Sennheiser has long been a go-to brand for audiophiles, but gamers often found themselves left out of the conversation. That changes with the launch of the HD 500 BAM, a boom arm microphone accessory designed to pair seamlessly with the brand’s popular HD 500 series headphones.
This new add-on transforms Sennheiser’s open-back, hi-fi headphones into a complete gaming or communication headset, marrying their signature sound quality with clear, broadcast-style voice capture.
From Listening-Only to Full Communication
The HD 500 series has earned praise among gamers and music lovers alike for its spacious soundstage, featherlight comfort, and detailed acoustics. The missing piece? A microphone. Many had to juggle a second headset or settle for external mics if they wanted to chat in-game or on calls.
The HD 500 BAM plugs directly into the headphone’s cable port, giving users an integrated, first-party microphone solution. Compatible with both new and legacy models, including the HD 550, HD 505, HD 560S, HD 620S, and older 5-8 and 5-9 series headphones, the accessory offers a simple upgrade for anyone invested in Sennheiser’s ecosystem.
“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.”
Designed for Clarity and Noise Rejection
At its core, the HD 500 BAM houses a 10 mm electret condenser capsule with a cardioid pickup pattern. This design zeroes in on the user’s voice while minimizing background distractions like desk fans, clattering keyboards, or chatty roommates.
For gamers, that means better communication in high-stakes matches. For professionals, it ensures cleaner audio in online meetings. And for anyone who’s been improvising with clunky setups, it’s a welcome all-in-one solution.
Ready for Gaming, Streaming, or Zoom Calls
Sennheiser outfitted the HD 500 BAM with a 4-pole 3.5 mm plug using CTIA wiring, ensuring broad compatibility with laptops, desktops, consoles, and select mobile devices. The 1.5-meter (about 5-foot) cable features an in-line volume dial and a mic mute switch for quick adjustments.
Each unit ships with a Y-adapter for PCs with separate audio and mic jacks, plus three windscreens to help tame plosives and ambient noise. Whether the goal is sharper call quality at work or better comms in an online arena, the HD 500 BAM is built to adapt.
Price and Availability
The HD 500 BAM is available now through authorized retailers and directly from sennheiser-hearing.com at a suggested price of $59.95 USD / $79.95 CAD.
For those who already own a set of HD 500 series headphones, or are considering picking one up, the new boom arm microphone provides an affordable way to turn a beloved pair of hi-fi cans into a full-fledged headset without sacrificing sound quality.
