What is the polar pattern of the Sennheiser MEB 104 B?

The MEB 104 B features a cardioid polar pattern. This means it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and sides while rejecting sound from the rear, which helps reduce background noise.

How is the MEB 104 B installed?

The microphone is designed for surface mounting using an M20 threading. This allows it to be securely bolted through table tops, podiums, or ceiling tiles for a flush, permanent installation.

What is the frequency range of this microphone?

The MEB 104 B has a wide frequency response ranging from 40Hz to 20,000Hz. This ensures full-range capture of the human voice, including both low-end resonance and high-end clarity.

What is the maximum SPL the microphone can handle?

It is capable of handling a maximum Sound Pressure Level of up to 125dB. This high ceiling prevents the microphone from distorting when exposed to very loud voices or proximity effects.

What type of connector does the MEB 104 B use?

The microphone uses a standard 3-pin XLR output connector. This is the industry standard for professional audio equipment, ensuring compatibility with most mixers and interfaces.

Is the MEB 104 B suitable for music recording?

While primarily designed for speech and conferences, its wide frequency range and high SPL handling allow it to be used for ambient room recording. However, it is not intended for close-miking instruments like an SM57.

Does the 'B' in the model name stand for anything?

In this specific product line, the 'B' designates the colour of the housing, which is Black. This allows the microphone to blend in with dark surfaces and modern office aesthetics.

Can I use this microphone for a conference table?

Yes, this is one of its primary intended uses. Its boundary layer design and cardioid pattern make it ideal for capturing speech from participants seated around a table while minimising table-top reflections.

How does a boundary microphone differ from a standard vocal mic?

A boundary microphone like the MEB 104 B is designed to be placed against a flat surface. This placement uses the surface to increase the sensitivity and prevent phase cancellation issues common with stand-mounted mics.

Is the housing durable?

Yes, the MEB 104 B features a rugged housing designed for professional installations. It is built to withstand the rigours of daily use in public spaces, conference rooms, and educational facilities.

Does it require phantom power?

Yes, as a professional boundary microphone with an XLR connection, it typically requires phantom power provided by a mixing desk or a dedicated power supply to operate its internal circuitry.

What makes the MEB 104 B 'unobtrusive'?

Its low-profile design and surface-mount capability allow it to remain nearly flush with the installation surface. This avoids the visual clutter of mic stands and large microphone bodies in professional video or presentation settings.

Gear article

Sennheiser MEB 104 B Boundary Microphone

The Sennheiser MEB 104 B is a professional boundary layer microphone featuring a cardioid polar pattern, designed for permanent installation in surfaces such as conference tables and podiums. It offers a wide frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz and is engineered for high-clarity speech capture in corporate and educational environments.

See live prices

Overview

The Sennheiser MEB 104 B is an unobtrusive, surface-mounted microphone intended for fixed installations. Its design allows it to be integrated directly into furniture or structural elements such as ceiling tiles and tabletops. By utilising the boundary layer effect, the microphone is optimised for capturing audio in environments where traditional stand-mounted microphones may be visually distracting or physically impractical.

Technical Design and Installation

Built around a high-quality Sennheiser capsule, the MEB 104 B is housed in a rugged chassis designed for longevity. The installation process is facilitated by an M20 threading system, which ensures the unit remains securely fixed to the mounting surface. Connectivity is handled via a standard 3-pin XLR output, making it compatible with a wide range of professional mixing consoles and preamplifiers that provide phantom power.

Acoustic Performance

The microphone features a cardioid polar pattern, which provides directional sensitivity to capture sound from the front while attenuating noise from the rear. It supports a broad frequency range of 40Hz to 20kHz, ensuring that the nuances of the human voice are preserved. With a maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of 125dB, it can handle loud speakers or high-intensity environments without distortion.

Applications and Suitability

This microphone is primarily suited for professional speech applications. Common use cases include:

Boardroom and conference table installations.
Lecterns and podiums for public speaking.
Ceiling installations for room ambience or speech reinforcement.
Teleconferencing setups requiring high vocal intelligibility.

Comparison to Alternatives

While handheld dynamic microphones like the Sennheiser e945 or Shure SM58 are standard for live musical performances, the MEB 104 B occupies a different niche. Unlike the omnidirectional microphones often used in large room captures, the MEB 104 B's cardioid pattern helps reduce feedback and room reverb. Compared to instrument-focused microphones like the Shure SM57 or specialized tools like the 520DX 'Green Bullet', the MEB 104 B is strictly tuned for neutral, clear speech reproduction.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the polar pattern of the Sennheiser MEB 104 B?: The MEB 104 B features a cardioid polar pattern. This means it is most sensitive to sound coming from the front and sides while rejecting sound from the rear, which helps reduce background noise.
How is the MEB 104 B installed?: The microphone is designed for surface mounting using an M20 threading. This allows it to be securely bolted through table tops, podiums, or ceiling tiles for a flush, permanent installation.
What is the frequency range of this microphone?: The MEB 104 B has a wide frequency response ranging from 40Hz to 20,000Hz. This ensures full-range capture of the human voice, including both low-end resonance and high-end clarity.
What is the maximum SPL the microphone can handle?: It is capable of handling a maximum Sound Pressure Level of up to 125dB. This high ceiling prevents the microphone from distorting when exposed to very loud voices or proximity effects.
What type of connector does the MEB 104 B use?: The microphone uses a standard 3-pin XLR output connector. This is the industry standard for professional audio equipment, ensuring compatibility with most mixers and interfaces.
Is the MEB 104 B suitable for music recording?: While primarily designed for speech and conferences, its wide frequency range and high SPL handling allow it to be used for ambient room recording. However, it is not intended for close-miking instruments like an SM57.
Does the 'B' in the model name stand for anything?: In this specific product line, the 'B' designates the colour of the housing, which is Black. This allows the microphone to blend in with dark surfaces and modern office aesthetics.
Can I use this microphone for a conference table?: Yes, this is one of its primary intended uses. Its boundary layer design and cardioid pattern make it ideal for capturing speech from participants seated around a table while minimising table-top reflections.
How does a boundary microphone differ from a standard vocal mic?: A boundary microphone like the MEB 104 B is designed to be placed against a flat surface. This placement uses the surface to increase the sensitivity and prevent phase cancellation issues common with stand-mounted mics.
Is the housing durable?: Yes, the MEB 104 B features a rugged housing designed for professional installations. It is built to withstand the rigours of daily use in public spaces, conference rooms, and educational facilities.
Does it require phantom power?: Yes, as a professional boundary microphone with an XLR connection, it typically requires phantom power provided by a mixing desk or a dedicated power supply to operate its internal circuitry.
What makes the MEB 104 B 'unobtrusive'?: Its low-profile design and surface-mount capability allow it to remain nearly flush with the installation surface. This avoids the visual clutter of mic stands and large microphone bodies in professional video or presentation settings.