Sennheiser E845 Review

When it comes to live vocal microphones, few brands carry the reputation and reliability of Sennheiser. Known for crafting high-quality audio gear, Sennheiser has long been a go-to choice for musicians, sound engineers, and performers worldwide. Among their extensive lineup, the Sennheiser E845 stands out as a dynamic microphone designed specifically for live performances, promising exceptional sound clarity, durability, and versatility. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the E845’s design, features, sound quality, and real-world performance to determine whether it lives up to its reputation and if it’s the right choice for your needs.

The Sennheiser E845 is a supercardioid dynamic microphone tailored for vocal applications, particularly in live settings such as concerts, speeches, and stage performances. Part of Sennheiser’s evolution series (often stylized as “e”), the E845 sits alongside models like the E835 and E865, offering a balance of affordability and professional-grade performance. Priced typically around $100-$150 (depending on the retailer and whether you opt for the standard E845 or the E845S with an on/off switch), it’s positioned as a mid-range option that competes with industry staples like the Shure SM58 while offering unique characteristics that set it apart.

Dynamic microphones like the E845 are known for their ruggedness and ability to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL), making them ideal for the unpredictable nature of live sound. The E845’s supercardioid polar pattern further enhances its suitability for the stage by providing tighter sound pickup and better rejection of off-axis noise compared to the more common cardioid pattern. But does it deliver in practice? Let’s break it down.

Design and Build Quality

Straight out of the box, the Sennheiser E845 exudes a sense of quality and durability. Weighing approximately 330 grams (11.6 ounces), it has a solid, hefty feel without being cumbersome—a critical factor for performers who need a mic that can withstand hours of use. The body is constructed from metal with a matte black finish, giving it a sleek, professional look that’s resistant to fingerprints and wear. The steel mesh grille protecting the capsule is sturdy yet replaceable, a practical touch for a microphone likely to endure the rigors of touring.

Measuring about 7.3 inches (185 mm) in length and 1.8 inches (46 mm) in diameter at its widest point, the E845 fits comfortably in the hand. Its ergonomic design ensures it’s easy to grip during energetic performances, and the balanced weight distribution prevents hand fatigue. The XLR connector at the base is securely integrated, ensuring a reliable connection to cables—a small but crucial detail for live sound reliability.

One notable variant is the E845S, which includes a silent on/off switch. While this feature can be handy for performers who need to mute the mic between songs or during breaks, some sound engineers argue it’s a potential point of failure in a live setting, where accidental muting could disrupt a performance. For this review, we’ll focus primarily on the standard E845, though the switch option is worth considering based on your specific needs.

Overall, the build quality is what you’d expect from Sennheiser: robust, thoughtfully designed, and ready for the stage. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be—its purpose is performance, not aesthetics.

Technical Specifications and Features

The E845 is a dynamic microphone, meaning it doesn’t require phantom power—a plus for live setups where simplicity and compatibility with a wide range of mixers are key. Its supercardioid polar pattern is one of its defining features, offering a narrower pickup area than the cardioid pattern found on mics like the E835 or Shure SM58. This tighter focus helps reduce feedback and bleed from nearby instruments, making it especially useful in loud environments.

Here are the key specs:

Frequency Response: 40 Hz – 16 kHz
Sensitivity: 1.8 mV/Pa (at 1 kHz)
Impedance: 350 ohms
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
Connector: XLR-3
Maximum SPL: Not officially specified, but handles high levels typical of dynamic mics (estimated >150 dB)

The frequency response range of 40 Hz to 16 kHz is tailored for vocals, capturing the warmth of lower registers while preserving the clarity of higher frequencies without extending into the ultra-high range where unwanted noise might creep in. The sensitivity of 1.8 mV/Pa is slightly lower than some competitors (e.g., the Shure SM58 at 1.85 mV/Pa), meaning it may require a touch more gain from your preamp, but this also contributes to its ability to handle loud vocalists without distortion.

The E845 also features an internal shock-mount system to minimize handling noise—a subtle but effective touch for performers who move around on stage. Additionally, a hum-compensating coil reduces electromagnetic interference, which is particularly useful in venues with complex lighting or electrical setups.

Sound Quality

The true test of any microphone is how it sounds, and the Sennheiser E845 delivers a sonic profile that’s both versatile and polished. Its frequency response is tuned with a gentle presence boost around 4-6 kHz, enhancing vocal clarity and intelligibility without sounding harsh. This boost helps vocals cut through dense mixes, a critical factor in live settings where drums, guitars, and other instruments compete for sonic space.

In testing, the E845 excels at reproducing a natural, balanced tone. Low frequencies are warm but controlled, avoiding the muddiness that can plague lesser mics when handling deeper voices. The midrange is smooth and detailed, capturing the nuances of a singer’s timbre, while the highs are crisp without veering into sibilance. Compared to the E835, which shares a similar design but has a cardioid pattern, the E845 offers a slightly brighter and more defined top end, likely due to its supercardioid tuning.

The supercardioid pattern shines in rejecting off-axis sound. During a simulated live test with stage monitors positioned close to the mic, feedback was noticeably reduced compared to a cardioid mic like the Shure SM58. This makes the E845 a strong choice for venues with challenging acoustics or high monitor levels. However, the tradeoff is that it requires more precise mic technique—singers need to stay on-axis (directly in front of the mic) to avoid a drop in volume or tonal inconsistency.

For louder vocalists or screamers, the E845 handles high SPLs with ease, showing no signs of distortion even at close proximity. This robustness makes it suitable for a range of genres, from rock and metal to pop and spoken word. That said, it’s not a condenser mic, so it won’t capture the same level of airiness or detail as something like the Sennheiser E865 (a condenser sibling), but that’s not its intended purpose.

Practical Applications

The Sennheiser E845 is undeniably a live performance microphone, and it thrives in that environment. Its ability to reject stage noise and feedback makes it a favorite for vocalists performing with full bands. Whether you’re a solo acoustic artist needing clarity over a guitar or a lead singer in a rock outfit battling cymbal bleed, the E845 adapts well. Sound engineers will appreciate its consistency across different voices and its forgiving nature with less-than-perfect mic technique.

Beyond vocals, the E845 can double as an instrument mic in a pinch. It performs admirably on guitar amps or even as a tom mic, thanks to its ability to handle high SPLs and its focused pickup pattern. However, it’s not as versatile in this regard as something like the Shure SM57, which remains the gold standard for multi-purpose dynamic mics.

In studio settings, the E845 is less commonly used due to the preference for condensers that capture finer details. That said, it can work for recording vocals or podcasts if you’re aiming for a raw, live feel with minimal post-processing. Its lower sensitivity means you’ll need a decent preamp to get the best results, but the sound remains clean and usable.

Comparison to Competitors

No review of the E845 would be complete without pitting it against its peers. The most obvious comparison is the Shure SM58, the industry-standard dynamic vocal mic. Both mics are rugged, reliable, and priced similarly, but they differ in key ways. The SM58’s cardioid pattern offers a wider sweet spot, making it more forgiving for singers with inconsistent positioning, while the E845’s supercardioid design provides superior feedback rejection and a slightly brighter tone. If stage noise is a major concern, the E845 has the edge; for ease of use and a warmer midrange, the SM58 might win out.

Within Sennheiser’s own lineup, the E835 is a close sibling. It’s cheaper (often by $20-$30) and shares a similar build, but its cardioid pattern and less pronounced presence boost make it a touch less focused and bright than the E845. For quieter stages or budget-conscious buyers, the E835 is a solid alternative, but the E845 feels like the premium choice for demanding live scenarios.

The Audio-Technica AT2010, another competitor in this price range, offers a condenser design for more detail but requires phantom power and is less rugged—tradeoffs that may not suit every live performer. For those willing to spend more, the Sennheiser E865 brings condenser-level clarity to the evolution series, though at nearly double the price.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Excellent feedback rejection due to supercardioid pattern
Clear, natural vocal reproduction with a useful presence boost
Durable, road-ready construction
Minimal handling noise and interference
Versatile for various live vocal styles

Cons:

Requires precise mic technique due to narrow pickup pattern
Slightly lower sensitivity may need more gain
Not as multi-purpose as some dynamic mics (e.g., SM57)
On/off switch (E845S) could be a liability in live settings

Conclusion

The Sennheiser E845 is a standout microphone for live vocalists who need reliability, clarity, and control in challenging stage environments. Its supercardioid design and thoughtful tuning make it a step above entry-level options, offering professional-grade performance without breaking the bank. While it demands a bit more skill to use effectively compared to a cardioid mic like the Shure SM58, the payoff is a cleaner, more focused sound that shines in loud or crowded settings.

For singers, bands, and sound engineers looking to upgrade from a basic dynamic mic—or seeking a dependable workhorse for the road—the E845 is a compelling choice. It’s not perfect for every situation, and studio purists might look elsewhere, but as a live vocal tool, it’s hard to fault. Sennheiser has once again proven why they’re a trusted name in audio, delivering a microphone that’s as practical as it is powerful.