Sennheiser E945

If you are looking for a microphone for singing, consider choosing renowned brands to avoid unpleasant surprises. This is particularly the case for Sennheiser. This German manufacturer is known for the solidity and sound quality of its microphones . Today, a dynamic vocal microphone from the Evolution series is on our test bench: the Sennheiser E945.

Let's review the technical characteristics of the Sennheiser E945. Also discover through this test our opinion on this model.

Focus on the Sennheiser brand

Before choosing a microphone, it is important to check if it is a reliable brand. This is why we offer you in the following lines a brief presentation of the Sennheiser brand before focusing on the test of the E945 microphone.

Along with Telefunken and Neumann, Sennheiser is among the most experienced microphone manufacturers This German brand has more than 75 years of experience.

The Sennheiser company owes its name to its founder: Doctor Fritz Sennheiser. It was created in 1945 and became known to the general public thanks to its measuring instruments.

In 1947, two years after the birth of Sennheiser, the company began manufacturing microphones. The DM2 was notably the first model put on sale on the market. Then comes a succession of models which have equipped many recording studios.

Many Sennheiser microphones have enjoyed great success with audiophiles. Among these, we can notably cite the Mikroport wireless microphone , the emblematic MD 421 cardioid microphone (see the other improved version: Sennheiser MD421-II ) and the MKH 816 shotgun microphone .

The Sennheiser brand has a great track record:

• In 1987, the company won first prize at the 59th Academy Awards thanks to the MKH 816 microphone.
• In 1996, it won a trophy at the Emmy Awards thanks to the performance of their HF system.
• In 2000, she won a medal thanks to the invention of the first condenser microphone to be equipped with a single converter system: the MKH 800
• In 2022, she won the prestigious gold medal from the AES (Audio Engineering Society) for all of her works.

We might as well tell you that Sennheiser is a reliable brand that has proven itself.

When it comes to the types of mics the company makes, the list is long: condenser mics, lavalier mics, shotgun mics, dynamic mics, and more.

In this article, we will focus on a dynamic microphone model from the brand: the Sennheiser E945.

Sennheiser E945 Microphone Overview

The Sennheiser E945 is a model that belongs to the category of dynamic microphones . The brand also offers several microphones of this type, to name only the MD421-II, the Sennheiser E609 , the E906 and the E835.

These types of microphones have three key components: a moving membrane called a diaphragm, a coil attached to it, and a magnet . Their operating principle is based on the law of electromagnetic induction. Subjected to sound pressure, the moving coil will move relative to the magnetic field of the magnet. Which will generate an electrical voltage.

Unlike ribbon microphones , dynamic microphones benefit from better shock resistance . Furthermore, the latter have the capacity to withstand high sound pressure levels. As such, they are practical when used on stage.

Just like the other models in the Sennheiser Evolution series (E609, E906, E835, etc.), the manufacturing quality is there with the E945. It benefits in particular from a metal mesh grille and a body also made of metal which give it robustness.

With its 365 g, the Sennheiser E945 weighs heavier than the E609 (only 140 g). However, this model remains significantly lighter than the micro SE Electronics DynaCaster , which weighs 850 g. The dimensions of the E945 fall within the usual standards since its diameter and length are 47 mm and 186 mm respectively.

As for accessories, this microphone comes with the following elements:

• A zipped pocket for easy storage of the microphone
• A microphone clip (MZQ 800) to attach the microphone to a stand
• Instructions including the French language

As for installing the Sennheiser, there is nothing rocket science. No need for phantom power since it is a dynamic microphone . To make it work, simply plug an XLR cable directly into an audio interface.

A dynamic microphone with a supercardioid polar pattern

When choosing a microphone, be sure to check how it picks up sound sources. Indeed, according to their sensitivity, microphones can be classified into 3 major categories, namely:

• Cardioid microphones which are sensitive to sound sources located in front of the microphone. They do not pick up sounds coming from the rear and strongly attenuate sounds from the sides.
• Bi-directional (or figure 8) microphones that pick up sounds coming from the front and back of the mic
• Omnidirectional microphones that pick up sounds equally across a 360-degree angle

As for the Sennheiser E945, this microphone benefits from a supercardioid directivity . This is another variation of the cardioid polar pattern. However, with this type of polar pattern, the microphone has a narrower pickup area . In addition, it slightly picks up sound sources coming from the rear. A detail to take into account when recording sound.

Note : It is not uncommon to find microphones that offer several types of polar patterns in a single device. Equipped with a switch, this type of microphone allows you to easily switch from one polar pattern to another. This is particularly the case with the vintage Neumann U47 FET microphone which displays a cardioid polar pattern and an omnidirectional polar pattern.

Areas of application for the Sennheiser E945 microphone

The Sennheiser E945 can be used both on stage and in the home studio. This is a model aimed at amateur and professional singers.

This microphone faithfully reproduces the voice of a singer on stage . Moreover, the manufacturer recommends this model for this use. Due to its supercardioid polar pattern, it has the ability to isolate surrounding noises such as audience screams and loud instruments.

Also, during a concert, this dynamic microphone can handle powerful sound sources. The ideal would be for the singer to be placed in the middle of the speakers and slightly behind them.

Although this Sennheiser microphone is designed for live performance , it is also useful in a professional studio . It is used in particular to record voice. Indeed, the supercardioid polar pattern of this mic also comes in handy in a recording room. This notably reduces traffic noise or noise coming from a neighboring room.

In addition, you can also use the Sennheiser E945 to record some musical instruments . Among other things, you can place it in front of the percussion or snare drum.

You will have understood: this professional microphone is mainly used for picking up a singer's voice (and possibly for picking up some acoustic instruments).

Want to record sounds in a room equally in all directions? By getting an omnidirectional ambient microphone like the Rode Wireless Go 2 , you will certainly find what you are looking for.

Sennheiser E945: a microphone designed to eliminate unwanted noise

The German manufacturer Sennheiser has really thought of everything so that this dynamic microphone can meet the demands of audiophiles. Indeed, by its design, it effectively attenuates noise likely to harm the quality of sound reproduction.

Equipped with an anti-hum compensation coil , the Sennheiser E945 greatly reduces parasitic noise. To boost your performance in reducing plosives, consider using a windscreen.

Furthermore, its supercardioid directivity has a positive impact on its rendering. Indeed, thanks to this polar pattern, it effectively rejects the feedback effect . In addition, thanks to its capsule equipped with an elastic shock absorber, this microphone remains insensitive to handling noise.

Focus on the sound quality of the Sennheiser E945

The Sennheiser E945 delivers impressive sound quality . The sound is particularly powerful. In addition, it reproduces the voice in a natural way. Added to this are a lot of details that will certainly please a perfectionist sound engineer.

Its frequency response varies between 40 Hz and 18,000 Hz , a wide range that is ideal for both female and male voices.

The sound characteristics of the Sennheiser E945 are quite similar to those of the Sennheiser E935 . The notable difference is that the latter has a cardioid polar pattern.

The advantage of the E935 is that the singer benefits from a certain flexibility in the studio . In particular, he can move around the microphone without affecting the quality of the recording. On the other hand, on stage, this model may be subject to feedback unlike the E945.

Another particularity of this vocal microphone: it displays a pronounced proximity effect. This means that the closer the singer gets to the mic, the more the low frequencies will be amplified.

Remember to use this sensitivity to the proximity effect wisely depending on the timbre of the singer's voice. For slightly thin voices, it makes more sense to sing close to the microphone. On the other hand, singers with extremely deep voices should stand a little further from the microphone.

The Sennheiser E945 also produces a decent output level . Indeed, it is not necessary to scream into the microphone to hear the voice. The sound of this mic is characterized by a uniform response whether on-axis or off-axis.

The technical characteristics of the Sennheiser E945

• Microphone type: dynamic
• Polar pattern: supercardioid
• Frequency response: 40 Hz to 18 kHz
• Sensitivity (1 kHz): 2 mV/Pa
• Nominal impedance: 350 Ohms
• Load impedance: > 1000 Ohms
• Connector: 3-pin XLR
• Dimensions: 47mm x 186mm
• Weight: 365g
• Accessories included: microphone clip, storage case

Our opinion on the Sennheiser E945 microphone

Fans of the Sennheiser brand will certainly be delighted to add this model to their collections. It must be said that with its metallic finish and robust construction, the Sennheiser E945 has it all.

This microphone is ideal for use on stage. Indeed, its metal body is designed to withstand harsh conditions during touring. In addition, it comes with a storage case which provides protection when traveling. Enough to guarantee its longevity.

Regarding the sound quality, from the first test, we immediately realize that we are in front of a professional microphone. Its performance has nothing to do with ordinary microphones. The Sennheiser E945 delivers a great performance whether live or in a recording studio.

His sound reproduction on a vocal take is excellent. Compared to the Shure SM 58, it offers more clarity. Besides, it can produce satisfying sound even without using an equalizer. Compared to the Shure Beta 87A, it gives more warmth to vocals.

It is entirely possible to use this microphone to capture instruments (a guitar amplifier for example). However, where it shows itself most interesting is when recording a singer's voice. In this context, its performance is close to that of high-end microphones. This microphone works wonders on tenors and female voices thanks to its sensitivity to proximity effect.

Another interesting point: the E945 comes with a microphone clip. Thus, it is no longer necessary to invest in this type of accessory to attach the microphone to a stand. Without forgetting that the MZQ 800 model is compatible with all microphones belonging to the Evolution series of the German brand.

Most :

• Natural, clear and detailed sound
• Exceptional performance on stage and in the studio
• Remarkable attenuation of unwanted noise
• Solidity of the metal body

The lessers :

• Limited range of application (this is a microphone recommended for vocal recording)

Our Verdict: If you're looking for a microphone for vocal reproduction, the Sennheiser E945 is a safe bet. What's more, it offers attractive value for money. We can only recommend this model to you.

Sennheiser E945 Demo

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