Sennheiser HMD 26 Professional Dual-Ear Broadcast Headset with Dynamic Microphone

The Sennheiser HMD 26 is a compact, lightweight dual-ear on-ear broadcast headset engineered for the demands of professional outdoor and studio broadcast environments. Built for TV reporters, sports commentators, and news anchors who need consistent, reliable audio under pressure, the HMD 26 pairs closed-back acoustic isolation with a hypercardioid dynamic boom microphone delivering clean, focused speech even in high-noise outdoor locations.

The headset’s split headband and extra-soft ear cushions are designed for all-day comfort during extended production shifts. Sennheiser’s ActiveGard technology actively limits sudden loud peaks to protect hearing, with three switchable attenuation settings to suit the working environment. The swiveling ear cap allows quick transition between dual-ear and single-ear monitoring, and the interchangeable boom arm can be repositioned to either the left or right side to match any presenter’s preference.

With a modular design and proprietary connector system, the HMD 26 accepts a wide range of compatible Sennheiser cables (sold separately). The shockmounted microphone capsule absorbs structure-borne noise and mechanical vibration, preserving speech intelligibility even when the talent is moving. Cable not included a compatible cable is required for operation.

Key Features

• Dual-ear closed-back on-ear design for maximum acoustic isolation
• Hypercardioid dynamic boom microphone 40 Hz to 18 kHz frequency response
• ActiveGard hearing protection with three switchable attenuation settings
• Shockmounted microphone capsule for structure-borne noise rejection
• Interchangeable boom arm configurable left or right side
• Swiveling ear cap for optional single-ear monitoring
• Extra-soft ear cushions and padded split headband for extended wear comfort
• Modular design compatible with a wide range of Sennheiser cables
• Headphone impedance: 64 Ohms | Max SPL: 128 dB | THD: 0.1%
• Microphone sensitivity: 0.5 mV/Pa | Mic impedance: 300 Ohms
• Operating temperature: -15 to 55C

Technical Specifications

Typical Applications

• TV Broadcast & News Production: Trusted by on-camera reporters and anchors for clean, noise-rejecting spoken-word capture in studio and field environments.
• Sports Commentary: The closed-back design and ActiveGard protection make the HMD 26 ideal for loud stadium and pitch-side commentary positions.
• Radio Broadcasting: Dynamic microphone performance suits on-air presenters working in uncontrolled acoustic environments without phantom power.
• Outside Broadcast (OB) Vans: Lightweight build and rugged modular design hold up under the demands of mobile production workflows.
• Press Conference & ENG: Quick boom-side switching and comfortable headband allow rapid setup and presenter adaptability in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the HMD 26 include a cable? No. The HMD 26 uses a proprietary connector and requires a compatible Sennheiser cable, sold separately. Please confirm the cable model that matches your intercom or broadcast system before ordering. Can the boom microphone be moved from left to right? Yes. The boom arm is fully interchangeable and can be installed on either side of the headset to accommodate presenter preference. What is ActiveGard and why does it matter in broadcast? ActiveGard is Sennheiser’s built-in hearing protection system that limits sudden loud audio peaks critical for broadcast talent who may be exposed to unexpected IFB or program audio spikes during live production. Can I use the HMD 26 as a single-ear headset? Yes. The swiveling ear cap design allows one ear cup to be rotated away, enabling single-ear monitoring while still hearing the surrounding environment. What microphone polar pattern does the HMD 26 use? The boom microphone uses a hypercardioid pickup pattern, which tightly rejects off-axis noise and ambience ideal for noisy outdoor or stadium broadcast locations. Where can I purchase the Sennheiser HMD 26? The HMD 26 is available directly from Creation Networks, an authorized Sennheiser dealer.