The e835S (the S variant has a physical switch) is an excellent dynamic mic and a nice alternative to the … [+] Shure SM58, probably the most popular microphone in the world.
Sennheiser
The Shure SM58 is probably the best-selling microphone of all time and you’ve seen one at almost every concert you’ve ever attended. It’s a tough mic, built like a tank, and because it’s a dynamic model, it works well in untreated spaces and is ideal for use on stage as well as for studio recording.
Just because the SM58 is such a popular product doesn’t mean it’s the only one out there. The Sennheiser e835s is an ideal alternative from one of the world’s leading audio brands. This metal-bodied mic features a cardioid pickup pattern, making it ideal for general use. With very low handling noise, the e835 has earned a reputation as a versatile mic, whether used for live performances or for podcasting.
The e835s comes with a handy zipped storage pouch and a MZQ 800 mic clip. This is a robust mic with superb build quality. There is a variant available without a physical switch for a little less money. As a dynamic mic, the e835S does not require phantom power, is easy to drive and offers great sensitivity.
With its cardioid pickup pattern, the e835S captures a heart-shaped sound field in front of it. Off-axis rejection to the sides and rear is good, but the pattern isn’t so narrow that you can’t move a little without the sound disappearing almost immediately. The biggest advantage of this mic is that it works great in almost any room or space without requiring acoustic treatments. It’s also great at filtering out distant noise like low-level traffic.
You can buy the e835S without a switch, but for the little extra money it’s worth it. The switch can be … [+] locked if you want.
Sennheiser
Like most professional mics, the e835S has a three-pin XLR connector for connecting to an audio interface. I used the Lewitt Connect 2 interface for my review, and the e835S was easy to use and had very low self-noise levels. While the mic is good at rejecting plosives (those annoying pops that sometimes occur when pronouncing words that start with P), I would recommend getting a foam windscreen, especially if you’re using the mic outdoors where wind could be an issue. Sennheiser makes a suitable windscreen, but I was able to find one on Amazon for a very good price.
The Sennheiser E835S has a frequency range of 40 Hz to 16 kHz. This gives it a wide bass range for broadcasting, but it also has enough definition in the treble to produce a clean sound without straying into sibilance, making it ideal for a wide range of vocals or speech.
Dynamic microphones are much less sensitive than condenser microphones and can therefore also handle very high noise levels, making them perfect for live use. The Sennheiser e835S can handle up to 150 dB SPL, making it a robust microphone that you can use to mic up a very loud drum kit. With a nominal impedance of 350 Ω, it is a microphone that tolerates use with a fairly long cable length, which also makes it perfect for use on stage or in a large studio without picking up electrical interference.
The vocal quality of the e835S is exemplary. This elegant mic delivers exceptional clarity without ever sounding harsh or shrill. Its sound is naturally warm, but it never sounds muffled or choked. When used close to the mouth, the e835 doesn’t get too loud with a pronounced proximity effect, but it sounds rich and warm up close.
The e835SS comes with a storage pouch and microphone clip.
Sennheiser
Although I used the e835 on a boom pole for my review, I also tried it out handheld. At 303g, the e835S feels solid in the hand and there is very little handling noise thanks to superb internal isolation. While most singers have excellent mic handling techniques, not everyone does, especially when using it with a PA system. So even with untrained handling, there is very little noise coming from the metal body of the mic.
The e835S is a direct competitor to the Shure SM58. These mics are quite similar in terms of build quality, handling, and off-axis rejection. The main difference between the two is clarity. The SM58 is slightly warmer and a bit smoother, while the e835 has a bit more clarity and cutoff on the upper frequencies. I prefer the Sennheiser over the Shure and find it to be prettier.
Sennheiser also offers the e845, which is nearly identical but has a supercardioid pickup pattern and a bit more richness, making it an ideal dynamic studio mic. But whichever one you choose, both models are excellent choices.
Verdict: As you would expect from a German audio brand, the Sennheiser e835S is a superb and well-built dynamic microphone. It is perfect for both live and studio use. I would recommend it for podcasting or remote broadcasting, especially in untreated spaces. As well as being great for vocals, it is a great mic for instruments, especially loud instruments like drums or piano thanks to its ability to handle loud sounds up to 150 dB SPL. If you want an alternative to the Shure SM58, you simply can’t go wrong with the affordable and robust Sennheiser e835S dynamic.
Rates and availability: The Sennheiser e835S is available now from Amazon and other retailers, and is priced at $90 / £77 / €90.
Technical specifications:
Transducer principle: Dynamic.
Frequency response: 40 – 16,000 Hz.
Polar pattern: cardioid.
Sensitivity (free field, at 1 kHz): 2.7 mV/Pa.
Nominal impedance (at 1 kHz): 350Ω.
Minimum termination impedance: 1kΩ.
Connector: XLR-3.
Dimensions: ⌀ 48 x 180mm.
Weight: 330g.
.jpg)
.webp)
0 Comments