Sennheiser E609

Are you a guitarist? And are you looking for a studio microphone to capture your guitar amp ? Try the Sennheiser E609. This is a dynamic microphone that benefits from good build quality. But that's not its only strong point! This model offers many other advantages that will certainly appeal to professionals and electric guitar enthusiasts. Discover the complete review of the Sennheiser E609.

Focus on the Sennheiser brand

Sennheiser is a German company with over 75 years of experience in microphone production . Today, this brand has established itself as one of the market leaders . A quick look back at its history before diving into the review of the Sennheiser E609.

It all began in 1945: Doctor Fritz Sennheiser founded a company under the name LabW . At the time, the company began designing measuring instruments.

Two years after the creation of the company, in 1947, it began to produce microphones, notably the DM2. This first microphone manufactured by LabW had little success. It was only 10 years later, in 1957, that the German company began to make itself known in the world of audio recording. That year, the company released the famous Mikroport , a wireless microphone designed for television professionals .

In 1958, Fritz Sennheiser changed the name of the company: LabW became Sennheiser Electronic . Two years later, the company distinguished itself with their cardioid microphone : the Sennheiser MD 421.

Sennheiser also became known thanks to the release of the MKH 816 shotgun microphone in 1987. Moreover, this microphone won a trophy at the 59th Academy Awards. In 1996, the company was crowned once again: this time, it was at the Emmy Awards thanks to their HF technology.

In 2000, Sennheiser won another medal with the MKH 800 which was the first condenser mic to feature a single converter system .

For all of his works, the director of the Sennheiser company, Fritz Sennheiser (the son), won the gold medal of the AES (Engineering Society) in 2002.

Perhaps one of Sennheiser's most notable successes was the launch of the MD 441 . It should be noted that many professionals consider this model to be one of the best dynamic supercardioid polar pattern microphones of all time. In this article, we will focus on another supercardioid dynamic microphone : the E609.

Let's review the design quality of this microphone as well as its technical characteristics. We will also give you our opinion on the Sennheiser E609.

Sennheiser E609 Microphone Overview

The Sennheiser E609 is a dynamic microphone just like the SE Electronics DynaCaster and the Telefunken M80 Standard . This type of microphone works on the same principle as ribbon microphones with a few details. Indeed, in dynamic microphones, we find a moving coil rather than a metal ribbon. In addition, these are less fragile than ribbon microphones.

The build quality of the Sennheiser E609 is simply remarkable. It must be said that this is no surprise for fans of this renowned brand. With its flattened shape , its design is similar to that of the legendary MD 409 . The latter being a vintage microphone very popular because of its unique sound quality . Unfortunately, Sennheiser has ceased production of this model.

The E609 weighs just 140g , making it among the lightest dynamic microphones on the market. We are a long way from the DynaCaster from SE Electronics which weighs 850 g.

Despite its light weight, this model is still quite robust. In fact, its body is made of metal, which offers good protection in the event of an impact.

What about the accessories delivered with the Sennheiser E609? Well, the microphone comes with a padded carrying case . Added to this is an MZQ 100 microphone . In the box you will also find a 5/8 to 3/5 inch thread adapter.

Sennheiser E609: a dynamic microphone with supercardioid directivity

Most dynamic microphones on the market feature a cardioid polar pattern. This is particularly the case with the E835 from Sennheiser, the 545 SD from Shure and the PodMic from Rode . This polar pattern allows these mics to capture sounds coming from the front . On the other hand, it excludes sound sources that come from behind the microphone. As for sounds from the sides, these are greatly attenuated.

The Sennheiser E609 stands out from other dynamic microphones due to its supercardioid polar pattern . This is a variation of the cardioid polar pattern. Indeed, this type of directivity makes it possible to capture sounds coming from the front , but with a more restricted sound pickup angle. In addition, a supercardioid microphone is more sensitive to sounds coming from the rear compared to a cardioid microphone.

The E609 dynamic microphone: an easy-to-use model

To capture the sound of a guitar amplifier, in most cases, you must use a support (a tripod for example). With the Sennheiser E609, you won't need it. In fact, you just have to hang the microphone on your guitar amp. This is possible thanks in particular to its flat design.

Due to its atypical shape, it must be said that this model is designed to facilitate the recording of an amp . FRONT label on one side of the mic. This is located in particular below the grid. With this all-caps label, even a five-year-old can easily identify which side should be stuck to the speaker grill.

Sennheiser E609: its areas of application

The Sennheiser E609 is designed to capture the sound of an electric guitar . Moreover, the German manufacturer recommends this microphone for this use. It may be particularly suitable for live or studio recording .

Just make sure you position the microphone on the correct side when recording. If everything is in order, all you have to do is plug in your guitar and that's it.

As it is a unidirectional microphone , the E609 is therefore suitable for voice recording. It is particularly possible to use this microphone for singing and voiceover.

You can also rely on this mic to record some acoustic instruments. These include an acoustic guitar, a snare drum, toms and even percussion. If you are an accordionist, know that this mic can also be used to record an accordion.

However, there are a few applications that the E609 would not be suitable for. This is particularly the case for recording the atmosphere of a room. Indeed, due to its supercardioid polar pattern, this model is not designed to record, for example, a choir. In this case, you will need a microphone that is equally sensitive in all polar patterns. We are obviously talking about an omnidirectional microphone .

Furthermore, if you are a gamer or streamer, you will certainly find what you are looking for by adopting a USB micro. However, please favor reliable models that have proven themselves. With this in mind, I advise you to opt for the Blue Yeti X or the Rode NT-USB.

Focus on the sound quality of the Sennheiser E609

The sound quality of the E609 is impressive. His performance perfectly meets my requirements whether live or in the studio. Among other things, on an electric guitar, the sound is both natural and powerful . The clarity of the sound it provides is undoubtedly linked to the presence of a neodymium magnet . Added to this is its precision in the midrange which is just fabulous. Compared to the Shure SM57, the bass of the E609 is more rounded.

However, be sure to glue the microphone grille to the speaker of your guitar amp. This way, you will see that the sound reproduction will be optimal.

Used for singing, this microphone offers a rather decent sound overall . However, it tends to emphasize the highs. This microphone brings depth to the sound of an accordion. Here again, the sound reproduction in the midrange is exceptional .

This microphone is equipped with a spring capsule . Which explains its ability to attenuate background noise. Thanks to its unidirectional polar pattern, it effectively rejects off-axis sound.

The frequency response of the Sennheiser E609 is between 40 Hz and 15,000 Hz , exactly the same as that of the Shure SM57 . This mic can handle high pressure levels without facing a distortion issue. Moreover, this is why it is possible to place it very close to the speakers.

Another point not to be overlooked: this microphone is sensitive to the proximity effect . To put it simply, the closer the sound source is to the microphone, the more the low frequencies will be emphasized. Note that this is a feature that this model shares with the majority of unidirectional microphones.

What is the advantage of the Sennheiser E609's sensitivity to proximity effect? Well, if you plan to use this microphone for singing, this feature will help you optimize the warmth of the sound . Also, don't hesitate to use this increased sensitivity to give character to your voice and obtain an intimate sound .

That said, if you're looking for a microphone that isn't prone to proximity effect, opt for omnidirectional microphones.

Technical characteristics Sennheiser E609

• Microphone type: dynamic
• Directivity: supercardioid
• Frequency response: 40 Hz to 15 kHz
• Sensitivity (free field, open circuit, 1 kHz ): 1.5 Mv/Pa
• Nominal impedance: 350 Ohms
• Load impedance: ≥ 1000 Ohms
• Connector: 3-pin XLR
• Dimensions: 55 x 34 x 134 mm
• Weight: 140g

Our opinion on the Sennheiser E609 microphone

Are you wondering which microphone to record an electric guitar? Don't look anywhere else. The Sennheiser E609 is the one for you. In terms of sound character, this microphone tickles the legendary MD 409 whose price is much more expensive.

Whether live or in the studio, it delivers exceptional sound when playing guitar. Furthermore, it is easy to handle. In fact, unlike the SM57, no support is required to correctly capture the sound of an amp with the E609. In addition, it saves space in a home studio or on stage. Not to mention saving time during the preparation phase.

Featuring a robust construction, this microphone will undoubtedly accompany you for several years of recording. What's more, this microphone offers good value for money. It will delight amateur or professional guitarists who want to get a microphone with good sound quality without breaking the bank.

Here is a quick summary of the advantages of the Sennheiser E609:

• Exceptional sound for an electric guitar pickup
• Low background noise
• Robust design
• Design designed to facilitate positioning on an amp
• Can be used without microphone stand
• Supercardioid polar pattern
• Designed for studio and stage use
• Able to withstand loud sound sources
• Excellent value

What about the cons of the Sennheiser E609? The only negative point of this microphone is that it is not versatile. In fact, this is a model specially designed for taking a guitar amp.

Obviously, it is entirely possible to use the E609 for vocals or drum toms. But where this mic shows its best performance is undoubtedly when you use it to capture the amp of an electric guitar. That said, if you want to purchase a microphone that is suitable for a wide variety of applications, I recommend the Telefunken TF-47.

My verdict: If you plan to use the Sennheiser E609 primarily to record your electric guitar, I can only recommend it.

Sennheiser E609 Demo

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