What is the primary function of the PTT switch on the e835 PTT?

The Push-to-Talk (PTT) switch is a momentary button that allows audio to transmit only when it is being held down. This ensures the microphone is muted by default, preventing unwanted background noise or private conversations from being broadcast.

Does the e835 PTT require phantom power?

No, as a dynamic microphone, the e835 PTT does not require 48V phantom power to operate. It can be plugged directly into any standard XLR input on a mixer or audio interface.

How does the cardioid pattern benefit the user?

The cardioid pickup pattern focuses on sound coming from the front of the microphone and rejects sound from the rear. This helps reduce background noise and minimizes the risk of feedback in live sound environments.

What is the build quality of the e835 PTT?

The microphone features a rugged metal construction designed for durability. This makes it suitable for heavy daily use in demanding environments like public transport hubs or busy conference centres.

Can the e835 PTT be used for singing?

While it uses the same high-quality capsule as the standard e835 vocal mic, the PTT switch makes it less practical for traditional singing performances. It is primarily designed for speech, announcements, and communication.

Is the switch a locking switch or a momentary switch?

The e835 PTT features a momentary switch, meaning the user must keep their finger on the button to stay unmuted. It does not click into a 'permanent on' position like a standard toggle switch.

What kind of output connector does it use?

It uses a standard 3-pin balanced XLR output. This provides a secure, professional connection to most PA systems, mixers, and audio interfaces.

How does it compare to the Shure SM58?

Both are legendary dynamic microphones, but the e835 PTT is specifically tailored for paging and controlled speech with its integrated switch. The SM58 is a general-purpose vocal microphone and typically does not feature a PTT button in its standard configuration.

Is the e835 PTT suitable for paging systems?

Yes, it is ideal for paging systems. The momentary switch allows operators to quickly make announcements without needing to manually adjust mixer faders to mute the channel afterward.

Does the microphone come with a cable?

Typically, the e835 PTT is sold as a standalone microphone unit. Users will need to provide their own XLR cable to connect it to their sound system.

What is the sound character of the e835 capsule?

The capsule is known for its clear, natural vocal reproduction with a presence boost that helps speech cut through background noise without sounding harsh.

Can this microphone be mounted on a stand?

Yes, it has a standard handheld form factor and can be used with a variety of microphone clips and stands for hands-free operation, though the user must still be able to reach the PTT button.

Gear article

Sennheiser e835 PTT Dynamic Handheld Cardioid Microphone

The Sennheiser e835 PTT is a dynamic cardioid microphone specifically modified with a momentary push-to-talk switch for controlled vocal transmission. Based on the standard e835 capsule, it is designed for speech applications in live presentation, paging systems, and communication environments where audio must only be active during specific intervals.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Sennheiser e835 PTT is a professional-grade dynamic microphone tailored for speech and vocal use. It features a rugged metal body designed to withstand demanding live environments, such as conference halls or paging stations. The defining feature of this variant is the integrated push-to-talk (PTT) switch, which differs from a standard on/off switch by only allowing audio to pass when the button is actively held down by the user.

Equipped with a cardioid pickup pattern, the microphone is engineered to focus on the source directly in front of the capsule while rejecting sound from the rear. This design helps to minimise feedback and background noise in busy public spaces.

Sound Character

The microphone is voiced for clear and natural reproduction of the human voice. It maintains a balanced frequency response that provides presence without sounding overly brittle. Because it uses a dynamic capsule, it handles high sound pressure levels well and is less sensitive to ambient room reflections than typical condenser microphones, making it effective for announcements in echoing environments.

Applications

The e835 PTT is specifically suited for roles where audio discipline is required. Common use cases include:

Paging Systems: For retail or transport hubs where announcements should only occur when the operator is ready.
Conferences: For delegates or chairpeople who need to speak briefly without leaving an open mic on the table.
Communication Environments: For talkback systems in broadcast or live sound reinforcement.
Live Presentations: For speakers who require tactile control over their signal transmission.

Market Comparison

Within the Sennheiser Evolution series, the e835 PTT serves as a specialized alternative to the standard e935 or e945, which are more focused on high-end musical performance. In the wider market, it competes with industry standards like the Shure SM58, though the addition of the PTT switch places it in a niche category compared to standard vocal microphones. While the SM57 is preferred for instruments and the RE20 for broadcast studio work, the e835 PTT remains a dedicated choice for functional live communication.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the PTT switch on the e835 PTT?: The Push-to-Talk (PTT) switch is a momentary button that allows audio to transmit only when it is being held down. This ensures the microphone is muted by default, preventing unwanted background noise or private conversations from being broadcast.
Does the e835 PTT require phantom power?: No, as a dynamic microphone, the e835 PTT does not require 48V phantom power to operate. It can be plugged directly into any standard XLR input on a mixer or audio interface.
How does the cardioid pattern benefit the user?: The cardioid pickup pattern focuses on sound coming from the front of the microphone and rejects sound from the rear. This helps reduce background noise and minimizes the risk of feedback in live sound environments.
What is the build quality of the e835 PTT?: The microphone features a rugged metal construction designed for durability. This makes it suitable for heavy daily use in demanding environments like public transport hubs or busy conference centres.
Can the e835 PTT be used for singing?: While it uses the same high-quality capsule as the standard e835 vocal mic, the PTT switch makes it less practical for traditional singing performances. It is primarily designed for speech, announcements, and communication.
Is the switch a locking switch or a momentary switch?: The e835 PTT features a momentary switch, meaning the user must keep their finger on the button to stay unmuted. It does not click into a 'permanent on' position like a standard toggle switch.
What kind of output connector does it use?: It uses a standard 3-pin balanced XLR output. This provides a secure, professional connection to most PA systems, mixers, and audio interfaces.
How does it compare to the Shure SM58?: Both are legendary dynamic microphones, but the e835 PTT is specifically tailored for paging and controlled speech with its integrated switch. The SM58 is a general-purpose vocal microphone and typically does not feature a PTT button in its standard configuration.
Is the e835 PTT suitable for paging systems?: Yes, it is ideal for paging systems. The momentary switch allows operators to quickly make announcements without needing to manually adjust mixer faders to mute the channel afterward.
Does the microphone come with a cable?: Typically, the e835 PTT is sold as a standalone microphone unit. Users will need to provide their own XLR cable to connect it to their sound system.
What is the sound character of the e835 capsule?: The capsule is known for its clear, natural vocal reproduction with a presence boost that helps speech cut through background noise without sounding harsh.
Can this microphone be mounted on a stand?: Yes, it has a standard handheld form factor and can be used with a variety of microphone clips and stands for hands-free operation, though the user must still be able to reach the PTT button.