Item: Sennheiser e835 Live Vocal Microphone
Price: £62 (UK), $99.95 (US)
Quick Singer Assessment:
The Sennheiser e835 comes highly recommended as a first live vocal microphone. However, it faces stiff competition from the AKG D5 and the Shure SM58.
At a Glance
Sennheiser’s e835 is a hand-held dynamic vocal microphone for use on stage. The microphone is able to handle high sound pressure levels and it is also very effective at rejecting feedback. It features an internal shock-mount for low handling noise and its rugged construction means that it should withstand years of use. It comes shipped with a standard microphone clip and a carry pouch.
High Notes
The microphone has a frequency response that has been tailored for vocals with a presence boost around 5kHz to help you cut through the mix and well defined mids that sound clear and unmuddied. It has a cardioid pickup pattern to help with isolation on stage and a hum compensating coil to minimize unwanted noise. It connects via a standard XLR cable (not included) and there is a version available with an on/off switch if required.
Off Pitch
There is very little to fault with the microphone at this price, however there are better microphones out there (the Sennheiser e965 for example) if you have the budget.
Audio-Savvy Reviewer Says…
As well as being a great choice for lead vocals on stage, the e838 can also produce good results on instruments such as snare and guitar cabinets. It has stiff competition from other microphones such as the excellent AKG D5 as well as the famous Shure SM58; however if you are looking for your first live vocal microphone, the Sennheiser e835 is definitely also worth trying out and comes highly recommended. – Chris Kennedy
Manufacturers Website: http://www.sennheiser.co.uk
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Chris Kennedy is a songwriter, producer multi-instrumentalist and freelance journalist from the UK. He has performed extensively over Europe and written and produced over a dozen albums. Chris also has a passion for music technology and was the principal product reviewer and tech expert of the original Voice Council magazine.
