Sennheiser shines across the sound spectrum

Posted on Jun 26, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker

Reflecting versatility in very different audio workflows, the Profile Wireless 2-channel set and the MKH 8018 shotgun mic stand out

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Proving its pedigree in everything from wireless kits to podcasting and high-end field recording, all-round audio expert Sennheiser once again leads the way in nominations for the prestigious Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards. The evergreen MKH 416 XLR shotgun, Profile USB mic and both the MKE 400 and MKE 440 DSLR mics are all shortlisted in their respective categories.

But perhaps the biggest buzz is around the nominations for two cutting-edge products that cater for very different markets – the Profile Wireless 2-Channel and the flagship MKH 8018 stereo mic.

Raising the profile

Sennheiser’s Profile Wireless 2-channel set is a wildly innovative compact wireless mic system. It’s designed for flexibility on the move – ideal for solo filmmakers.

What sets the Profile system apart is its unique charging case, which doesn’t just top up the batteries. Add the included foam windshield and it becomes a functional handheld mic set-up, letting creators use the same transmitter units for interviews or straight-to-camera presentation.

Inside the case are two transmitter units, a receiver and three adapters – USB-C and Lightning for smartphones, plus a coldshoe for mounting on a camera. There’s also a TRS cable for standard 3.5mm mic inputs.

Pairing is instant once the units are out of the case. The receiver has a touchscreen interface, offering access to gain, low cut, mute, LED brightness, headphone monitoring, screen orientation and even stereo, mono or safety-track audio output. It also displays available recording time, with up to 30 hours per unit.

Each TX unit features a built-in omnidirectional mic, plus a 3.5mm locking input for lavs. Onboard backup recording is activated with a button on the transmitters or via the RX touchscreen, no app or proprietary software needed. Each TX unit has a clothing clip, 1/4-inch thread for rig mounting and a magnetic fastener. You get clean 24-bit/48kHz or 32-bit float audio that’s ideal for run-and-gun use and YouTube production.

With tech that works for vlogging, interviews and even field work, the Profile Wireless earns its nomination through clever design and user-first features.

Broadcast-grade stereo audio in the field

At a very different end of the spectrum lies Sennheiser’s MKH 8018, a premium RF stereo shotgun mic designed for high-end field recording. This is a serious tool for productions that demand spatial realism and pinpoint directional capture.

A low-tension diaphragm helps deliver exceptional sensitivity and broad frequency response. It captures natural, full-range sound with richness and clarity, making it ideal for ambient location recording, scripted scenes or even VR content.

One of its key features is three switchable stereo modes. There’s MS (mid-side) which offers full post-production control of stereo width, plus XY-narrow and XY-wide, both with internal matrices for real-time left-right audio without needing a mixer.

There’s also a switchable low-cut filter (-3dB at 70Hz) to reduce wind and handling noise, and a -10dB pad to protect against overload in loud environments.

The compact form factor makes it suited to boom or camera mounting. A moisture-resistant build ensures reliable performance in humid or extreme weather. With extended bass response for full-spectrum audio, low self-noise to retain subtle textures in quiet scenes and low nonlinear distortion to avoid adding unwanted harmonics, the MKH 8018 is a workhorse that will deliver for years.

Sennheiser’s nominations for Gear of the Year demonstrate the brand’s enduring commitment to all sectors of the moviemaking spectrum – from solo shooters needing compact, intuitive audio capture to large-scale productions that require uncompromising sound quality in complex field conditions. Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year is voted for by filmmaking professionals. Have your say now!