I loved the Profile for its simplicity, unbelievable handling noise rejection, very good background noise rejection (esp. for a condenser) and for all the controls being on the mic, simple & readily accessible. But yeah, it doesn't have anything more than that...
With such good build quality and sound, it's hard to ask for anything more considering its price. One thing that is not clear for me is its self-noise. Bandrew from Podcastage said that its self-noise is terrible, while Curtis Judd praised it for its low self-noise. I specifically put on my IEMs to listen to this review, and I couldn't hear any hissing noise, so I am not sure. If you own this mic, can you confirm for me whether its self-noise is rather high or not?
Really nice review. I guess I one of those folks who think there is a market for a USB mic with great sound and build quality. I don’t need it to be an interface or a DSP processor. There are plenty interfaces and plugins that are free that give better DSP than what Rode offers. I would recommend getting the boom stand with it. The sensitivity works best with the boom and its totally worth the additional investment of 70.00. The boom kit comes with a long cable as a bonus and the whole package has a premium build quality.
At what level are you recording? I have to have my dial at full level (5 o'clock) and then have to be really close. I can even shout into it without the green going yellow or red. The Sennheiser guy says that he runs his at 12 o'clock. I don't even get remotely a decent signal at 12 o'clock. What gives?
@@helmar_rudolph that’s weird. I run mine at abt 2-3 and it’s plenty of signal. The gain structure of your daw settings might be a factor. There is plenty of signal on mine
@@this_is_lemon No, I haven't. My suggestion: order two, test both, return one. This mic really seems to have been made for ultra close distance speaking, although one staff member at Sennheiser or Thomann - can't remember - told me that he's never going past 12 o'clock. For me nothing under 2 o'clock will work. 1 o'clock and below is totally useless. Only the auto gain used by Zoom and Streamyard saves it, but barely. So, get two for comparison, return one - or both, if they both fail.
So, I purchased this mic... and ~6 months in, I'm still very happy with the purchase. While I agree with the cons in this video, sometimes having a simple, great sounding USB mic is enough. You mentioned that an alternative would be the Rode XCM-50... but there is a value in knowing that an OS update isn't going to toss my mic software in tailspin (usually just as you are about to jump on a quick Zoom call). Sure, you lose DSP features, etc. but I also don't think about software. Finally, the analog buttons on the Sennheiser are simply better vs. software. I can also dial in (pun intended) a very specific amount of computer audio vs. mic return, volume, and mic gain - it's slick. I picked up a sliding side arm for my desk, a proper 6' USB cable, and it's a game changer. While I still have my more advanced setup, this is my "backstop" simple device for when I just want a really nice sounding mic... and want to turn off the tinker torture.
See what I look at here with this Mic is it's a very solid mic something I'm thinking about getting.With the elgato stream deck plus Which has its own processor so not every microphone, needs a processor when you have all these bases that happen.I mean, how many times are you gonna process?And then you're gonna go process it in elgato or the mackie or so and so.. You speak in a witch with the USB Mic The difference really comes down to just not needing an xlr converter and phantom power. Which comes down to the main point? What are you using it with? Are you using computer software or are you using a hardware to do your processing? Or you can have a rode use computer that then transfers the information to stored and processed on the microphone Rather than a separate processor on your computer. With this you can just use a computer To adjust it rather than another box on your desk. So I see having a good USB microphone with no additives as not a detriment, but could be very beneficial.Because you're already using other software to process.Your sound that way, you're not overprocessing.Left and right and having to go to multiple areas just to get good sound
How would the Sennheiser Profile paired with a DAW like GarageBand be for streaming or podcasting? Would this combo equal the benefits of a mic with an inbuilt DSP, such as the Rode NT USB+?
100% agreement. The two things that really killed this mic as a competitor for me when I put it up against three other USBs side-by-side were: A) the silly desk stand (this would _maybe_ work if you're a child, or possibly doing a Zoom presentation while kneeling in front of your desk), and B) the _ugly_ attenuation of rear noise: really only a ~10dB reduction by way of volume, but a lowering of the frequency presented, (essentially like a severe low-pass) keeping nearly all sounds from behind present, but tuned down to a muddy rumble. I expected a lot more from Sennheiser in this (seriously, NO DSP on a 2022/23 USB mic aimed at content creation?!) but as you mentioned, this is really aimed at mics that came out five years ago.
@@leonardodavinci7425 Honestly, the Fifine K688 is a surprisingly good mic, and is both USB & XLR, so you get a bit of room to grow in the event you want to go the whole outboard mixer route...
Which is the best USB Mic out of Rodepod Mic USB vs Rode XCM 50 vs Sennheiser USB Profile Mic and have you done a comparison of all 3 anywhere? Thanks in advance
Depends on what you are doing with it. Podmic is a dynamic and the xcm50 is a condenser. That's the difference. And they are both better than the Profile. And no...I don't do much usb content. If I were to pick a complete winner...it would be the podmic as it has xlr for future expansion
Hi. Can you suggest me which one is better option for me. out of these 2 i have to chosse one. i.e rode nt mini vs senheiser profile usb. I have to use it in a little untreated room to record or to deliver fitness podcast and some time for some demonstration too. I have to purchase it one time. So need your perfect advice. Thanks.
Hi Aiden Wolf I have been loking to buy a microphone for a long time I want somethink that can sit close to my keyboard so it doesnt interrupt my view to my monitor I hate to have somethink like a boom arm infront of my eyes Im so confused which microphone should I be buying
It really depends upon what you're doing and how you want to do it. Like you can get the senheiser, which was shown here.And then the elgato stream deck plus and you pretty much have everything you need
Nice video, i'll buy this mic instead of the rode though cause i also need an arm and the price with it is very nice (and, if did my research correctly - which i may not - is way cheaper - in France - than the Rode with an extra arm). Thanks !
It would be tough to do it in any kind of scientific way...not that any of my other tests would be. The angle of the mic, the distance of the off axis sound...etc, would be so tough to make sure it stayed constant.
Blue Yeti. Mine works very well on the desk, but is super sensitive to any kind of touch. And the mute button is a noisy SOB, unlike that of the Sennheiser, which is super smooth and silent.
The nice gain dial on my one is useless for anything less than 3 o'clock. Even at full throttle I don't even get close to clipping (yellow/red). Can even shout without any effect. What's it like on yours?
You seems spread a lot of doubts in a well considered usb mic. Maybe you prefer made in Australia gadgets. Sennheiser profile garner a well deserve praise among people that know about this without break the wallet. @@DarkCornerStudios
I’ve brought this mic twice…. Sent it back twice. There won’t be a third time. I’m comparison to the Rode Podmic USB this mic is garbage. I know the price is different BUT the price difference is very well warranted.
Im split between this mic and the shure mv7 (upgrading from an old blue yeti). Im just streaming/recording gaming videos so i will probably only use usb for now but the mv7 seems like a good option if I want to use XLR later, but at the same time its almost double if I were to get the mv7 which may not be worth it. anyone know which one I should get?
Liked your review - BUT - you pretty much downplay the Sennheiser comparing it to the Rode X models. So, I just watched your review of the Rode XCM-50 and XDM-100, and after extolling the virtues you mention that "at this time they on;y work on Windows" WHAT? Would have been good to mention that during your favorable comparison of the X-XX and the Sennheiser. Apple Mac users are not a small percentage of the content creator population - 100% of CZcams and content creators using FCPX to do their video editing are using Macs. You later mentioned that they may never support Mac users. So how is possible that you don't mention this in your Sennheiser review? I am glad that I didn't pull the trigger on buying an X-100 only to find out it is not supported on the Mac OS platform. Did I get something wrong here?
A simple Google search would answer this question. The Rode models work fine on mac. There was a question at first...but Rode quickly got them up and running
Do you find there's an issue with your mouse or keyboard being picked up constantly or maybe you fixed that issue with the gain or sensitivity in discord or what ever app you use to talk. I really want to get the Profile or any condenser mic, but afraid of being a annoying to my friends from all my background noises.
Come on, really? You’re gonna complain about a 3 foot cable that came with a desk stand? If you ever used a desk and microphone, a 3 foot cable is more than long enough to go to a computer, which is typically within a foot or two of the mic.
Not the standard anymore. Also...not great if you expand to a boom. Which considering how horrible the stand is...wouldn't be long. I stand behind my pettiness
@@DarkCornerStudios A lot of microphones, even high end, don’t even come with a cable. I’m not sure if you’re aware, you can buy this mic with a boom, and it comes with a longer cable. I stand behind my criticism. lol By the way, other than that, good video.
I've been wanting a good solution for quickly/easily recording ideas during writing sessions in the living room...but I just can't stomach spending $100+ on a piece of shit USB mic. When $100 can get you a real, high quality mic like the Lewitt 240...My problem is I just don't want to fuck around with an interface...power....tons of extra wires...while screwing around writing. I just want it to work. But again...I run into the dilemma of not wanting to spend so much money on (what's essentially) a crappy sounding mic.
I loved the Profile for its simplicity, unbelievable handling noise rejection, very good background noise rejection (esp. for a condenser) and for all the controls being on the mic, simple & readily accessible. But yeah, it doesn't have anything more than that...
With such good build quality and sound, it's hard to ask for anything more considering its price. One thing that is not clear for me is its self-noise. Bandrew from Podcastage said that its self-noise is terrible, while Curtis Judd praised it for its low self-noise. I specifically put on my IEMs to listen to this review, and I couldn't hear any hissing noise, so I am not sure. If you own this mic, can you confirm for me whether its self-noise is rather high or not?
Really nice review. I guess I one of those folks who think there is a market for a USB mic with great sound and build quality. I don’t need it to be an interface or a DSP processor. There are plenty interfaces and plugins that are free that give better DSP than what Rode offers. I would recommend getting the boom stand with it. The sensitivity works best with the boom and its totally worth the additional investment of 70.00. The boom kit comes with a long cable as a bonus and the whole package has a premium build quality.
At what level are you recording? I have to have my dial at full level (5 o'clock) and then have to be really close. I can even shout into it without the green going yellow or red. The Sennheiser guy says that he runs his at 12 o'clock. I don't even get remotely a decent signal at 12 o'clock. What gives?
@@helmar_rudolph that’s weird. I run mine at abt 2-3 and it’s plenty of signal. The gain structure of your daw settings might be a factor. There is plenty of signal on mine
@@helmar_rudolph Have you figured out the problem? I am looking to buy this microphone, but your issue concerns me.
@@this_is_lemon No, I haven't. My suggestion: order two, test both, return one. This mic really seems to have been made for ultra close distance speaking, although one staff member at Sennheiser or Thomann - can't remember - told me that he's never going past 12 o'clock. For me nothing under 2 o'clock will work. 1 o'clock and below is totally useless. Only the auto gain used by Zoom and Streamyard saves it, but barely. So, get two for comparison, return one - or both, if they both fail.
Stuck between the Røde XCM-50, SENNHEISER PROFILE, and Elgato Wave 1, these all sound super good.
So, I purchased this mic... and ~6 months in, I'm still very happy with the purchase. While I agree with the cons in this video, sometimes having a simple, great sounding USB mic is enough. You mentioned that an alternative would be the Rode XCM-50... but there is a value in knowing that an OS update isn't going to toss my mic software in tailspin (usually just as you are about to jump on a quick Zoom call). Sure, you lose DSP features, etc. but I also don't think about software. Finally, the analog buttons on the Sennheiser are simply better vs. software. I can also dial in (pun intended) a very specific amount of computer audio vs. mic return, volume, and mic gain - it's slick.
I picked up a sliding side arm for my desk, a proper 6' USB cable, and it's a game changer. While I still have my more advanced setup, this is my "backstop" simple device for when I just want a really nice sounding mic... and want to turn off the tinker torture.
I plan on making my first desktop set up for a CZcams channel so I think this would be good for me. What do y'all think?
See what I look at here with this Mic is it's a very solid mic something I'm thinking about getting.With the elgato stream deck plus Which has its own processor so not every microphone, needs a processor when you have all these bases that happen.I mean, how many times are you gonna process?And then you're gonna go process it in elgato or the mackie or so and so.. You speak in a witch with the USB Mic The difference really comes down to just not needing an xlr converter and phantom power. Which comes down to the main point? What are you using it with?
Are you using computer software or are you using a hardware to do your processing? Or you can have a rode use computer that then transfers the information to stored and processed on the microphone Rather than a separate processor on your computer. With this you can just use a computer To adjust it rather than another box on your desk. So I see having a good USB microphone with no additives as not a detriment, but could be very beneficial.Because you're already using other software to process.Your sound that way, you're not overprocessing.Left and right and having to go to multiple areas just to get good sound
How would the Sennheiser Profile paired with a DAW like GarageBand be for streaming or podcasting? Would this combo equal the benefits of a mic with an inbuilt DSP, such as the Rode NT USB+?
100% agreement. The two things that really killed this mic as a competitor for me when I put it up against three other USBs side-by-side were: A) the silly desk stand (this would _maybe_ work if you're a child, or possibly doing a Zoom presentation while kneeling in front of your desk), and B) the _ugly_ attenuation of rear noise: really only a ~10dB reduction by way of volume, but a lowering of the frequency presented, (essentially like a severe low-pass) keeping nearly all sounds from behind present, but tuned down to a muddy rumble. I expected a lot more from Sennheiser in this (seriously, NO DSP on a 2022/23 USB mic aimed at content creation?!) but as you mentioned, this is really aimed at mics that came out five years ago.
What type C mic would you recommend for a beginner podcaster?
@@leonardodavinci7425 Honestly, the Fifine K688 is a surprisingly good mic, and is both USB & XLR, so you get a bit of room to grow in the event you want to go the whole outboard mixer route...
Which is the best USB Mic out of Rodepod Mic USB vs Rode XCM 50 vs Sennheiser USB Profile Mic and have you done a comparison of all 3 anywhere? Thanks in advance
Depends on what you are doing with it.
Podmic is a dynamic and the xcm50 is a condenser.
That's the difference.
And they are both better than the Profile.
And no...I don't do much usb content.
If I were to pick a complete winner...it would be the podmic as it has xlr for future expansion
Hi. Can you suggest me which one is better option for me. out of these 2 i have to chosse one. i.e rode nt mini vs senheiser profile usb.
I have to use it in a little untreated room to record or to deliver fitness podcast and some time for some demonstration too.
I have to purchase it one time. So need your perfect advice.
Thanks.
Hi Aiden Wolf I have been loking to buy a microphone for a long time I want somethink that can sit close to my keyboard so it doesnt interrupt my view to my monitor I hate to have somethink like a boom arm infront of my eyes Im so confused which microphone should I be buying
Take $20 off the price and it's a compelling deal...I wonder why se doesn't have a USB mic out yet...
V7 and se dynacaster... Both slaps
sE does.
I roasted it last year.
It's called the sE Neom.
If they get their cards right and release an xlr/usb dynacaster...that would be epic
well, it's 20 off right now on amazon for either mic or mic with arm. your wish came true
I m confused between senheiser profile and rode nt usb mini. Both comes in same price range... Which one is good overall
It really depends upon what you're doing and how you want to do it. Like you can get the senheiser, which was shown here.And then the elgato stream deck plus and you pretty much have everything you need
Nice video, i'll buy this mic instead of the rode though cause i also need an arm and the price with it is very nice (and, if did my research correctly - which i may not - is way cheaper - in France - than the Rode with an extra arm). Thanks !
I have the Hyper X Quadcast? I was thinking about getting this. Would this be an upgrade? Thank you.
If you like the sound? Yes. If not, try : Rode XCM 50 / NT-USB Mini...
But does it come with stickers? 🤔
NO!!
What a travesty!!!
XCM50 doesn't come with a boom arm and a 3 meter cable though so...
Can you add background noise rejection test with artificial crowd noise in the background ?
It would be tough to do it in any kind of scientific way...not that any of my other tests would be.
The angle of the mic, the distance of the off axis sound...etc, would be so tough to make sure it stayed constant.
what's the best microphone if you want to keep the microphone on your desk and not up close to your face?
Blue Yeti. Mine works very well on the desk, but is super sensitive to any kind of touch. And the mute button is a noisy SOB, unlike that of the Sennheiser, which is super smooth and silent.
Seems arbitrarily negative. This mic sounds good, looks good, and has a nice gain dial on the mic.
So, either you have no idea what arbitrarily means, or you did not watch the video.
Which one is it?
The nice gain dial on my one is useless for anything less than 3 o'clock. Even at full throttle I don't even get close to clipping (yellow/red). Can even shout without any effect. What's it like on yours?
@@DarkCornerStudios I think he means you sound like a paid Rhode shill.
@@frobnitaz lolz.
Cool...dumb...but cool
You seems spread a lot of doubts in a well considered usb mic. Maybe you prefer made in Australia gadgets. Sennheiser profile garner a well deserve praise among people that know about this without break the wallet. @@DarkCornerStudios
I’ve brought this mic twice…. Sent it back twice. There won’t be a third time. I’m comparison to the Rode Podmic USB this mic is garbage. I know the price is different BUT the price difference is very well warranted.
stuck between the Sennheiser Profile, the Elgato wave 3, or the Maono PD200x
Have you picked one yet I’m in between the elgato wave and the sennheiser profile
Im split between this mic and the shure mv7 (upgrading from an old blue yeti). Im just streaming/recording gaming videos so i will probably only use usb for now but the mv7 seems like a good option if I want to use XLR later, but at the same time its almost double if I were to get the mv7 which may not be worth it.
anyone know which one I should get?
What did you end up with? I've been debating upgrading from an old yeti as well.
Liked your review - BUT - you pretty much downplay the Sennheiser comparing it to the Rode X models. So, I just watched your review of the Rode XCM-50 and XDM-100, and after extolling the virtues you mention that "at this time they on;y work on Windows" WHAT? Would have been good to mention that during your favorable comparison of the X-XX and the Sennheiser. Apple Mac users are not a small percentage of the content creator population - 100% of CZcams and content creators using FCPX to do their video editing are using Macs. You later mentioned that they may never support Mac users. So how is possible that you don't mention this in your Sennheiser review? I am glad that I didn't pull the trigger on buying an X-100 only to find out it is not supported on the Mac OS platform. Did I get something wrong here?
A simple Google search would answer this question.
The Rode models work fine on mac.
There was a question at first...but Rode quickly got them up and running
I am gamer and have no idea why would I want anything more.
Do you find there's an issue with your mouse or keyboard being picked up constantly or maybe you fixed that issue with the gain or sensitivity in discord or what ever app you use to talk. I really want to get the Profile or any condenser mic, but afraid of being a annoying to my friends from all my background noises.
Great video! thank you
Come on, really? You’re gonna complain about a 3 foot cable that came with a desk stand? If you ever used a desk and microphone, a 3 foot cable is more than long enough to go to a computer, which is typically within a foot or two of the mic.
Not the standard anymore.
Also...not great if you expand to a boom.
Which considering how horrible the stand is...wouldn't be long.
I stand behind my pettiness
@@DarkCornerStudios A lot of microphones, even high end, don’t even come with a cable. I’m not sure if you’re aware, you can buy this mic with a boom, and it comes with a longer cable. I stand behind my criticism. lol By the way, other than that, good video.
@@mjcz5853 Rode has upped the game.
The standard has been set
@@DarkCornerStudios ok
I've been wanting a good solution for quickly/easily recording ideas during writing sessions in the living room...but I just can't stomach spending $100+ on a piece of shit USB mic. When $100 can get you a real, high quality mic like the Lewitt 240...My problem is I just don't want to fuck around with an interface...power....tons of extra wires...while screwing around writing. I just want it to work. But again...I run into the dilemma of not wanting to spend so much money on (what's essentially) a crappy sounding mic.
I disagree, Rode XCM50 sounds way worse, a plain sound. And all the FX you can do in your DAWs
Not everyone has a daw to work with.
Example - livestreamers.
In fact...that is the majority of people that usb mics are aimed at
Rode shill detected!
Lol...why is it people think this is some sort of insult.
Let me guess...you also use the term sheeple?
Quality mic review under 6 minutes? Well done sir.
Yeah...it can be tough to do...but I'm a fan of quick and tight videos
FIRST COMMENT!!! I hope you are doing great!. thanks for such amazing reviews, your content is the best!
Ah the crown of being first!
Lol
Thanks for the kind words!!