We covered the Profile Wireless when it first came out, which you can read about here, but this year at NAB, Callie gave Nino a closer look at how the system works in practice. It includes two transmitters and a receiver that slot into a compact charging bar, which doubles as a handheld interview mic or can be mounted on a tripod via a thread for desktop use. Each transmitter has a built-in mic and the option to connect an external one. The receiver connects directly to phones, laptops, or cameras using the included USB-C, Lightning, or cold shoe adapters.

Internal recording and backup options

During the conversation, Callie confirmed that the Profile Wireless could be used as a standalone microphone and that each transmitter includes 16GB of internal memory, allowing for up to 30 hours of onboard recording. This internal recording acts as a backup in case of signal dropouts or interference. There’s also a safety track mode that records a second channel at lower gain, helping to avoid distortion from sudden loud sounds. Currently, the system records at 24-bit, but Callie noted that a firmware update is planned. She also pointed out that the Profile Wireless carries Sennheiser’s signature sound profile, something the company prioritized even though they weren’t first to market.

Battery and charging

Each transmitter runs for up to 7 hours on a single charge. If needed, they can also operate while plugged into power via USB-C, making longer sessions possible without interruption. The charging bar holds both transmitters and the receiver, and when fully charged, it extends overall operating time to around 15 to 18 hours in the field without access to AC power. A USB-C to USB-C charging cable is included. The charging bar extends overall battery life and can also be mounted on a tripod.

Compatibility and connectivity

The receiver connects directly to a variety of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and DSLR cameras. It comes with USB-C and Lightning adapters, as well as a cold shoe mount and a 3.5mm TRS cable, so, as Callie pointed out, there’s no need to purchase additional accessories to get started. Each transmitter includes a locking 3.5mm input for an external lavalier mic, giving users the option to combine the built-in mic with a more concealed or specific mic placement when needed.

Price and availability

The Sennheiser Profile Wireless is available now for $299 / €237.06. For more information, please see the Sennheiser website.

What do you think about the Profile Wireless? Are you already using it? Let us know in the comments.

Crowded environments and signal-jammed film sets require a more robust protocol than the 2.4GHz spectrum can provide. That’s why Saramonic chose to use UHF (Ultra High Frequency) for their new microphone platform. They are also touting 130 dB of dynamic range to better handle loud sounds and quiet whispers.

Saramonic K9 Audio System uses ultra-wide UHF

When you have a film set full of wireless signals, it can be easy to encounter interference. This is why mics that operate on the increasingly popular 2.4GHz frequency can run into issues in crowded environments. The Saramonic K9 Audio System uses the “ultra-wide 550–960 MHz UHF spectrum” and proprietary “LNA” technology to achieve what they claim as “global compatibility and superior interference resistance for reliable audio transmission.” This beefed-up signal is accompanied by a robust physical construction, as well.

Industry-leading dynamic range and 32-bit float

Dynamic range is the next big feature on the list. Saramonic claims the system delivers 130 db of dynamic range. On their website, they show a video being shot where a woodworker uses a bandsaw and then hand tools. The system is designed to capture both high and low sound levels without distortion or loss of detail. By combining this dynamic range with the 32-bit float recording, operators should be able to work without the stress of worrying about clipping.

Onboard recording

The K9 features a 32GB memory card (switchable up to 128GB) for on-board recording in the TX unit. However, because of patent issues in the US, you can’t use wireless transmission and internal recording simultaneously, but you can use them independently. Also, if you take the kit outside of the US, the app recognizes the GPS, and you can use these two features simultaneously.

Minature Lav Mic – 3mm

Saramonic wanted to include a mic that worked well for sound recordists who needed to hide lavs. The tiny 3mm “Miniature Lav Mic” is dust, water, and pull-resistant and is easy to hide under a costume. It also features IP67 dust and water resistance and Kevlar®-reinforced cabling.

Saramonic system app and timecode

Saramonic has put together an app that connects to the K9 system and generates a timecode. The app can control up to 48 devices. You’ll be able to sleep K9 devices and even update their firmware through the app, but it is important to remember that “K9 systems sold and operated in the US cannot transmit wirelessly and record simultaneously.”

Universal cable compatibility

The K9 System offers solid compatibility for connections. You can use USB-C to USB-C, 3.5mm TRS to XLR, or 3.5mm TRS to TRS. It’s good to see that Saramonic has worked to make their gear as broadly compatible as possible.

Price and availability

The Saramonic K9 Audio System will retail for $999.99 in the US. The Global Version will sell for €999.00 (including 19% VAT) / GBP £949 (incl. VAT)

It is available now for pre-order through B&H. Saramonic anticipates shipping around April 11th. For more information, visit Saramonic.

What do you think about the K9 system? For potential US users, do the restrictions caused by patent limitations give you pause? Let us know in the comments!

It can be tough to record good audio when you are also a solo camera operator. Hollyland is working to make wireless audio recording a seamless experience for creators with their updated system. We caught up with them at NAB!

Now features 32-bit float recording

32-bit float recording gives you enough dynamic range, so you don’t have to worry about clipping during recording. If your talent suddenly gets louder, the LARK MAX 2 system will be able to handle that without distortion. This recording takes place in the transmitter. The audio also gets sent to the receiver so that you can channel it into your camera.

Sony Hot Shoe Adapter

The new hot shoe adapter fits into Sony cameras and sends 24-bit – 48K through the hot shoe adapter right into the camera. This means you don’t need to use a wire from your audio receiver to your camera. However, this method only sends a 24-bit signal, so clipping may occur. To offset this issue, Hollyland includes recommendations for your input levels based on the camera model. You can also think about the in-camera audio as a “proxy” for your “master” 32-bit audio recorded in the transmitters.

New wireless monitoring solution

Hollyland recognizes that many creators need to hear their surroundings while recording audio. Their new wireless on-ear monitors provide a solution for you to hear your recording without being totally isolated from your environment.

The clever wireless monitors also allow you to loop your camera audio back into the audio receiver so you can monitor your in-camera audio wirelessly. This means if you pair it with a Sony camera and the above Sony Hot Shoe Adapter, you can have a totally wireless audio setup. No patch cables, no headphone cables.

The wireless monitor solution will also tie into their phone adapter. If you want to record from your phone, you can do that with the Hollyland LARK MAX 2, and you can monitor via Bluetooth with the new monitors.

Longer battery life

Hollyland has added up to 1 hour longer per charge over the initial version, for a total of up to 11 hours of runtime on the transmitters.

Price and availability

The Hollyland LARK MAX 2 will be available toward the end of the second quarter of 2025. Pricing has not been announced yet. For more information, visit the Hollyland website.

What do you think about Hollyland’s updated wireless mic solution? Would it simplify your setup? Let us know in the comments below!

The Zoom H5 was introduced in January 2014 and, along with the Zoom H6, was one of the first compact audio recorders with interchangeable capsules. The recorder comes standard with an X/Y capsule module, but you can switch it for an Omni, shotgun, or XLR module, to list a few. Those recorders have been relatively popular among filmmakers, musicians, and content creators, even if their preamps are not far from being the best on the market.

After over a decade and after the updates to the H-line Essential lineup audio recorders last year, Zoom has launched the H5studio Handy Recorder, which fixes nearly every flaw of its predecessor.

Zoom H5studio Handy Recorder – features

The Zoom H5studio Handy Recorder is a compact unit that measures only 3.4 x 2.1 x 8.1″/86 x 54.6 x 206 mm and weighs 14.5oz/410g with batteries. It is powered by four AA batteries, giving it a maximum runtime of around 15 hours, according to Zoom. You can also power it externally via the USB-C input/output port on the right side of the unit.

At the front of the H5studio Handy Recorder, you’ll find a 2″ color LCD screen, two gain adjustment knobs at the top and two at the bottom to adjust your gain level when recording in 16 and 24-bit formats, track activation buttons, and the traditional record/play/stop/next/previous navigation buttons.

On the left side of the unit, you’ll find a power switch, a 3.5mm headphone jack with a headphone gain adjustment wheel, and a 3.5mm line output.

The right side of the Zoom H5studio Handy Recorder features a USB-C port, a navigation wheel with an Enter button, and a microSDHC/microSDXC card slot that supports cards up to 2TB. I would have preferred a regular SD card slot, similar to what was on the previous Zoom H5/H6 recorders, which is easier and more convenient for offloading audio files. Last but not least, a cover protects a proprietary connection port designed to attach the optional TCA-1 or BTA-1 timecode adapter. This makes the Zoom H5studio Handy Recorder compatible with timecode, which is very handy, and it can also receive wireless timecode from the ATOMOS UltraSync BLUE.

Zoom H5studio Handy Record audio inputs

At the bottom of the H5studio Handy Recorder, you’ll find two XLR/TRS combo inputs. Both inputs support 48V Phantom power. According to Zoom, they upgraded the H5studio Handy Recorder preamps with F-series preamps that feature dual AD converters, support 32-bit float recording, and “deliver an impressive 132dB dynamic range.” Also, the company mentions that it features “advanced look-ahead” limiters, which anticipate potential overloads and prevent distortion before they reach your track.

The H5studio can record up to four ISO tracks and a stereo mix with up to 192 kHz sample rates. Indeed, at the top of the recorder is the new 3.0 capsule system. The recorder comes standard with the X/Y capsule. Still, it is also compatible with the SSH-6e shotgun microphone, the EXH-6e dual XLR/TRS input capsule, and the upcoming WLM-1 wireless lavalier mic capsule, which should be available later this year.

I find the WLM-1 wireless Lavalier mic capsule an elegant and clever system, as it allows you to capture 32-bit float audio recording from Lavalier microphones while also monitoring what you are recording, which is relatively rare for solutions on a budget.

Connectivity

If you purchase the optional TCA-1 or BTA-1 modules, you can manage and control your H5studio Handy Recorder via the ZOOM Handy Control & Sync app for iOS. The app allows you to start/stop recording and synchronize timecode easily.

The H5studio can also be used as a 4-in/2-out USB audio interface for Mac/Windows computers and iOS/Android devices. It supports 32-bit float and 16/24-bit recording, live streaming, and simultaneous recording of a backup to microSD.

Price and availability

The Zoom H5studio Handy Recorder is available now for $349.99. An optional accessory pack (APH-5s), which includes a padded shell case, hairy windscreen, AC adapter, and USB-C cable, is also available for $59.

For more information, please visit Zoom’s website here.

What do you think about this updated version of the Zoom H5? Have you already used Zoom’s Handy Recorders? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!

For over 40 years, Zoom has provided a variety of audio solutions for filmmakers, content creators, musicians, and podcasters. Their products include the Zoom H1 XLR Portable Audio Recorder and Zoom R4 MultiTrak.

Zoom PodTrak P2 Dual-USB Mic Recorder – features

The Zoom PodTrak P2 features two USB inputs and two 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS headphone outputs and can be set up to record a podcast or interview. It records up to four tracks in 48 kHz / 24-bit. The PodTrak P2 can accept an SD card up to 1 TB for direct recording. It will record a stereo mix for sharing or individual tracks for editing and mixing. It weighs just under 8 ounces (226 g).

The rear USB port connects to a phone or laptop to allow a remote guest to appear. With the built-in mix-minus feature, echo and feedback are automatically minimized. It’s powered by four AA batteries or a USB port via a portable battery, AC adapter (12W or higher), or bus power.

Meanwhile, the buttons across the top of the PodTrak P2 include Power, Record, Play / Pause, Mute 1, Mute 2, Tone (voice enhancement via EQ and de-essing), and Comp (built-in compressor to balance high and low sounds, such as a shout or whisper). There are two audio knobs for mixing and each as an audio level. 

One of the main features is AI Noise Reduction for areas where background sound is unavoidable, such as a sporting event. It works by pressing the button and remaining silent for a moment, allowing the feature to analyze and reduce background noise.

For livestreaming, the PodTrak P2 can also connect to a smartphone, computer, or tablet while recording to an SD card simultaneously. Subsequently, when filming with a smartphone, the PodTrak P2 can record audio directly to the video. Zoom says no syncing is required for this feature.

The PodTrak P2 uses audio notifications to alert users when the SD card is full or low on power. Plus, the auto-save function saves every 10 seconds. There is software available with additional options for recording and audio interface settings, for Mac and Windows.

Price and availability

The Zoom PodTrak P2 costs $99 and is available now. Keep in mind it does not come with internal storage or USB microphones. Check out the Zoom PodTrak P2 page for more information.

What are your thoughts on the Zoom PodTrak P2 Dual-USB Mic Recorder? Additionally, are you using any Zoom products, such as their recorders? Please let us know in the comments below!

In the world of compact, affordable, battery-powered wireless microphone systems, there are a plethora of models to choose from, at various prices and with different features. Chinese manufacturer Saramonic specializes in professional audio solutions for content creators, and they already have multiple offerings available, such as the Blink500 B2+ or the recent Ultra system with timecode and 32-bit float internal recording capabilities. The company is now back with an affordable option that has a couple of added benefits compared to some of their previous solutions, such as a 3.5mm mic input and Sony hot shoe adapter: the Saramonic Mix.

Saramonic Mix – features

The Saramonic Mix is a two-receiver, one-transmitter wireless microphone system that comes in a compact charging case that measures 4.8 x 2.1 x 2.7in/122 x 54 x 70mm and weighs 230g/8.11oz. The battery case has a capacity of 3,500 mAh. The case can be charged via USB-C and can charge the whole Mix wireless microphone system around 1.5 times.

On the receiver, there is no screen but two blue LED indicators that show if the transmitters are connected. On the left side of the unit, there is a 3.5mm headphone jack and a 3.5mm audio output.

The receiver’s back has a power button, a mono/stereo switch, and a sync button. On the right side, you’ll find a USB-C port to charge the unit, which can also be used to connect it to an iPhone or Android smartphone via the included USB-C adapters.

Lastly, at the bottom of the receiver, you’ll find a mounting point with pins. You can switch between the included cold shoe/belt clamp mount and an optional Sony MI hot shoe adapter for cable-free communication with your camera.

On the transmitters, there is a front power-on switch that illuminates in blue when connected to the receiver. On the right side, there are plus and minus gain adjustment buttons. At the top of the unit, there is a built-in microphone and a 3.5mm microphone input. Unfortunately, this mic input doesn’t have a locking connector.

Regarding technology, the Mix system uses the well-known 2.4 GHz bandwidth to transmit between the receiver and transmitters with a maximum claimed transmission range of around 400m/1312ft. According to the company, it has a latency of only 7ms, and the audio transmission uses the AES 128-bit encryption for privacy. Lastly, the Saramonic Mix features AGC – Auto Gain Control – to balance your levels automatically and prevent your sound from clipping, and a limiter.

Price and availability

The Saramonic Mix is available now for $169. In the box, you’ll find a carrying bag, the charging case with two transmitters and one receiver, one USB-C to USB-A cable, a 3.5mm TRS to TRS audio cable, a belt clip, USB-C and lightning adapters, two fur windshields, and two magnets.

For more information, please visit Saramonic’s website here.

What do you think about the Saramonic Mix? Would it be a useful addition to your kit? What is your go-to wireless microphone system? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!

The CAME-TV WAERO Pro headsets aim to simplify on-set communication without requiring a central hub to connect the headsets and bring some significant upgrades compared to the existing WAERO system.

CAME-TV WAERO Pro System avoids congested 2.4GHz frequencies

This new system operates on the 1.9GHz DECT band, avoiding the congested 2.4GHz frequency range used by numerous wireless devices on set. This frequency selection provides a dedicated communication channel insulated from interference that often plagues production environments. What’s nice is that the WAERO Pro supports auto frequency hopping when encountering interference, in order to provide a more stable connection.

Maximum range, sets, and battery life

The system provides an operating range of up to 518 meters (over 1,700 feet) in open environments, decreasing in locations with significant physical obstacles. For productions requiring expanded coverage, the system supports connecting up to 9 headsets in a single network. There are various WAERO Pro systems available, but the classic one includes five pre-paired headsets, eliminating the frustrating setup process accompanying many comparable systems.

Battery performance delivers up to 15 hours of use on a single charge, which can get you through an entire shooting day. This operational time addresses a common pain point in production—the need for reliable headsets that sustain through long shooting days without requiring frequent battery swaps. The master headset will last for 5-10 hours, so you should carry a replacement battery for it. A battery will be fully charged in 2.5 hours and has a capacity of 1100mAh.

Noise cancellation and AEC are also implemented, which is essential in headsets to filter out disturbing background noise in calls. CAME-TV claims “zero latency” for real-time communication, another plus.

Grouping and all-call function for team leaders

The system supports establishing separate groups within a network, but it can be easily switched between the groups at any time.

The CAME-TV WAERO Pro comes with a so-called “all-call function” for team leaders using the master headset. That function allows them to communicate both with the A and B groups simultaneously by pressing the MF button on the master headset. This is, of course, super useful when everyone on set needs to be summoned for a meeting, lunch break, or whatever will affect the whole team, without having to repeat the same message in both groups.

Compatibility with other CAME-TV products

The system is also fully compatible with all other CAME-TV intercom systems, including Kuminik8, Came-Nano, and WAERO.

Editorial perspective

When I first heard about CAME-TV many, many years ago, I came to love their Boltzen Fresnel lights, and I use them as kicker lights for many interviews to this day. The company has since entered many other areas, including wireless intercom, and its further expansion into production communication technology represents a logical progression. The WAERO Pro addresses several pain points in production communication—weight, battery life, and frequency interference—that challenge filmmaking teams.

However, the audio quality and durability remain to be tested against industry-leading communication systems that have undergone years of field testing. The true test of any communication system comes from extended use in challenging production conditions.

As production crews seek streamlined equipment solutions that reduce setup time and increase reliability, the WAERO Pro appears to be a promising addition to the ecosystem of tools facilitating the increasingly complex communication needs of modern film production.

Market position, pricing, and availability

Priced at $555 for the 5-headset package, the WAERO Pro sits in the budget range of production communication tools, yet it’s very competitive for what it delivers – typically, full-duplex systems will cost considerably more. This pricing places it also below premium systems from established manufacturers like Clear-Com and others.

In general, pricing is quite simple: Essentially, every individual headset costs $111, and as you can pair up to nine of them, the largest set containing these 9 headsets costs $999.

If you’re looking to invest in such a model, then now might be a good time as CAME-TV is running a sale on their wireless intercom series, including the CAME-NANO and CAME-KUMINIK8.

The system is currently available through CAME-TV’s webshop and select professional video equipment retailers.

Throughout the years, we have been following the development of Filmstro, a British company established in Brighton, UK, which launched the first version of Filmstro in 2016. The app allows users to create their own tailored soundtracks for their videos, which is kind of opposite to the usual way we are used to.

Now, the company is taking another step forward by introducing some useful new tools. Let’s take a closer look.

Key features

Keyframes: To precisely control the music’s intensity by adjusting Filmstro’s sliders at key moments in the timeline.

Custom Lengths: For trimming and extending tracks to fit exact timing needs (without compromising audio quality).

Stem Control: To gain full control over individual instruments by identifying one or more sounds to exclude from the final export.

Improved Timeline Controls: A more intuitive and responsive editing experience with new ‘Rehearse, Record, Spot Edit, and Overwrite’ modes for greater creative flexibility.

Enhanced User Experience: A streamlined interface designed for better video controls and more space for video edit. 

The new update is available now to all Filmstro users. If you would like to explore more and see if Keyframes works for you, please visit app.filmstro.com.

You can try Filmstro’s scoring – just click ‘play’ below and move the sliders:

Price and availability

Filmstro is available as a subscription model, and the prices with different options are as follows:

• YOUTUBER. Perfect for personal projects and social media, for $8.25/month, billed annually ($99/year).
• PRO. For unlimited online client and commercial work at $20.75/month, billed annually ($249/year).
• PRO PLUS. For TV, radio, streaming and theatrical at $41.50/month, billed annually ($498/year).

CineD readers will get a 10% discount on their annual and monthly subscriptions when using the code CINEDV410.

Do you have some experience working with Filmstro? If so, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

32-bit recording is now available to a wider crowd of users with the introduction of the XV1-R recorder from Xvive. Although nearly identical in shape and features to the previously released Zoom H1essential Portable Audio Recorder, the XV1-R is priced $10 lower, potentially making 32-bit float recording even more popular.

For those who are not familiar with the benefits of recording in 32-bit, here are the key advantages:

1. Virtually unlimited dynamic range and headroom: The 32-bit float format can represent an enormous range of values from extremely quiet to extremely loud without clipping or distortion. Even if you record too hot or too quiet, you can adjust post-production levels without losing quality.
2. No need to set gain staging perfectly while recording: Since there’s essentially no clipping point, you don’t need to carefully set input levels. This is especially valuable for field recording or live situations where you can’t predict peak levels.
3. Better noise floor characteristics: The floating-point nature means you maintain good resolution even with very quiet signals, unlike fixed-point formats where quiet sounds use fewer bits.

Features

Talking about recording in the 32-bit float format, this is the recorder’s key feature since it means you effectively never have to worry about setting proper input levels or audio clipping during recording.

A few other notable benefits:

• Compact size that fits in a pocket
• Simple one-button recording operation
• Can be used as a USB audio interface
• Accepts both line and mic level inputs

The XV1-R can record on a range of SD and MicroSD cards: MicroSD (up to 2 GB), SDHC (up to 32 GB), and SDXC (up to 128 GB). A 32GB card is included in the package. According to the company, the powering options include 2 AA batteries (12-hour runtime) or USB-C.

The XV1-R can be mounted on top of a DSLR/mirrorless camera and used as a stereo sound recording device for video. The recorder can generate slate tones, which can later be used to accurately sync the audio and video when editing if needed.

Like with the Zoom recorder, I like the idea of having a small on-board speaker when you don’t have headphones or earphones nearby or want to check or identify recordings.

Xvive XV1-R vs. Zoom H1essential

As noted earlier, it seems as if the Xvive XV1-R recorder is competing head to head with the Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder. Now, we haven’t tested any of those in-house, so we cannot comment on the differences in audio quality, but this aside, here is a quick overview of what to expect when it comes to differences or shared features:

Price:

• XV1-R: $89.99
• H1essential: $99.99

Key features (both):

• Built-in stereo mics
• 32-bit float recording up to 96 kHz
• USB audio interface functionality
• Pocket-sized design
• WAV recording
• 3.5 Line/Mic input

XV1-R advantages:

• Lower price ($10 less)
• Simple one-button operation
• Onboard X/Y Mics handle up to 130 dB SPL (vs 120 dB SPL for the Zoom recorder)

H1essential advantages:

• Clearer LCD display
• Accessibility features for the blind or visually impaired
• Some might argue that Zoom has a more established brand reputation

For more information about the Xvive XV1-R Portable Recorder, head to the company website here.

What do you think about the new portable recorder from Xvive? Do you have any experience working with their audio devices, and if so, are you happy with them? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Audiio, a music licensing platform that offers a library of royalty-free music and sound effects is continuing to expand its services. During 2024, the company revealed two new services, LinkMatch AI, a new search tool that helps with faster music search, and, Hans AI, a service that allows users to type a brief description of a scene from a project and get a list of music that might fit. Now, Audiio is launching a mobile app for iOS and Android that allows users to access their smartphone music licensing platform.

The app includes the following features:

• Access to Audiio’s music catalog
• Downloading of tracks for offline use on your mobile phone
• Cross-platform playlist synchronization (Syncing playlists, favorites, and recent searches between your mobile device and desktop)
• AI Keyword search functionality

This development follows what seems to be a broader industry trend toward mobile-first content creation and editing tools, providing creators with more flexibility in their workflow options.

The Audiio mobile app is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

For more information, please head to the company website here.

Do you find apps from music platforms to help your workflow? Please share your comments with us in the section below.