Choosing the right vocal microphone can make all the difference in your live performance or studio recording. Two popular choices from Sennheiser, the e835 and e845, often leave musicians and sound engineers pondering which one best suits their needs.
While both are dynamic microphones designed for vocal applications and boast Sennheiser’s renowned build quality, subtle differences in their polar patterns and sonic characteristics can lead to distinct performance outcomes. Understanding these nuances is key to unlocking your best vocal sound.
This comparison dives deep into the Sennheiser e835 vs e845, breaking down their features and helping you decide which of these workhorse microphones deserves a spot in your setup.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | sennheiser e835 | e845 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid | Supercardioid |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz – 16kHz | 40Hz – 16kHz |
| Sensitivity | 1.8mV/Pa | 2.5mV/Pa |
| Impedance | 350 Ohms | 350 Ohms |
| Max. SPL | 155 dB | 155 dB |
| Connector | XLR | XLR |
| Dimensions | 181 x 47 mm | 181 x 47 mm |
| Weight | 330 g | 330 g |
| Body Material | Metal | Metal |
| Shock Mount | Internal | Internal |
| Phantom Power Required | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Polar Pattern
- Sennheiser E835: Cardioid. This pattern is most sensitive to sound directly in front of the microphone and rejects sound from the sides and rear. This makes it excellent for isolating vocals on a stage with loud monitoring or a busy sound environment. It’s forgiving if the vocalist moves slightly off-axis.
- E845: Supercardioid. The supercardioid pattern is even more directional than the cardioid, with tighter rejection from the sides but a small rear lobe of sensitivity. This offers superior isolation from ambient noise and feedback, making it ideal for very loud stages or situations where extreme clarity is paramount. However, it requires more precise vocal placement.
- Winner: e845
Frequency Response
- Sennheiser E835: Generally a balanced response with a slight presence boost in the upper mids. This helps vocals cut through a mix clearly and naturally. It’s a very versatile response suitable for a wide range of voices and genres.
- E845: Similar to the e835 but often perceived as having a slightly brighter or more ‘airy’ character, particularly in the higher frequencies. This can add a bit more sparkle and detail to vocals, making them stand out even further.
- Winner: e845
Sensitivity
- Sennheiser E835: Offers good sensitivity, meaning it doesn’t require excessive gain from the preamp to achieve a healthy signal level. This contributes to a lower noise floor and a cleaner overall sound.
- E845: Typically has slightly higher sensitivity than the e835. This means it can produce a stronger output signal with the same amount of sound pressure, potentially requiring slightly less gain from the preamp and further contributing to a lower noise floor.
- Winner: e845
Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL)
- Sennheiser E835: Rated for a high SPL, meaning it can handle very loud sound sources without distorting. This makes it a reliable choice for powerful singers or in loud live settings.
- E845: Also boasts a very high SPL rating, on par with or slightly exceeding the e835. This ensures it can capture the loudest vocal performances cleanly, preventing clipping and distortion even at extreme volumes.
- Winner: Tie
Build Quality & Durability
- Sennheiser E835: Features a robust metal construction, typical of Sennheiser’s live sound microphones. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of regular stage use, including drops and vibrations.
- E845: Shares the same excellent build quality with a solid metal body. It’s equally built to endure the demanding conditions of live performance, offering reliability and longevity.
- Winner: Tie
Handling Noise
- Sennheiser E835: Designed with internal shock mounting to minimize the transmission of handling noise. While generally good, some audible noise can still be present if handled very aggressively.
- E845: Also incorporates effective internal shock mounting to reduce handling noise. It generally performs very well in this regard, providing a cleaner signal when the vocalist might move the microphone.
- Winner: e845
Internal Shock Mount
- Sennheiser E835: Employs an internal shock mount system to isolate the capsule from vibrations transmitted through the microphone stand or direct handling. This is a standard feature for reducing unwanted low-frequency noise.
- E845: Features a well-engineered internal shock mount system that is highly effective at isolating the capsule from vibrations. This contributes significantly to a cleaner, more focused vocal sound by reducing rumble and handling noise.
- Winner: e845
Application & Versatility
- Sennheiser E835: An extremely versatile vocal microphone, widely used for live vocals across many genres, including rock, pop, and spoken word. Its balanced sound and forgiving pattern make it a go-to for many performers and sound engineers.
- E845: Excels in applications requiring maximum isolation and clarity, particularly on very loud stages or in challenging acoustic environments. While primarily for vocals, its directional nature can also make it suitable for certain instrument miking tasks where bleed is a major concern.
- Winner: e835
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Stage Rejection | e845 |
| Vocal Presence | e845 |
| On-Axis Versatility | e835 |
| Feedback Control | e845 |
| Price to Performance | e835 |
| Durability | Tie |
| Ease of Use (for beginners) | e835 |
What They Have in Common
- Durability: Both microphones are constructed with robust metal bodies, designed to withstand the rigors of live performance and frequent handling.
- Sound Quality: They offer clear, detailed vocal reproduction with a wide frequency response, making them suitable for various vocal styles.
- On-Stage Performance: Both are designed for live vocal applications, featuring internal shock mounts to minimize handling noise and robust construction for reliability.
- Connectivity: They both utilize standard XLR connectors, ensuring easy integration with professional audio equipment and mixers.
- No Phantom Power Needed: As dynamic microphones, neither requires phantom power to operate, simplifying setup and compatibility with different audio interfaces.
- Compact and Lightweight: Both models share similar dimensions and weight, making them comfortable to hold and manage during performances.
Sennheiser E835 Vs E845 Buying Guide
When to Choose the E835
The Sennheiser E835 is an excellent all-around dynamic microphone, perfect for vocalists who need a reliable and clear sound for live performances and studio work. Its broad frequency response makes it forgiving with different vocal types and singing styles. If you’re looking for a workhorse microphone that offers great value and consistent performance across various applications, the E835 is a strong contender.
It excels in capturing natural vocal tones without excessive coloration, making it a favorite for many lead singers. Its robust build also ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular touring and stage use. For those prioritizing a smooth, balanced vocal presentation and a proven track record, the E835 is a wise investment. (See Also: Maybelline Exhilarator Vs Pioneer )
When to Choose the E845
The Sennheiser E845 is the supercardioid counterpart, offering a tighter pickup pattern that provides greater rejection of off-axis sound. This makes it ideal for loud stage environments where minimizing bleed from other instruments is crucial. If you’re a vocalist who needs to cut through a dense mix or performs on stages with significant ambient noise, the E845’s focused pattern will be highly beneficial.
Its enhanced proximity effect can also add warmth and presence to vocals, which can be desirable for certain vocalists or musical genres. The supercardioid pattern also means you can get closer to the microphone for a more intimate sound, further isolating your voice. For situations demanding maximum vocal isolation and a pronounced presence, the E845 shines.
Pricier but Potentially Better Value
While the E845 generally comes with a slightly higher price tag than the E835, the added cost can translate to significant value depending on your specific needs. The superior off-axis rejection and tighter polar pattern of the E845 can eliminate the need for extensive EQing or additional noise suppression equipment in challenging live settings. This can save time during soundchecks and contribute to a cleaner overall mix.
For professionals working in demanding live sound environments or those who require the utmost vocal isolation, the investment in an E845 can prove to be more cost-effective in the long run by simplifying setup and enhancing performance quality. Consider your typical performance environment and budget when evaluating this factor. (See Also: Omron Bp5450 Vs Bp7450 )
Durability and Build Quality
Both the Sennheiser E835 and E845 are built to last, boasting the robust construction that Sennheiser is renowned for. They feature sturdy metal housings and durable grilles designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use, including being dropped or bumped on stage. This makes them reliable choices for touring musicians and busy venues where equipment longevity is paramount.
You can expect either microphone to endure countless performances without compromising sound quality. The internal shock mounts also help to minimize handling noise, further contributing to their professional build. While both are exceptionally durable, the slight price difference doesn’t typically reflect a significant disparity in their inherent toughness.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy sennheiser e835 If…
- You need a versatile, workhorse microphone for general vocal duties.
- You prioritize a slightly wider pickup pattern for more vocal freedom on stage.
- You are looking for a reliable and affordable option for live performance.
- You want a microphone that is forgiving with off-axis sound.
Buy e845 If…
- You require enhanced rejection of off-axis sounds to minimize stage bleed.
- You need a tighter pickup pattern for focused vocal projection and feedback control.
- You are performing in loud stage environments where isolation is critical.
- You want to achieve a slightly more present and forward vocal sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the E835 and E845?
The primary distinction lies in their polar patterns. The Sennheiser E835 features a cardioid pattern, offering a broad pickup area that captures sound from the front and sides while rejecting sound from the rear. The E845, on the other hand, has a supercardioid pattern, which is narrower than cardioid and provides even greater rejection of sound from the sides and rear, while also picking up a small amount from directly behind. This makes the E845 superior for isolating vocals in loud environments.
Which microphone is better for loud stages?
For loud stage environments where minimizing bleed from other instruments is crucial, the Sennheiser E845 is generally the better choice. Its supercardioid polar pattern offers tighter off-axis rejection compared to the E835’s cardioid pattern. This means the E845 is more effective at isolating your vocals and preventing feedback from monitors or other sound sources on stage, allowing your voice to cut through the mix more clearly. (See Also: Furnace Rental Vs Purchase )
Can the E835 be used for studio recording?
Absolutely. The Sennheiser E835 is a versatile dynamic microphone that performs very well in studio recording environments, especially for vocals. Its balanced frequency response captures a natural and clear sound without being overly bright or boomy. While it’s a staple for live performance, many engineers find it a reliable and cost-effective option for vocal tracking in the studio, particularly for genres that benefit from a direct and uncolored sound.
Does the E845 have more proximity effect than the E835?
Yes, the Sennheiser E845, due to its supercardioid polar pattern, typically exhibits a more pronounced proximity effect than the E835. Proximity effect is the bass boost that occurs when a directional microphone is brought very close to the sound source. This means that by getting closer to the E845, a vocalist can achieve a warmer, fuller tone. However, this also requires careful microphone technique to avoid excessive boominess.
Which microphone is more forgiving for beginners?
The Sennheiser E835 is often considered more forgiving for beginners. Its broader cardioid pickup pattern is less sensitive to slight variations in microphone placement compared to the tighter supercardioid pattern of the E845. This means that a beginner can move around the microphone a bit more without drastically altering their sound or introducing unwanted noise. The E835’s natural sound also makes it easier to get a good vocal tone without needing extensive EQ.
Final Verdict
Both the Sennheiser E835 and E845 are exceptional dynamic microphones, offering stellar performance for vocalists. The E835 stands out as a versatile all-rounder, providing a balanced and natural sound that’s forgiving for various vocalists and forgiving in less demanding environments. The E845 excels in its ability to isolate vocals on loud stages due to its tighter supercardioid pattern, offering greater presence and feedback rejection. For most general-purpose live vocal applications and studio work, the E835 offers incredible value. However, for those who frequently perform in noisy environments or require maximum vocal clarity, the E845’s focused pattern justifies its slightly higher cost.
Winner: Sennheiser E835