Sennheiser E835

The Sennheiser E835, like its partner the Sennheiser E835 S, is a dynamic microphone with cardioid polar pattern. This type of microphone has particular characteristics since it differs from a condenser microphone, an omnidirectional microphone and a bidirectional microphone.

Its response curve being more precise and narrow , this stereo microphone is more suitable for vocal recording than for instrumental recording . How does this microphone for singing differ from a Rode NT USB for podcast, a Blue yeti type microphone or any other dynamic moving coil microphones? Below is our complete test and review about the Sennheiser E835!

Sennheiser E835 Microphone Overview

The Sennheiser E835 is a dynamic microphone which meets particular specificities, because it only provides a single directivity . Its cardioid polar pattern therefore only allows this microphone to capture the sound wave coming from the front.

This microphone for singing also differs from a radio microphone and a simple USB podcast microphone like the Yeti, the Blue Yeti, the Blue Yeti Nano, the Rode NT1 or the Rode NT USB. These dynamic microphones, although quite powerful and efficient, are more suitable for use in a vocal recording studio than for use on stage for the audio amplification of several tracks at the analog inputs of a dedicated multichannel preamplifier.

To operate these types of transducers, you will normally have to connect them via USB cable to a computer interface. Although they are easy to use, these types of microphones cannot be used outside of recording vocals or instruments on a computer in a home studio. However, the dynamic moving coil microphone benefits from a specific design since it is equipped with a three-pin XLR connector .

Its sound quality far exceeds that of the USB podcast and voice microphones mentioned. The audio quality of a Sennheiser E835 is almost similar to that of a professional Neumann studio microphone (like the Neumann TLM49 for example) or to that of a high-end HF microphone The Sennheiser E835, just like a Neumann electrostatic microphone with a large membrane or diaphragm for that matter, allows for very high quality sound recording .

The difference lies only in the fact that for a Neumann type radio microphone which operates on a condenser, it must be provided with 48 Volt phantom power. If necessary, and particularly if it operates at a higher voltage, you will need to use a external transformer which will normally have to be supplied by the manufacturer.

This is particularly to ensure that the signal emitted from the sound source can emerge as an electrical signal before reaching the microphone input of a multichannel preamp such as the AMS Neve 1073 DPX or a power amplifier.

Such a type of microphone will also not be suitable for use on stage, and unhooked from its stand, as it remains extremely sensitive to handling noise. The Sennheiser E835 has the qualities of a Neumann-type condenser microphone, but does not inherit its faults.

Equipped with an XLR-3 connector, the Sennheiser E835 is one of the most efficient dynamic moving coil microphones. As precise as a sophisticated condenser microphone from Neumann, the Sennheiser E835 offers a fairly narrow frequency response of between 40 Hz and 16 kHz .

We will thus be able to better control the output level of the audio signal captured by the transducer of a Sennheiser E835 at the dedicated monitoring output, whether through a multichannel preamp or through that of a mixing desk , an audio equalizer or mixing console .

This is what sets it apart from other types of dynamic moving coil microphones, and which also generally only offer a fairly vague frequency response over a bandwidth of between 20 Hz and 20 kHz . Compared to the latter, the Sennheiser E835 gives a specific tone and wonderfully enhances the timbre of your voice.

Unlike a microphone for a recording studio or radio station, the Sennheiser E835 is ideal for vocal recording , speaking and live audio recording . This makes it easy to use outside the four walls of a recording studio or record label.

As effective as lavalier microphones (a tiny wireless microphone that can easily be pinned to your shirt), the Sennheiser E835 can be removed from its stand to be held by hand on stage, therefore during the show, without causing noise annoying handling.

The Sennheiser E835 also provides sound reproduction as clear and qualitative as that of a gooseneck microphone for speakers, except that it is much more versatile. With the Sennheiser E835, the presenter or solo singer will be able to move freely on stage without the surrounding sound pressure being able to be heard on the microphone. And this, of course, provided that it avoids interfering with the speakers .

More versatile than a studio microphone with microphone stand, protective frame (Spider) and windshield, the Sennheiser E835 is suitable for both sound recording in a recording studio and for use on stage (outdoors or in a performance hall). As a result, the Sennheiser E835 can be used for voice recording as well as for sound reinforcement.

Dedicated to home studios, semi-professional recording studios as well as sound reinforcement on stage, the Sennheiser E835 is specially designed for singing and speaking. This dynamic , unidirectional produces clearly defined sound.

Its unique tone stands out from the sound imprints of the various surrounding audio sources on stage, whether vocals or instruments. The Sennheiser E835 is a microphone for solo singers that can also be used as a stage microphone for presenters. This type of microphone has been particularly designed to be able to withstand the high surrounding acoustic pressures:

• Robust construction with an all-metal body.
• Ability to withstand high sound pressure of up to 150 dB Spl.
• Suspended capsule to provide good stability when holding the microphone (outside its stand), which above all makes the Sennheiser E835 much more practical to use compared to transducers incorporating very poor quality capsules.
• Cardioid polar pattern: to better isolate vocal sound from various other surrounding sound sources on stage.
• Metal protection grid to offer more compatibility for use on stage and outdoors.
• Dynamic microphone designed with a compensation coil to suppress hum noises.
• Good rejection of acoustic clashes.
• Completely correct and constant response both on and off axis.

The set includes:

• The Sennheiser E835 microphone
• An MZQ 800 microphone clip
• A case
• A user manual

Easy, quick and efficient handling

Visibly, the head of the Sennheiser E835 microphone is covered with a detachable protective grille. Particularly for ease of maintenance and above all to provide good durability to this dynamic microphone.

As for its end, it is equipped with an XLR-3 connector to which you can connect a balanced or unbalanced XLR cable depending on the configuration you wish to operate. As mentioned, the Sennheiser E835 is also supplied with an MZQ 800 microphone clip.

This clamp is used in particular to attach the Sennheiser E835 to a stage microphone tripod. Installing the E835 is easy. To do this, we will simply have to:

• Screw the MZQ 800 microphone clamp onto a stage microphone stand.
• Place the E835 with its rear end into the microphone clip.
• Adjust the position of the Sennheiser E835 so that it is properly erect on its stand (as stable as with a shotgun microphone) using the MZQ 800 microphone clamp.
• Connect the XLR-3 jack of your microphone cable (balanced or unbalanced) to the XLR-3 jack of the E835.
• Connect the Sennheiser E835 to the input of a power amplifier, preamp or mixer.
• Cover the head of the E835 microphone with an MZW 4032 anti-blow windscreen (available as an option) to ensure clean and refined sound reproduction.

High-end dynamic microphone

Before getting to the heart of the matter, let us point out once again that the Sennheiser E835 differs from a USB microphone : a type of microphone that the sound engineer can coldly describe as a “cheap microphone”.

It is true that a USB microphone such as Yeti, Blue Yeti, Blue Yeti Nano, Rode Nt1 or Rode NT USB remains simpler to connect and configure than a dynamic microphone with an XLR connector. Note, however, that this ease of connection also has its own disadvantage since a USB microphone provides sound reproduction whose quality often leaves something to be desired.

This is not the case for the Sennheiser E835 dynamic microphone since it has an XLR connection. The E835 is therefore better able to transmit the entire audio signal without drop or loss to the input of a multi-channel preamp such as the API Audio The Channel Strip or that of a power amplifier.

The Sennheiser E835 XLR microphone also provides distinctive , very high-fidelity sound reproduction in Stereo . Its cardioid or unidirectional polar pattern helps perfect this audio signal transmission for good reason.

The Sennheiser E835 only focuses on a single audio source. Which allows this cardioid microphone to pick up sound optimally and remain completely unaffected by the influence of any surrounding audio sources on stage.

Solid yet fragile microphone

The Sennheiser E835 being a dynamic microphone is more durable than a condenser microphone . It is more suitable for use on stage than in a studio. Please note, however, that despite its robustness, the Sennheiser E835 being a coil microphone (therefore low impedance ) remains very fragile.

A Sennheiser E835, just like any other type of dynamic moving coil microphone (XLR or USB), requires no external power unlike a condenser condenser microphone.

So, when you want to take vocals in the studio with the Sennheiser E835 using a mixing desk, a microphone preamplifier or an external audio equalizer, you must ensure that the Phantom Power switch at the input is disabled. This will protect the Sennheiser E835 and your studio gear or recording equipment.

Let us remember, whether it is a dynamic USB microphone or a moving coil XLR microphone like the Sennheiser E835, that dynamic microphones do not incorporate a capacitor. Moving coil mics and ribbon microphones are also referred to Lo-Z ”) microphones

These, like the Sennheiser E835 equipped with XLR connectors, must therefore operate by direct connection ( symmetrical or asymmetrical ) to an amplifier or to a preamp. All this without the need to activate the 48 Volt phantom power switch (for condenser microphone).

Microphone for singer or presenter?

Purchasing the Sennheiser E835 remains ideal when you want to acquire a dynamic XLR microphone in order to use it for vocal recordings or for sound reinforcement on stage . Its polar pattern with cardioid directivity makes the Sennheiser E835 particularly effective as a microphone for singing or a microphone for speech.

The transducer of a cardioid microphone like the Sennheiser E835 displays a unidirectional polar pattern . It therefore only captures the sound wave coming from a single source. This feature differs from a Blue Yeti type microphone which can be configured to offer cardioid, omnidirectional or bidirectional polar pattern.

A bidirectional microphone picks up sounds from two sources simultaneously, while an omnidirectional mic evenly picks up sound waves from multiple sources. A single omnidirectional microphone or ambient microphone is therefore sufficient to capture the sound of various audio sources (for example: the voices of several singers).

As for the bidirectional microphone, it allows you to simultaneously capture two voices or two different audio sources. The use of a single bidirectional microphone allows the sound capture of a duo.

The Sennheiser E835 differs from these two types of microphones (omnidirectional and bidirectional) since it is not capable of capturing only the sound wave coming from a single voice or a single instrument. But this (presupposed) limit presents an enormous advantage for any solo singer who knows how to benefit from it.

With the Sennheiser E835, you can sing, host a show, play an instrument such as the acoustic guitar or sing while playing your instrument solo.

The enormous advantage lies in the audio quality of the recordings to be made since by focusing on a single sound source, therefore without the need to use an external microphone (wired or wireless), the Sennheiser E835 captures the signal at best. This allows for excellent audio isolation from various other sound sources. To do this, we must first of all be able to take better advantage of the proximity effect.

Zoom on the sound quality of the Sennheiser E835 microphone

With the Sennheiser E835, audio capture is optimal at a very short distance (less than 5 cm from the transducer ) and without having to increase the microphone volume. This is particularly true when you want to take advantage of the proximity effect at a frequency between 125 and 500 Hz . This frequency range includes Bass and Mids.

Between 639 and 741 Hz (corresponding to the high-midrange), you will have to stay more or less away from the Sennheiser E835 (therefore approximately 5 or 10 cm from the microphone), to be able to express yourself or sing at medium tone. Between 852 and 963 Hz (for treble), you will need to position yourself approximately 10 or 15 cm from the microphone to produce a beautiful sound effect when singing or speaking out loud.

Ultra High Frequency sounds, it would be preferable to locate it at a distance strictly greater than 10 cm from the sound source.

To guarantee perfect voice capture when using a Sennheiser E835 type microphone, you must be careful to hold it correctly and straight. This will avoid holding the microphone by its head at the risk of altering the sound that will come out.

We'd better hold him by his body. To prevent the occurrence of sibilants, you will only have to tilt the microphone slightly in relation to the mouth.

We will also avoid causing any feedback effect and distortion by ensuring that the Sennheiser E835 is correctly positioned in relation to the monitor speakers. They must therefore be located facing the E835 microphone at an approximate angle of 180 degrees , but never at the rear of the microphone. We must ensure that the speakers which will be used to hear the feedback are located within the maximum attenuation angle of the Sennheiser E835: approximately 180°.

In order to obtain a more pronounced sound proximity effect with the Sennheiser E835, we will favor a short distance of around 2.5 cm from the microphone. We will thus obtain a more powerful , rounded , refined and warm in the midrange and bass (from 125 to 500 Hz ). This placement also provides perfect isolation of the microphone from other nearby sound sources.

If you want to add a little ambiance, with natural sound reproduction and less bass, you will only have to place the Sennheiser E835 at a distance of approximately 5 to 10 cm from the source. We will thus be able to better play on the proximity effect depending on the tone and volume of the voice. This microphone placement relative to the source is ideally suited to frequencies in the high-midrange (between 639 and 741 Hz ).

To have a reflected sound reproduction and in phase with the other surrounding sound sources (therefore with very little bass and sound isolation), we will favor a microphone positioning more than 10 cm from the transmitting source.

The range in which this configuration can be adopted is in the high frequencies and is approximately between 852 and 963 Hz . Regarding the dynamic description of the frequency response curve, this is established at approximately -63 Dpa (Decibel per Ampere) at 50 Hz . Between 100 and 200 Hz , the curve increases from -57 Dpa to -53 Dpa . From 200 Hz to 2 kHz , the dynamic description of the response curve stabilizes at approximately -54 Dpa .

When we are at a frequency between 2 and 5 kHz , the response curve rises from -54 Dpa to reach its peak of around -47 Dpa (at its point of arrival at 5 kHz). From 5000 Hz to 20,000 Hz , the response curve will descend to its completion point of -70 Dpa at 20 kHz .

The technical characteristics of the Sennheiser E835

• Microphone type: dynamic
• Brand: Sennheiser
• Model: E835
• Directivity: cardioid
• Connector: XLR-3
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 16 kHz
• Sensitivity (free field to no load): 2.7 mV/Pa
• Maximum sound pressure: 150 dB Spl
• Nominal impedance (at 1 kHz): 350 Ω
• Minimum load impedance: 1 kΩ
• Temperature range: 0°C to +40°C
• Dimensions: 48 x 180 mm
• Weight: 330g

Our opinion on the Sennheiser E835 microphone

The Sennheiser E835 being a dynamic XLR microphone allows you to obtain sound quality far superior to that of USB microphones. A Sennheiser E835 type XLR microphone guarantees optimal sound transmission without generating the slightest signal loss. Its cardioid directivity also allows this microphone to be more compatible with voice recording.

Equipped with a microphone like the Sennheiser E385 or several microphone units of this type, you can easily perfect the audio recording of a voice whether for singing or recording speech in the studio.

This microphone for solo singers and dedicated to presenters offers perfect sound isolation compared to other directivities (bidirectional and omnidirectional). The Sennheiser E835 being a dynamic moving coil microphone remains more solid and robust to use than any electrostatic condenser microphone.

This makes it particularly effective for use in studio and sound reinforcement purposes both outdoors and inside a performance hall. The Sennheiser E835 also offers a fairly narrow frequency response of between 40 Hz and 16 kHz.

This means that it allows you to obtain better definition and more sound detail compared to other microphones (dynamic and electrostatic) which display a wider frequency response of between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. The Sennheiser E835 being a dynamic microphone, by its nature, also remains capable of withstanding high sound pressure of up to 150 dB Spl.

With a Sennheiser E835 type microphone, you will not need an attenuator (i.e. a -20 dB pad) to control the rate of incoming audio signal at the input of an amplifier power amplifier, a preamp, a mixing desk, an external audio equalizer or a sophisticated mixing console.

Its very low sensitivity to handling noise makes it quite effective for use on a show stage, freed from its mounting base. With the Sennheiser E835, the proximity effect remains optimal at very short distance in both bass and midrange thanks to its cardioid directivity.

The sensitivity of the microphone at 2.7 mV/Pa allows it to pick up the voice optimally. All this while isolating the voice of the solo singer or that of the presenter from any other nearby sound source.

The Sennheiser E835 has a nominal impedance of 350Ω at 1 kHz to provide very high compatibility with most of the latest generation power amplifiers, preamps, mixers and mixing consoles.

You will only need to ensure that the phantom power switch at the preamp level is deactivated to avoid damage to the Sennheiser E838 and the studio or sound equipment. We would above all recommend the use of the Sennheiser E835 to solo singers and presenters.

Whether you wish to install a single or several dynamic microphones such as Sennheiser E835, the purchase of this microphone model could only represent a safe bet to meet exactly these purposes of use (both inside a studio than in a concert hall or even on an open-air performance stage).

If, on the other hand, you wish to purchase a Sennheiser XLR microphone for instrumental recording, you would recommend the Sennheiser E608 with cardioid polar pattern. Able to withstand high sound pressure levels, this type of microphone remains more suitable for picking up audio from instruments such as toms, snare drums and bass drums, but also brass instruments such as the trumpet, trombone and saxophone.

To respond to broader and more versatile applications (taking voices and acoustic instruments), we can turn to the choice of a Sennheiser E614 with omnidirectional directivity. This type of microphone allows you to record voice, group singing, the sound of an acoustic guitar, a violin, an acoustic piano and a cymbal.

Finally, if you wish to acquire a dynamic XLR microphone to have the possibility of using it as both a cardioid microphone and an omnidirectional microphone, you should instead turn to the choice of a Sennheiser E965.

Sennheiser E835 Demo

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