Long-time German audio maker Sennheiser today announced the HD 500 BAM, a boom arm microphone that will attach to some of the brand’s headphones and make them better suited for gaming or online meetings when you’re feeling fancy.
If you’re rocking a pair of the brand’s supported headphones (HD 500 series) and don’t already have a standalone microphone, or maybe you’re looking for something that takes up less space on your desk, this could be for you. It means you won’t have to swap between headsets when you go from your online meeting to a video game to listening to music.
Add the HD 500 BAM to your cans
Sennheiser’s headphones have long been lauded for their audio quality, and that applies as much for gamers as it does for music lovers. But gamers often require a way to communicate with their teammates, which means those with Sennheiser headphones would either have to splurge for an additional standalone microphone or go with a a different headset that included a mic. Until now, that is.
The HD 500 BAM plugs right into a supported headphone’s cable port and terminates in a combo jack that most new laptops (and console controllers) support, or can be fitted with the included Y-splitter cable if you need separate audio and mic jacks.
The mic itself uses a “10mm electret condenser capsule with a cardioid pickup pattern” that is said to deliver “exceptional speech clarity,” according to the company that makes it. You also get inline controls, although don’t expect too much here. You’re limited to a mic mute button and volume wheel.
If you own one of Sennheiser’s HD 500 series headphones (which includes the HD 620S) and wish you could also use them for gaming and calls, your wish has been granted. It will only cost you another $60 or about R1,040 when converted.
“Gamers have praised the extended comfort and immersive listening their 500-series headphones bring, but the lack of a microphone option meant compromise,” said Klaus Hanselmann, Audiophile product manager. “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.”
