Sennheiser Microphones

Sennheiser falls right behind Shure as an industry standard.  Seven German scientists founded the company to make instruments for measurements.  Sixty years later, they make great, durable products for the stage, and also make the high-end studio mics by Neumann.

Sennheiser places a lot of emphasis on research and development.  Their innovations include open-back headphones, infrared transmission, and major contributions to the world of wireless audio transmission.  Their trademark stage microphone is the E835 Performance Vocal Mic.  They are versatile and also sound great on a guitar amp.

I use two 835s on stage: one as a vocal mic, and the other on a guitar amp, just simply hung from the handle strap.  I also keep a stockpile of four E822S’s in my microphone case, bought in a package deal.  They are the perfect emergency mic when you catch yourself short.  On stage and in studio, I use E604 tom mics.  They come three in a package, clip right onto the drum rim, and sound incredible.

Sennheiser placed its E835 in competition with Shure’s SM58 at $99.  Sennheiser is very good at packaging its mics.  Three 835s go for about $220; three 604 tom mics go for about $330; and two 822s can be picked up for around $90.  Their wireless systems are under $1,130.  Sennheiser microphones can be found at MusiciansFriend.com and Amazon.com.