Sennheiser HME 27 Broadcast Headset, Electret Mic

Sennheiser HME 27 Professional Circumaural Broadcast Headset

The Sennheiser HME 27 (Current Article Number: 700323, Legacy: 506977) is a premium, reference-grade closed-back circumaural (over-ear) broadcast headset designed specifically for television announcers, radio personalities, and master control operators.

The "E" designation within the 27-series family specifies its core hardware change: it replaces the dynamic microphone capsule with a high-output, permanently polarized electret condenser capsule. This gives the headset a wide frequency range and excellent transient response, matching the studio sound quality of a standalone condenser microphone while keeping the hands-free convenience of a boomset.

Key Acoustic and Operational Attributes

• Pre-Polarized BKE 4-4 Condenser Capsule: Outfitted with an elite condenser element optimized specifically for vocal clarity and crisp speech presentation. It delivers an extended frequency response ($40\text{ Hz}$ to $20,000\text{ Hz}$) with an upper-mid presence lift that ensures voice translation remains distinct, even when mixed against loud ambient background elements.

• Highly Directional Cardioid Pattern: The microphone boom utilizes a precise cardioid pickup arc. It isolates the presenter's voice while rejecting room echoes and ambient off-axis spill, minimizing the risk of acoustic feedback loop issues near studio monitor speakers.

• Onboard Switchable ActiveGard Limiter: Features an analog, mechanical switch-controlled ActiveGard circuit. When toggled on, it acts as an automatic safety buffer that tames unexpected incoming signal bursts over 110 dB SPL to shield the operator's hearing.

• Pressure-Free Two-Piece Split Headband: Uses an automatically opening split headband structure that spreads apart to shift pressure away from the sensitive areas of the skull. A wide, solid padding wrap is also included in the box for engineers who prefer a traditional single-band profile.

• Modular Multi-Pin Connection Base: Ships from the factory with an un-cabled connector socket. This modular design interfaces with Sennheiser's Cable-II series (such as the X3K1 XLR/1/4" combo cable), allowing technicians to replace damaged lines instantly or swap connection formats in the field.

Technical Specifications Matrix

In the Box: Production Package Inventory

• 1 x Sennheiser HME 27 Broadcast Headset (Electret)

• 1 x Broad Single Headband Converting Cushion

• 1 x High-Density Wind and Pop Screen

• 1 x HZS 11 Cable Attachment Anchor Clip

• 1 x Quick Start Technical Guide

• (Note: Connection cables are sold separately according to studio infrastructure needs).

Field Configuration and Power Management Advice

Powering the Electret Condenser Capsule: Unlike standard dynamic headsets that run passively, the HME 27's condenser microphone capsule requires operating power to function. If you are deploying this headset using the standard Cable II-X3K1 connector line hookup, ensure that P12 to P48 Phantom Power is switched on at your console, field recorder, or intercom station. If phantom power is turned off on that channel strip, the headphones will still receive monitoring audio perfectly, but the microphone capsule will not output any signal.

Precise Mechanical Boom Adjustments: The flexible microphone boom arm can be swiveled 270 degrees, allowing the headset to be worn with the microphone extending from either the left or right ear cup. For clean vocal tracking without air interference, use the flexible middle portion of the boom to place the capsule roughly 2 centimeters out from the side of your mouth, ensuring the mic grille faces toward your lips rather than straight ahead. This prevents sudden breath bursts from causing low-frequency vocal popping on your broadcast line.