Quick Summary
The Sennheiser HD 500 BAM is a game-changing boom arm microphone that transforms your audiophile headphones into a professional headset. With its 10mm condenser capsule, excellent noise rejection, and plug-and-play design, it finally solves the problem of choosing between great sound and a good microphone. After using it for over a week, I can say it is worth every penny for content creators, gamers, and professionals.
Let me be honest with you. For the last 2-3 years, I have been switching between 4-5 different audio devices every single day.
As an audiophile and video editor, I always need the best headphones with me. Even for gaming, audiophile-grade headphones usually sound better than gaming headsets. But here is the problem. Most professional audiophile headphones either do not have a microphone or the microphone quality is not good enough.
So for Discord calls and gaming chat, I had to keep a separate gaming headset. But as a content creator, I also do YouTube live streams. And now as a startup founder, I attend many online meetings and events. Gaming headsets do not work in these situations. They do not look professional on screen. And the microphone, while decent for gaming, is not professional enough for business meetings.
So yes, I always had to keep a USB desk microphone ready as well. And for phone calls, I needed separate earbuds.
Carrying 4 different audio products while traveling? Not easy at all. Plus, using a USB microphone with a phone, tablet, Xbox, or PlayStation is not convenient either.
I always wanted an all-in-one solution. One headphone with one professional microphone. And I think Sennheiser finally made exactly that.
What is Sennheiser HD 500 BAM?
The Sennheiser HD 500 BAM is a detachable boom arm microphone designed specifically for Sennheiser 5-series headphones. BAM stands for Boom Arm Microphone.
This is a first-party accessory from Sennheiser. It is not some third-party solution like ModMic or V-Moda BoomPro. Sennheiser made this specifically for their own headphones, which means perfect integration and build quality you can trust.
The idea is simple. You take your audiophile-grade Sennheiser headphones, attach this boom microphone, and you get a professional headset. Best of both worlds.
Which Headphones Work with HD 500 BAM?
This is very important. The Sennheiser HD 500 BAM only works with specific Sennheiser headphones. It will not work with any other brand.
Here is the complete compatible headphones list:
HD 518
HD 558
HD 598
HD 559
HD 569
HD 579
HD 599 and HD 599 SE
HD 560S
HD 620S
HD 505
HD 550
If you have any of these headphones, the HD 500 BAM will work perfectly.
But if you have HD 600, HD 650, HD 660S, or HD 800 series, this microphone will not work. These headphones use a different connector. I really hope Sennheiser makes a version for those models in the future.
My Setup: HD 500 BAM with Sennheiser HD 560S
I am using the HD 500 BAM with Sennheiser HD 560S headphones. I chose HD 560S because I think it is the best value for money option in the Sennheiser lineup.
HD 560S costs around Rs 12,000 in India. For audiophile listening, gaming, and video editing, I believe there is no better option in this price range. Some headphones costing double the price do not sound as good as HD 560S.
If you want a detailed review of HD 560S, you can check my YouTube channel or website. I have a dedicated review there.
What is in the Box?
First, the main boom arm microphone with the 10mm condenser capsule. The size is compact but the capsule is large compared to gaming headset microphones.
The cable quality is excellent. It is rubber coated, same quality as Sennheiser headphone cables. It does not tangle easily.
You also get a Y-adapter for computers that have separate microphone and headphone ports. This is very useful for older PCs and some gaming setups.
And you get 3 foam windscreens. One is already installed on the microphone and two are spare. These wear out over time, so having extras is nice. The size is universal, so you can easily find replacements in the aftermarket.
I wish Sennheiser had included a carrying case. At this price, it would have been a nice addition. But it is not a dealbreaker.
Build Quality and Design
Build quality is excellent. This is Sennheiser, so I expected nothing less.
The boom arm is flexible but holds its position well. Once you adjust it, it stays in place. You will not have to keep readjusting it during use.
The best part is the connection system. The HD 500 BAM uses Sennheiser’s 2.5mm twist-lock connector. When you plug it into your headphones, you twist it and it locks securely.
This is much better than adhesive-based solutions like ModMic. No sticky residue on your headphones. No magnets that can fall off. Just twist and lock. It feels like a proper headset.
The in-line remote has a small volume wheel and a mute switch. The volume wheel is small enough that you will not accidentally bump it on your shirt. The mute switch is a physical hard switch. Up means muted, down means mic is on.
Having physical controls is great, especially when you are away from your keyboard during meetings or gaming sessions.
Compatibility
The Sennheiser HD 500 BAM works with almost every device.
For computers, it works with PC, laptop, and Mac. Just plug and play.
For gaming consoles, it works with PlayStation controllers, Xbox controllers, and Nintendo Switch.
For handheld gaming devices, it works with Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go.
For phones and tablets, it works with any device that has a 3.5mm jack. If your phone does not have a headphone jack, you can use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
The microphone uses standard CTIA wiring, which is universally compatible. It draws power from the device, so no battery is needed. Just plug in and start using.
The included Y-adapter is useful for PCs with separate microphone and headphone ports. Everything you need is in the box.
Sound Quality: How Does the Microphone Sound?
Now the most important part. How does the HD 500 BAM actually sound?
I recorded this entire review using the HD 500 BAM. No editing, no processing. Just raw audio. And as you can hear, the quality is very good.
The voicing is clean, natural, and smooth. It has a balanced tuning with a slightly warm character. It is not muddy or artificial like some budget USB microphones. It is also not harsh or analytical.
Most gaming headset microphones have a thin, artificial sound. The HD 500 BAM sounds much more natural and professional.
The low end is not overly boosted, but it captures chest resonance well. Your voice has weight and presence. The mid-range is excellent. Vocals sound clear and present. The high end is smooth without any harshness. You can use it for hours without fatigue.
The 10mm condenser capsule is larger than most boom microphones. Gaming headsets usually have 4-5mm capsules. The larger capsule means better sound pickup and more natural voice reproduction.
Noise Rejection
The HD 500 BAM uses a cardioid polar pattern. This means it picks up sound from the front and rejects sound from the sides and back.
In my testing, the noise rejection was excellent. I had my PC fans running and a laptop nearby. The microphone did not pick up much of that noise.
I also tested keyboard typing. Some typing sound comes through, but my voice remains clear and dominant. The background noise does not overpower the voice.
Room echo is also controlled well. I recorded in an untreated room and there were no major issues.
For gaming, Discord calls, and online meetings, the noise rejection is more than enough.
Sennheiser HD 500 BAM vs Gaming Headset Mic
I compared the HD 500 BAM with my HyperX Cloud Stinger 2, which is a popular gaming headset in the mid-range segment.
The difference is clear. The HyperX microphone sounds thinner and more nasal. It picks up more background noise. It is fine for gaming chat, but it does not sound professional.
The HD 500 BAM sounds fuller and clearer. The voice has more body and presence. Background rejection is better. It sounds confident and professional, suitable for meetings and live streams.
Gaming headset microphones are designed for communication. Quality is secondary. The HD 500 BAM is designed for quality first.
Sennheiser HD 500 BAM vs Blue Yeti USB Mic
I also compared it with the Blue Yeti, which is the most popular USB microphone for content creators.
The Blue Yeti is definitely more detailed. The low end is richer. It sounds more like a studio microphone. For dedicated podcasting and professional streaming, Blue Yeti is better.
But here is the thing. Blue Yeti is a desk microphone. You need a boom stand for proper use. It is not portable. You cannot use it with a phone or gaming console. Traveling with it is difficult.
The HD 500 BAM is portable. It works with phones, consoles, and computers. You can carry it anywhere. The convenience factor is huge.
For most content creators, the HD 500 BAM provides 90 percent of the quality with 100 percent convenience. That is a good trade-off.
Is Sennheiser HD 500 BAM Worth It?
After using the Sennheiser HD 500 BAM for more than a week, I can confidently say it solved my biggest problem.
For the first time, I have one audio setup that works for everything. Music, gaming, video editing, live streams, and online meetings. All with one headphone and one microphone.
The microphone quality exceeded my expectations. It is clean, natural, and warm. Better than gaming headset microphones. Better than budget USB microphones. Professional enough for content creators and business users.
The build quality is excellent. The twist-lock connection is secure. The convenience of using it with any device is a huge plus.
Is it perfect? No. It only works with Sennheiser headphones. The price is higher than some alternatives. It is not a studio microphone.
But for content creators, gamers, and professionals who already use or plan to buy Sennheiser 5-series headphones, the HD 500 BAM is a must-have accessory.
My verdict: Green flag. Definitely worth it.
Who Should Buy Sennheiser HD 500 BAM?
- Content creators who need professional audio for live streams and meetings.
- Gamers who want audiophile sound quality with a good microphone for Discord.
- Work from home professionals who attend many video calls.
- Audiophiles who already own Sennheiser 5-series headphones.
- Anyone who wants one device for music, gaming, editing, and communication.
Who Should Not Buy Sennheiser HD 500 BAM?
- You do not have compatible Sennheiser headphones.
- You need studio-quality microphone for professional podcasting or voiceover work.
Price and Where to Buy
The Sennheiser HD 500 BAM costs around $60 USD globally. In India, it is available for around Rs 4,500-5,000.
Combined with HD 560S at Rs 12,000, you get a complete audiophile headset setup for around Rs 17,000. I think that is excellent value.
You can buy it from Amazon, the official Sennheiser website, or authorized retailers. Check the links in the description for the best prices.
