The new Sennheiser HD 500 BAM microphone turns a pair of compatible audiophile headphones into gaming headphones. The boom arm microphone accessory clips on for easily communicating with other players while you game.
The microphone seamlessly plugs into the headphone’s cable port and can be leveraged not only while gaming but with laptops, desktops, and select mobile devices as well. The add-on accessory can be purchased as an upgrade for new and legacy Sennheiser models that use a single-sided twist-lock connector. This includes newer models like the HD 550, HD 505, HD 560S, and HD 620S and the earlier 5-8 and 5-9 series headphones.
“Gamers have praised the extended comfort and immersive listening their 500-series headphones bring, but the lack of a microphone option meant compromise,” says Klaus Hanselmann, Audiophile Product Manager at Sennheiser. “With the HD 500 BAM, we’ve created a sleek, durable, and great-sounding way to level up your output and input. It is the perfect addition to your daily driver headphones, and a powerful accessory for anyone chasing a total audio upgrade.”
At the heart of the HD 500 BAM is a 10mm electret condenser capsule with a cardioid pickup pattern for great speech clarity. The cardioid design rejects distracting noise from nearby fans, appliances, and people that would otherwise pollute the gaming experience, says Sennheiser. The streamlined solution can handle clear sound in both directions, from a game match to a Teams call.
The HD 500 series has been a favourite among gamers, lauded for its hyper-realistic acoustics, engaging “panoramic” soundstage, and ultralight build. Among competitive players, the precise audio reproduction capabilities can provide a competitive advantage through location cues, says the company. The HD 500 BAM delivers a premium experience for voice signals without the need for additional microphone stands or interfaces.
To ensure flexibility across a range of devices, the HD 500 BAM uses a four-pole 3.5mm plug with CTIA wiring, and an in-line volume control with mic mute switch along its 1.5 metre cable. A trio of windscreens and a Y-adapter for PC soundcards with discrete microphone and headphone connections are included.
The Sennheiser HD 500 BAM is available now for an MSRP of $79.95.