What is the difference between the Sennheiser e835 and the e835S?

The only difference is the inclusion of a silent on/off switch on the e835S. The acoustic properties, frequency response, and internal capsule design are identical for both models.

Is the on/off switch on the e835S noisy during use?

No, the switch is designed to be 'silent' or noiseless. It allows the user to mute the microphone on stage without creating audible clicks or pops in the sound system.

What type of polar pattern does the e835S use?

It uses a cardioid pick-up pattern. This means it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and least sensitive to sound from the rear, which helps prevent feedback.

Does this microphone require phantom power?

No, the Sennheiser e835S is a dynamic microphone. It does not require phantom power or batteries to operate.

How long is the warranty for the Sennheiser e835S?

Sennheiser provides a 10-year warranty for this microphone. This reflects the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability and build quality.

Is the e835S suitable for recording in a studio?

While primarily designed for live use, its clarity and ability to handle high volume make it a functional choice for home studios. It is particularly useful for vocalists who prefer the feel of a handheld mic.

How does the e835S handle high volumes on stage?

The microphone is specifically designed to handle high on-stage sound levels. It maintains clarity and resists distortion even when used in loud environments with high-output sound systems.

What is the proximity effect on this microphone?

The e835S features a minimal proximity effect. This ensures that the bass response remains consistent and clear, even if the singer moves very close to the capsule.

Can the e835S be used for instruments?

While it is optimised for vocals, its dynamic cardioid design allows it to be used for instruments like snare drums or guitar amps. However, models like the Shure SM57 are more traditionally associated with instrument miking.

What is included in the box with the e835S?

Typically, the microphone is supplied with a microphone clip and a protective pouch. Specific retail bundles may vary, but these are the standard manufacturer inclusions.

How does it compare to the Shure Beta 58A?

The e835S is a cardioid microphone, whereas the Beta 58A is a supercardioid. This means the Beta 58A has a tighter pick-up pattern and generally a higher output level and price point.

Is the e835S's body made of plastic or metal?

The e835S features a rugged metal construction. This heavy-duty design is intended to protect the internal components from physical damage during live performances.

Gear article

Sennheiser e835S Cardioid Vocal Microphone

The Sennheiser e835S is a dynamic cardioid microphone designed for lead vocal performances in live environments. It features a silent on/off switch for immediate muting and is engineered to maintain consistent sound quality under high sound pressure levels.

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Overview and Construction

The Sennheiser e835S is a handheld dynamic microphone part of the Evolution series, specifically tailored for live vocal applications. It is constructed with a rugged metal housing designed to withstand the rigours of touring and frequent stage use. The 'S' suffix denotes the inclusion of a noiseless on/off switch, which distinguishes it from the standard e835 model.

Internally, the microphone is designed to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL), making it suitable for loud stage environments where feedback rejection and clarity are paramount. It includes a shock-mounted capsule to reduce handling noise during performance.

Key Features and Operation

The e835S employs a cardioid pick-up pattern, which focuses on the sound source directly in front of the capsule while rejecting sound from the rear. This pattern helps in minimising feedback from stage monitors.

One of the defining technical characteristics is its uniform frequency pick-up. This ensures that the sound quality remains consistent even when the vocalist moves off-axis or changes their distance from the microphone. Additionally, the design incorporates a minimal proximity effect, which prevents the bass frequencies from becoming overly exaggerated or 'boomy' when the microphone is used close to the mouth.

Sonic Character

The sound profile of the e835S is described as transparent and clear. It is engineered to provide a presence boost that helps vocals cut through dense instrumental mixes without requiring excessive external equalisation. Despite this clarity, the microphone maintains a balanced low-end response due to its controlled proximity effect, ensuring that the natural character of the voice is preserved across different performing styles.

Comparison to Alternatives

The Sennheiser e835S is frequently compared to the industry-standard Shure SM58. While both are cardioid dynamic microphones, the e835S is often noted for a more pronounced high-frequency lift compared to the flatter response of the SM58.

Within the Sennheiser range, the e835S serves as an entry-level professional option. Users seeking higher performance often look toward the e935 or the supercardioid e945, which offer tighter polar patterns and more sophisticated capsule designs. Compared to studio-focused dynamic microphones like the Sennheiser MD 441-U or the Electro-Voice RE20, the e835S is more compact and specifically optimised for handheld live use rather than broadcast or detailed studio tracking.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Sennheiser e835 and the e835S?: The only difference is the inclusion of a silent on/off switch on the e835S. The acoustic properties, frequency response, and internal capsule design are identical for both models.
Is the on/off switch on the e835S noisy during use?: No, the switch is designed to be 'silent' or noiseless. It allows the user to mute the microphone on stage without creating audible clicks or pops in the sound system.
What type of polar pattern does the e835S use?: It uses a cardioid pick-up pattern. This means it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and least sensitive to sound from the rear, which helps prevent feedback.
Does this microphone require phantom power?: No, the Sennheiser e835S is a dynamic microphone. It does not require phantom power or batteries to operate.
How long is the warranty for the Sennheiser e835S?: Sennheiser provides a 10-year warranty for this microphone. This reflects the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability and build quality.
Is the e835S suitable for recording in a studio?: While primarily designed for live use, its clarity and ability to handle high volume make it a functional choice for home studios. It is particularly useful for vocalists who prefer the feel of a handheld mic.
How does the e835S handle high volumes on stage?: The microphone is specifically designed to handle high on-stage sound levels. It maintains clarity and resists distortion even when used in loud environments with high-output sound systems.
What is the proximity effect on this microphone?: The e835S features a minimal proximity effect. This ensures that the bass response remains consistent and clear, even if the singer moves very close to the capsule.
Can the e835S be used for instruments?: While it is optimised for vocals, its dynamic cardioid design allows it to be used for instruments like snare drums or guitar amps. However, models like the Shure SM57 are more traditionally associated with instrument miking.
What is included in the box with the e835S?: Typically, the microphone is supplied with a microphone clip and a protective pouch. Specific retail bundles may vary, but these are the standard manufacturer inclusions.
How does it compare to the Shure Beta 58A?: The e835S is a cardioid microphone, whereas the Beta 58A is a supercardioid. This means the Beta 58A has a tighter pick-up pattern and generally a higher output level and price point.
Is the e835S's body made of plastic or metal?: The e835S features a rugged metal construction. This heavy-duty design is intended to protect the internal components from physical damage during live performances.