Sennheiser e845 Review: A Supercardioid Microphone for Professional Vocals and Instruments
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Sennheiser e845 is a professional-grade supercardioid dynamic microphone designed for live vocals and instruments. It’s known for its extended high-frequency response, making it particularly well-suited for capturing the nuances of vocal performances and the clarity of acoustic instruments. I’ve had the opportunity to put this mic through its paces in various live settings and studio recording sessions, and I’m here to share my in-depth review.
Features
The e845 boasts a number of features that contribute to its exceptional performance:
- Supercardioid Polar Pattern: This pattern offers excellent off-axis rejection, minimizing unwanted noise and feedback. This is crucial for live performances, especially in loud environments.
- Extended High-Frequency Response: The e845’s extended high-frequency response delivers a crisp and detailed sound, capturing the subtle nuances of vocals and instruments.
- Rugged Construction: The mic is built to withstand the rigors of live performance, with a sturdy metal construction and a shock-resistant grille.
- Integrated Pop Filter: The e845 features a built-in pop filter to minimize unwanted plosives (breath sounds) during vocal recordings.
Performance
In my experience, the e845 consistently delivers excellent audio quality. I’ve used it for both vocals and acoustic instruments, and it excelled in both applications. The extended high-frequency response captures the richness of vocal harmonies and the detail of acoustic guitar strings.
The supercardioid polar pattern is incredibly effective at isolating the sound source, minimizing bleed from other instruments on stage or in a recording environment. This is a huge plus for live performances and studio recordings where you need precise sound capture.
The e845 also performs well in loud environments. It handles high SPLs without distortion, making it a reliable choice for concerts and other high-volume situations. The built-in pop filter effectively eliminates unwanted plosives, providing clear and professional-sounding recordings.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional audio quality with extended high-frequency response
- Effective supercardioid polar pattern for excellent off-axis rejection
- Rugged construction built for live performance
- Integrated pop filter minimizes unwanted plosives
- Handles high SPLs without distortion
Cons:
- The e845 can be a bit sensitive to handling noise, so it’s important to use a good shock mount.
Final Verdict
The Sennheiser e845 is an exceptional supercardioid microphone that excels in live vocal and instrument applications. Its extended high-frequency response, excellent off-axis rejection, and rugged construction make it a top choice for professionals and serious musicians. While it can be slightly sensitive to handling noise, this can be easily mitigated with a good shock mount.
If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performance microphone for live performances or studio recording, the Sennheiser e845 is definitely worth considering. I highly recommend it for its exceptional sound quality and robust build.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Dynamic |
| Polar Pattern | Supercardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 1.5 mV/Pa |
| Impedance | 300 ohms |
| Connector | XLR-3M |
| Weight | 290 g |