Sennheiser HD 500 black and aluminum

The HD 500 BAM instantly transforms Sennheiser HD 500 series audiophile headphones into true communication tools. This detachable boom microphone integrates seamlessly with compatible models, preserving their sound signature while adding professional-grade voice capture. A modular solution that lets you switch effortlessly from pure music listening to gaming sessions, video calls, or streaming.

A solution born from a long wait

The HD 500 series holds a special place in Sennheiser’s lineup. These open-back headphones, renowned for their three-dimensional soundstage and ultra-lightweight construction, have won over competitive gamers thanks to their precise reproduction of directional audio cues. However, the lack of an official microphone solution forced users to juggle multiple peripherals or resort to third-party options like Antlion’s ModMic, with their inconvenient adhesive pads.

A capsule tuned for vocal clarity

At the heart of the HD 500 BAM is a 10 mm electret condenser capsule, generously sized by industry standards. This size enables natural capture of the vocal spectrum, with a frequency response of 100 Hz to 16 kHz that comfortably covers the fundamentals and harmonics of the human voice. The sensitivity of -37 dB/Pa ensures detailed capture without excessive gain.

The unidirectional cardioid polar pattern is the decisive technical choice. This configuration prioritizes frontal sources while attenuating side sounds and actively rejecting rear noise. In a home environment, this results in a notable reduction of fan noise, air conditioners, and adjacent conversations. The maximum sound pressure level of 132 dB SPL handles even the most enthusiastic exclamations without distortion.

Simplified plug-in power (1.5 to 4 volts, consumption under 0.5 mA) ensures universal compatibility. The built-in proximity effect compensation, with a -3 dB per octave attenuation in the low frequencies, maintains a consistent vocal tone regardless of speaking distance—an often-overlooked feature on mainstream gaming microphones.

Installation and compatibility: calculated simplicity

The 2.5 mm twist-lock mounting system is both the strength and the limitation of the HD 500 BAM. This proprietary connection guarantees a flawless link with no risk of accidental disconnection. Installation takes seconds: insert into the left port, twist a quarter turn, and the microphone is ready to go.

Compatible models include the HD 505, HD 550, HD 559, HD 560S, HD 569, HD 579, HD 599, and the recent HD 620S. Earlier generations—HD 558, HD 598, and HD 595—are also supported, giving a second life to these still-capable models.

The source connection uses a CTIA 4-pole 3.5 mm jack, ensuring immediate recognition on Xbox controllers, PlayStation DualSense, and all versions of Nintendo Switch. The 1.50-meter cable strikes a thoughtful balance between freedom of movement and cable management, with a 3.5 mm diameter providing robustness without bothersome stiffness.

Thoughtful inline controls and accessories

The inline controls embody Sennheiser’s pragmatic approach. The analog volume wheel allows fine, stepless adjustments, accessible without looking. The microphone mute switch provides instant physical confirmation, eliminating the uncertainty of software-only solutions.

The package includes three foam windshields anticipating natural wear. Their density effectively reduces plosives without smothering the high frequencies. The Y-adapter solves the issue of PC sound cards with separate inputs, with gold-plated connectors and shielded wiring preserving signal integrity.

The boom, flexible yet stable at 12.7 centimeters long, positions the mic in the optimal zone while staying out of your field of view. Its steadfast positioning, with no gradual sagging, reflects a carefully judged balance between flexibility and structural rigidity.

Technical specifications

Microphone specifications

• Type: 10 mm electret condenser microphone
• Directivity: unidirectional cardioid
• Frequency response: 100 – 16000 Hz
• Sensitivity: –37 dB/Pa
• Maximum sound pressure level: 132 dB SPL
• Total harmonic distortion: < 1%
• Equivalent noise level (A-weighted): 26 dB
• Proximity effect compensation: –3 dB/octave
• Power supply: 1.5 – 4.0 V
• Power consumption: max. 0.5 mA

Connectivity and cabling

• Headset connector: 2.5 mm jack (3-pole, twist-lock HD 500 series)
• Audio source connector: 3.5 mm jack (4-pole CTIA)
• Cable length: 1.50 m
• Cable diameter: 3.5 mm

Physical characteristics

• Weight: 36 g

Built-in controls

• Volume adjustment: wheel
• Microphone mute: switch

Box contents

• HD 500 BAM microphone with 1.50 m cable and built-in controls
• Y adapter for PC (2 x 3.5 mm 3-pole jack connectors)
• 3 foam windshields
• Documentation (quick start guide and safety instructions)

Compatibility

• Compatible models: HD 505, HD 550, HD 560S, HD 569, HD 599, HD 599 SE, HD 620S
• Not compatible with headphones from other brands