really liked the package with the boom arm as well.
So glad to hear she’s liking it. I always brace myself reading comments like this thinking there will be a bit: “I bought this mic because of you…BUT it’s awful and I hate you.” 😁 Thankfully that’s never happened, I’m just weird.
I'm definitely adding this to my list of recommendations. The Profile sounds great and seems very easy to setup and start recording! Thank you for the video!
Ohh mate, I’ve been going through so many reviews for so many mics ‘till I got here, but worth it all. Thank you for your videos and thank you sennheiser for this nice and complete product 💓
You are right. Most if not all of these mic sound great on there own. People get so excited cited about which is best! Thank you for the comparison. I bought an older a samson g track pro. Works great. Just needs slight tweaks for personal preference. Great video
I love these huge comp videos. 1st off... Thanks for the work put into this one. I am still shocked by the lct240... The lct440 is awesome.... The procaster was great.. The Rode video mics were surprisingly good... And the profile is pretty darn impressive.
The Lewitts continue to impress! I really like the 440, but the 240 seems extra special to me (and I might just be totally biased towards it). It seems like it has the noise rejection of a dynamic with the clarity of a condenser. Love it.
@@tombuck I'm with you on it... So not biased at all. You convinced me to get one and I'm highly imressed with it. It has that clear podcast sound... And it's steering me away from the v shaped sound I thought I loved
what a great comparison! thanks! for me in terms of SOUND QUALITY: #1 Rode NT1 #2 Lewitt LCT 440 Pure #3 Earthworks Ethos #4 Rode Videomic NTG (pretty high self-noise compared to the others) #5 Sennheiser Profile #6 Blue Sona don't get me wrong, each mics mentioned above already has very good sound quality!
One of the best reviews I've seen in my life. I understand that with sponsorships, sending free microphones and advertising, some of the best-selling brands collapsed. Fun :)
This has been a _tour de force_ review/comparison for sure, and I admire you for your absence of visible fatigue and being able to record this in less than a day. One great virtue of your honed approach is perhaps its biggest downside - after hearing all those mics, the 70% of them sound so good that I can't make up my mind. Across the board (with or without the chalk) I was never bored, and the Sennheiser _Profile_ sounds the most natural to my ears.
Thanks for your review . I got this microphone a couple of days back and I am mind blown by how it works. The way it cancels out the noise is amazing. The clarity is mind blowing. in India it costs 12,300 rupees including the boom arm. which will be 150$.
Oh God, I'm so happy you made this video, I löööve the comparizons of all kinds. Cool that I noticed a significant difference in the sound when you went to - and back from the VideoMic NTG (that I also have). Going back to the Profile it sounded quite middrangey but it's the caracter of that mic, and not just that it costs aprox $100 less than the NTG. It's very clear in it's frequencies and that's what shines through the whole video. I dig the mic. The XLR-options were great to listen through as well. Cheers!
Finally made me laugh long and loud with "RU-vid Pants"! Great comparison video - thanks so much! I'm getting a Profile to use with my phone for indoor remote work to compliment the VideoMic NTG that I use when recording outdoors.
Really a FANTASTIC comparison! Sure...there are a TON of good looking mics, but I *LOVE* the Shure Super 55!!! Yes, it IS the coolest looking mic around!!! 🤓
Thanks for the video Tom . I felt like the Sennheiser just got beat up by a bunch of kids in the school yard. The Rode Videomic Go II is a real Go To at the perfect price point. The Q2u always hangs in there with Samson super strength. The Lewitts are sweet. I don't think out of the box the Profile is dialed in properly. I expected more. Could be me.
Remember when the Yeti was $200+ a few years ago!! NTGee Wiz... it took 5 minutes for us to get Classic Tom! And when I saw the Go 2 was in the lineup I was like "oh no... here it comes!" 😂😂 Great breakdown T.B.!!!
@@tombuck 100% I just returned the Rode NT USB+ as I just found the entire user experience bad. I currently have the Shure SM7B and the DJI Wireless mic but want a decent USB plug and play option and this has helped me decide. Great video - Sennheiser ordered.
I'm a new subscriber, you've got a great aesthetic! Awesome to see someone using the Rode NTH-100's as well, I love mine. Great mic roundup, and your colour palette has made me reconsider my studio.
@@tombuck I've been looking at the Aston Spirit, wouldn't hate a review from you before I pull the trigger. You've got a lot to emulate with your channel man, keep it up!
Another great microphone comparison video Tom. It was very interesting in that my favorite in this video was the Rode Procaster. It was also my pick in the video where you compared it in a similar video. I specifically remember Heather liking it in that video. My task for this morning is to set up a new Rode Procaster with the Focusrite Vocaster 2 that came late yesterday. I’m excited to finally have a good quality audio system for my videos.
The Procaster is awesome! Super cool that you picked it out in two separate videos. It'll work great with the Vocaster and should be an easy setup. Have fun!
I think this mic, especially with the stand, is a no-brainer recommendation to non-nerds. I liked the Ethos and the 440 best on your voice. I also feel that you should buy, fall in love with, and praise the EV-RE20 because it is a great mic (and not at all just to validate my buying choices).
I really like the plug-in-play video mics, I would like to have & use it both for audio and video and they uses a 3.5mm audio connector. And for my favorite audio quality from the 3 plug-in-play mics, I still going to give it to a Rode VideoMic Go II. Because it "still" sounds satisfying to me. 😊(Kinda?)
It certainly is quite tough to ride a horse in ski boots! BTW, I'm looking for a good USB mic. My fiancée and I podcast together, and occasionally she has guest appearances when I'm not around to troubleshoot if something goes wrong. A common issue we seem to run into often is her audio interface's sample rate (M-Audio AIR 192|6) not matching the sample rate of the web-based recording software. For example, she was on a podcast yesterday and her interface was set to 44.1kHz but the podcast host used SquadCast, which was recording at 48kHz, so her voice sounded off. Luckily, this is an easy fix with something like Voxengo r8brain, and I happen to know the host really well, so it won't be a problem to ask him to resample the audio. I worry about the potential points of failure in her setup when I'm not around or on the call with her, so a USB mic would be ideal to put in place for her.
Yeah, things can definitely get strange sometimes like that (even with USB mics too). If it's only one mic connected to the computer, then USB could definitely be the way to go! Or even one of the combo mics could be a good choice.
Just a heads up, I bought the Shure MV7 and the Micro USB port is so loose that the cable sometimes falls out when I move it. I am so disapointed by the Micro USB Port. Tried multiple cables with no luck. Just a heads up for anyone thinking about trying it. If you are looking for USB/XLR as both options on one mic I like the Rhode NT1 (5th Gen only) or the Samson Q9U. I have yet to find XLR/USB Combo in a Audio Technica Mic
Perhaps it’s just me, and mics sound different with everyone, I really like the Rode NT USB+ over most of them… So much so I bought one after watching this… I am actually convince after watching several reviews and set-ups that I don’t need an xlr and mixer upgrade. Perhaps later, down the road… We”lol see. I am opening a new door and I’m excited to get started.
Mics definitely do sound different with each voice. The Rode is awesome though, and with some of these genuinely amazing USB options, it's much more reasonable to skip an external mixer altogether than it was in the past.
Yeah I really like the Profile for its quality and physical buttons. A mute button and physical gain dial are necessary for me, I really don't like relegating those two for software. I might pick it up as my condenser mic one day...
Tom, I love your videos and your sense of humor. So, I was shocked to find you didn't mention the USB Samsung G Track Pro! One of the finest USB mic produced, with so many great features and remarkable sound. I've been using mine for several years now and have received many compliments on the audio quality. I know you can't cover them all, but Rode isn;t the only company to make good USB mics,
I actually hadn't heard of the G Track Pro, but you're the second person to recommend it here in the comments! Seems like it's definitely worth checking out.
Tom the g track pro is pretty tactile , so people with vision loss could use it pretty easily. Would you say that the Sennheiser profile is pretty tactile or easy-to-use?
What microphone should I choose? 1. Shure MV7+ Podcast Dynamic 2. RØDE PodMic USB Versatile Dynamic 3. Rode PodMic Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone, Black I already have the IFINE XLR/USB Dynamic Microphone for Podcast Recording, PC Computer Gaming Streaming Mic with RGB Light, Mute Button, Headphones Jack, Desktop Stand, Vocal Mic for Singing RU-vid-AmpliGame AM8.What microphone should I choose? 1. Shure MV7+ Podcast Dynamic 2. RØDE PodMic USB Versatile Dynamic 3. Rode PodMic Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone, Black I already have the IFINE XLR/USB Dynamic Microphone for Podcast Recording, PC Computer Gaming Streaming Mic with RGB Light, Mute Button, Headphones Jack, Desktop Stand, Vocal Mic for Singing RU-vid-AmpliGame AM8.
The options you listed are all quite good! Between the PodMics, I would choose the USB version if you have the budget since it opens up a lot of options with Rode Central software. If you're only using it via XLR, then the regular PodMic is find. I do prefer the sound of the Shure mic straight out of the box though. I have a recent review of the MV7+, which I was quite impressed by: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fSG4wvm5y4Q.html You really can't go wrong with any of them!
Great video as always Tom! Not gonna lie, lol, I might borrow your "corny jokes for the audio samples" in my extended mic comparison video! love your content as always! Top notch brother!
Shure super 55 is so dream to sing! But because you try everything. This is so cool! Anyways, screw it my old comment and chat in IG! This vid helps a lot! Haha thanks.
Love the Profile, it sounds very neutral compared to more nasaly ones like the Podmic. Quick question: does the boom arm included with the Profile allow you to position the mic horizontally (parallel to the table)? And does it actually hold it firmly in place? This position works really well for me since the mic sits in the gap between the screen and the keyboard from my POV. Thanks 🙏
Yep, you can position the mic horizontally if you’d like. I haven’t used any other mics with that arm, but it holds the profile well. My only gripe is that the cable sometimes falls out of the little holders.
This is me new favorite (and first?) RU-vid Pants™ video! We live in a wonderful time where there is so many wonderful options for the various tools for creating video. When listening to these mics on my AudioEngine 5 speakers, it's pretty hard to tell a difference between most of these mics, which I think is great :) Did you intentionally create a "Spot the difference" game? I noticed: headphone cable color change (green and blue) and headphone cable side change (left and right). Thanks for this video!
Haha, I think you just have a super keen eye. I bought another set of Rodes, so the green cable is connected to the RCP and the blue cable is connected to the USB mics directly (and my computer when editing). I just got too lazy to keep adding/removing the 1/4" adapter 😁
The Sennheiser is really terrific. If you travel a lot, it's super easy to fit into a small bag or camera compartment too. I just got back from a trip where I had to use it for a few things while I was gone and it was a lifesaver.
i think i would primarily be using it purely from in a home setting that won't be moving much, however, I do plan on moving fairly significantly before long so it's good to know that it can be transported well. appreciate the response after the video has been out so long!@@tombuck
So many great picks and I think for my needs the Sennheiser Profile will be my pick but I'm just undecided if I should go with the streaming kit or just the mic and get the PSA1+ boom arm which I can get one for a really good price, which boom arm would you take between the two? Great video and jokes LOL Tom
The Profile's arm is nice, but the Rode arm is significantly beefier. If you need something small and compact, the Profile arm is the way to go, if you want a bit more reach and/or plan to use it with a lot of other mics, then the Rode is the road to go down.
YAY! Thank you for this comparison! I'm curious if you left out the Diety VO-7U for a reason? I'm now stuck between the Profile, the Q9U, or the VO-7U. Which would you suggest for my female voice in an untreated room?
TBH, and I realize this is entirely subjective, but to me, the Lewitt LCT240 Pro sounds the best with your voice, as I prefer the higher frequency details produced with that particular mic, which is interesting, as this is the first time it stood out to me like that. ps. as I loath environmentally sensitive mics, and where I'm far too lazy to build a proper room, I don't think I'll be getting one anytime soon, but still, great job in demo'ing these!
Hi I already have the rode ntg video, in your opnion is worthy the upgrade? I use it only for podcasting and video calls, or give and advice, not the sm7b its out of budget for me. Love your content!!
I love them all, but the Profile definitely wins for simplicity and I think the Ethos is the least-fatiguing over a long term. A 1-2 hour podcast never gets irritating to listen to with it.
Awesome video! I'm looking to pick up a USB microphone for streaming and occasional RU-vid videos, and the Elgato Wave 3 seems to be highly recommended due to its software. Would you recommend the Sennheiser Profile or the NT USB+ over it? Thank you so much!
I think it depends on your personal taste. They're all great mics, so you'll get something that sounds amazing no matter what. For me, the best part about the Profile is that you don't need any software for it. But that's a very difference approach from the Wave, where the software helps make the mic great. I think the Rode is sort of in the middle then.
I have a huge problem with the profile, and I went through two of them with the same result. When using my headphones with the 3.5mm jack audio passthrough, it has this unbearable white noise/static. I tried with multiple headphones, multiple USB cables, etc. It's a real shame because the profile has all the features that I need.
Just my opinion, unless you are a professional artist or VA you don't need an XLR. For youtube, streaming, or casual podcasting, a USB is enough to sound great. THe sites are going to compress the sound loads and then most people are just going to listen to it via their phone or computer speaker and won't be able to tell the difference. Unless you need the studio quality and people are going to listen using high-end audio outputs a USB mic does a fantastic job.
Great comparisons !! i'm really struggle with my choice between the rode nt usb+ and this Senn Profile, because with almost the same price as the nt alone we have the Senn with the boom arm but when i hear comparisons like this one, the nt seems to fly really higher than the Senn and it have the really great rode connect software so i don't know haha maybe it worth the add bucks to get it with a great boom arm
I need help, I’m split between the sennhieser profile and rode nt usb plus. Both sound really good and idm software for the gain dial but having a gain dial seems like such a good thing. I’m going to use it for streaming and gaming, which one would you recommend?!? Please help
I have several Sennheiser mic's mainly 416 and MKH50 but when as a 5 decade of running sound I obviously prefer XLR Mic most of the time. That said I have an Earthworks Icon mini what I plug into my Mac if I need to do a quick Voice over and it does the job very well. Mic are like Cars lots of choices and personal preferences do matter. If I was running sound for you I would be to tempted to press the 'Botton' on the RCP2 and make you sound like Mickey Mouse but back to topic I prefer the Athos, SM7B and Procaster on your voice. All of that said it a youngster come up to me ask me what the first Mic I should buy today (you know tech it always a changing) I probably would send them to the new Rode NT1 (5th). You can't clip a 32 bit Float (wide dynamic range) interface/Mic, It sound very good, It from a company that will back it provide service and had a great reputation. In the future when you want a more control it still has a XLR interface. The only strike against it no Headphone jack, that literal the only negative I see besides the price being a little up there. But unlike a car this Mic should last a LONG LONG time. Will I buy either...no I semi-retired I about done buying things besides an RV maybe!
Try searching for "Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set" at your retailer of choice. I've seen it at Sweetwater and B&H, but I think it goes out of stock pretty quick.
Absolutely nothing! Some of the difference are VERY subtle, and some depend on what kind of speakers you’re listening through. In the end though, it all about personal preference. No wrong answers 👍
Hey Tom, I have a question, I have an electro-voice RE320 dynamic cardioid mic, that I want to use as a podcast mic but it sounds like the lows have some excessive bass when you do the "th" or the "p", what you recommend so I can smooth the mic with the Rødecaster PRO 2? hope you can help me, Tom, I like your content keep up the good work !!!
Hey! I haven't use date 320 myself, but I'd personally start with the Rodecaster's RE20 preset and then season to taste. If you feel like there's too much on the low end, then taming a bit of the low EQ along with reducing the "Big Bottom" will probably help. If you're noticing lots of plosive pops, then a windscreen or pop filter might help. There are lots generic ones out there, but I really like this one for the RE20: bswusa.com/bsw-repop-black/ It's pricey, but as well built as the mic.
@@tombuck thank you so much !!! it's way too different than the RE20 the 320 is brighter in the flat config but I feel when I go to the effect config on the mic since it's also used for kick drums, it has too much bass I'll try to do as you said and go from there, thank you for having the time to answer the question Tom.
They are both really good! I think it really depends on your space. If it's decently sound treated, then either mic will work. If there's a bit of reverb and/or it's not well treated, then the dynamic Sona is probably the best way to go.
In terms of sound quality, you really can't go wrong either way. I prefer the Profile for its simplicity and physical controls, but if you really want to dive into some processing and EQ, then the Rode is great because of the Connect and Unify software. 👍
After listening to the whole video a couple of times, I've come to the conclusion that the Sennheiser Profile is a dang good mic for the price, and I end up liking the Lewitt's (both) the most :p I think I'm just getting more and more biased towards them.
Yep, the Profile is awesome. I've really enjoyed seeing other reviews pop up because it sounds good on a lot of different voices. And the Lewitts are ridiculous. They've really won me over just by being super solid and great sounding no nonsense mics (first the 240 and now the 440).
@@tombuck And they're also such good looking mics, it's fantastic!! As someone who gets on videocalls very often, having a good looking mic is a priority.
Great Video! You convinced me to buy a Sennheiser Profile but I am having trouble with the input level on my Windows 11 PC. I have the gain job at 50% and windows at 100% sensitivity but I only get 9% input level when I speak 3 inches from the mic. I turn the gain dial to 100% (windows sensitivity still at 100%) and I only get about 50% input level when I am speaking loudly into the mic. Is there some sort of software I should be using? Is this specific microphone defective? I’ve gone into the sound control panel and tried changing up every setting with no luck. Thank you again for the video and for reading my comment!
Hmm, this definitely sounds like something is off. Unfortunately I haven't used Windows for quite a few years but it seems like there must be a setting somewhere that's causing the issue. You should have more gain than you need from the mic. If you don't find the issue, definitely reach out to Sennheiser and I'm sure they can help you troubleshoot. I hope you get it figured out!
Thank you so much for this video. What is your preferred dynamic mic? Also do you think the q9u is a solid upgrade from the q2u or should I just save up for a better one?
If I had to pick a favorite dynamic, I'd probably lean towards either the Blue Sona or the Shure SM7B.The Q9u is great though! Definitely a totally different sound than the Q2u.
Hey Tom i juat got my Sennheiser Profile mic today but when i monitor my mic i hear wound sort of buzzing or static. Ive tried it on my laptop and differwnt cables and still here the buzzing in my monitoring. When i record the static is not there.
There definitely shouldn’t be any overt bussing like that. I recommend trying a different pair/type of headphones to see if that helps. If not, then definitely reach out to Sennheiser for support!
@@tombuck Thanks Tom! I just researched that my Sennheiser IE300 IEMs have a 16 ohm impedance, which is exactly the minimum output impedance of the Profile Mic. Could this be the issue? I am using too low of impedance iems? I tried my HD 599 SE which have a 50 ohm impedance and that seems to not have any buzzing/ static
