Sennheiser E845 Dynamic Vocal Handheld Microphone

The Sennheiser E845 (often styled as "e 845") is another highly respected dynamic microphone from Sennheiser's Evolution series, designed specifically for live vocals and speech. It shares many similarities with its sibling, the E835, but with a key difference in its polar pattern and subtle sonic characteristics.

While the E835 is a cardioid microphone, the E845 features a supercardioid polar pattern, which offers enhanced feedback rejection and isolation.

Here's a detailed look at its key features and specifications:

Core Design & Capsule:

• Dynamic Microphone: Like the E835, it's a dynamic mic, making it robust and capable of handling very high sound pressure levels (SPLs) without distortion, suitable for loud stages and powerful vocalists (rated for SPLs in excess of 150 dB).

• Supercardioid Polar Pattern: This is the defining characteristic of the E845. A supercardioid pattern is even tighter than a cardioid pattern, providing:

  • Superior Feedback Rejection: It offers even greater resistance to feedback, especially important on very loud stages or with aggressive monitor mixes.

  • Enhanced Isolation: It is highly effective at rejecting sounds from the sides and, to a lesser extent, the rear, helping to isolate the vocalist's voice from other instruments or stage noise. This means you need to be more precise about singing directly into the mic for optimal sound.

• Hum Compensating Coil: An internal coil helps to reduce electromagnetic hum and interference from electrical sources, ensuring a cleaner audio signal.

Performance & Sound:

• Clear, High-Output Sound with Presence Lift: The E845 is designed for power, clarity, and projection. It has an extended high-frequency response and a presence lift in the upper mids, helping vocals cut through a dense mix. While similar in overall clarity to the E835, some describe the E845 as having a slightly smoother top end with more treble extension, being a bit less "hyped" in the upper-mid range than the E835.

• Consistent On-/Off-Axis and Proximity Response: Despite its tighter supercardioid pattern, Sennheiser designs these mics to maintain consistent sound quality even if the vocalist moves slightly off-axis or varies their distance. This makes them relatively forgiving for varying mic techniques.

• Frequency Response: Typically 40 Hz - 16 kHz.

• Sensitivity: 1.8 mV/Pa (-55 dBV), providing a good output level.

• Output Impedance: 350 Ohms.

Physical Design & Durability:

• Rugged All-Metal Housing: The E845 is built to withstand the rigors of live performance and touring. Its durable metal construction ensures reliability and longevity.

• Advanced Internal Shockmount: The capsule is internally shock-mounted, effectively isolating it from mechanical vibrations and handling noise (thumps and rumbles from holding or moving the mic).

• Sleek Aesthetic: Typically features a black finish.

• Available with or without a switch: Like the E835, the standard E845 does not include an on/off switch, which is generally preferred in professional live sound environments to prevent accidental muting. However, an E845-S model is available that includes a silent, lockable on/off switch for added versatility in certain applications (e.g., presentations, spoken word).

Applications:

• Lead Vocals (especially in loud environments): Its supercardioid pattern makes it particularly well-suited for lead vocalists in bands with high stage volumes, as it minimizes feedback and isolates the vocal.

• Background Vocals: Excellent for tightly controlled background vocals in a band mix.

• Speech and Presentations: Its clarity and strong rejection of ambient noise make it ideal for public speaking.

• Choirs: Can be effective for picking up individual voices within a choir while rejecting surrounding sounds.

Included Accessories:

• Microphone Clip (Sennheiser MZQ 800)

• Protective Pouch

E845 vs. E835 - Key Distinction:

The main difference between the E845 and the E835 lies in their polar pattern and the resulting performance:

• E835 (Cardioid): Wider pickup pattern, more forgiving of a singer's movement, but slightly more susceptible to off-axis bleed and feedback in extreme high-volume situations. Generally has a slightly more pronounced upper-midrange presence.

• E845 (Supercardioid): Tighter pickup pattern, offering superior feedback rejection and isolation. Requires the vocalist to be more consistently on-axis (singing directly into the mic) for optimal sound. Can have a slightly smoother high-end.

Choosing between them often comes down to the specific vocalist's technique, the stage environment, and personal tonal preference. The E845 excels when maximum isolation and feedback suppression are paramount.