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I’ve been using microphones for over two decades, and I can confidently say that the Sennheiser E835 is a cracking bit of kit.
This mic is built tough. The metal construction means it can take a beating and keep on singing.
I love how it handles vocals. Whether you’re belting out a power ballad or whispering sweet nothings, this mic picks it all up beautifully. The cardioid pattern is a real lifesaver when you’re recording in a noisy room. It focuses on your voice and ignores the rest.
The stand and cable that come with it are decent quality. They’ll get you started without any fuss. I’ve used fancier stands, but this one does the job just fine.
One thing I really appreciate is how it handles the proximity effect. You can get up close and personal with this mic without it sounding like you’re singing through a sock.
Bottom line
If you’re just starting out with home recording, or a seasoned pro on a budget, the E835 is a solid choice.
It’s versatile, durable, and sounds great. For the price, I’d be hard-pressed to find a better mic for home studios.
Sennheiser E835 Vocal Mic Performance Kit - Clear, crisp sound
- Sturdy metal build
- Handles feedback well
- Great value for money
- Comes with stand and cable
- Not as versatile as some mics
- Stand quality is basic
- Cable could be longer
Key features
Audio quality
The E835’s unidirectional pickup pattern is a game-changer. I’ve used it in noisy gigs and home studios alike. It rejects sound from the sides and rear brilliantly, which means less feedback and unwanted noise in my recordings.
I found it great for isolating vocals. It picks up what’s directly in front of it and little else, which helps when recording in a less-than-ideal space.
The pattern also adds depth to voices. It captures the low end well, giving a full, rich sound, but it doesn’t sacrifice clarity in the higher frequencies.
One thing I love about this mic is its consistency. Whether I’m right up on it or a bit further back, the sound stays clear and balanced. It’s got a slight presence boost that adds clarity without being harsh.
A quick note. You need to stay on-axis for the best sound. But with a bit of practice, it becomes second nature.
Durability and build quality
I’ve tested many mics over the years, and the E835’s metal housing stands out. It feels solid and well-built in my hand.
The shock-mounted capsule is a nice touch, minimising handling noise when I move the mic around.
One small downside is that the metal makes it a bit heavier than some plastic mics. But the trade-off in durability is worth it for most uses.
Ease of use and versatility
For live performance, the shock-mounted capsule cuts down on handling noise brilliantly. When moving around on stage, you don’t have to worry about those annoying thuds and rumbles.
The capsule also helps with plosives. Those pesky ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds that can pop in other mics are much less noticeable here. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in the overall sound quality.
One thing to note: the shock mount does add a bit of weight to the mic. It’s not huge, but you might notice it during longer gigs. Still, I reckon the trade-off is worth it for the cleaner sound you get.
The E835 isn’t trying to be a Swiss Army knife of mics. It’s a solid vocal mic that does its job well but it’s not the best all-rounder. For instrument mics, I’d recommend something like the Shure SM57 instead.
Value for money
The E835 delivers a clean, balanced sound that’s perfect for vocals. Its metal body can take a beating, which is brilliant for live gigs.
I found it resists feedback better than cheaper mics, making it easier to get a good mix.
In the box: What’s included
Opening the E835 kit feels like Christmas morning for a home recordist. The rugged metal mic is the star of the show. It’s a solid piece of kit that fits nicely in my hand.
The package also contains:
- A sturdy tripod stand
- An XLR cable for easy plug-and-play
I was pleased to see Sennheiser didn’t skimp on accessories. The stand is stable enough for desk use, and the cable seems well-made. It’s all I need to start recording straight away.
One small gripe – I’d have liked a basic pop filter included. But overall, this kit offers good value for budding home studio enthusiasts.
Is the E835 worth it?
The Sennheiser E835 is a solid choice for singers recording at home. Its sound is clear and balanced, and it rejects unwanted noise well.
Clear, crisp sound
Sturdy metal build
Handles feedback well
Great value for money
Comes with stand and cable
Not as versatile as some mics
Stand quality is basic
Cable could be longer
For the price and the accompanying kit, this mic punches above its weight. It’s not pro-level, but it’s a big step up from budget options.
If you’re starting to take my home recordings seriously, the E835 is a great pick.
Scoring
| Criterion | Score (out of 10) | Weight (%) | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | 9 | 30% | 2.70 |
| Ease of Use | 8 | 20% | 1.60 |
| Features | 8 | 15% | 1.20 |
| Build Quality | 9 | 15% | 1.35 |
| Value for Money | 9 | 10% | 0.90 |
| Compatibility | 7 | 5% | 0.35 |
| Innovation | 7 | 5% | 0.35 |
| Total Score | 100% | 8.45 |
Frequently asked questions
The E835 has a brighter sound with more clarity in the high-end. It cuts through a mix better than the SM58. The E835 also has less proximity effect, meaning the bass doesn’t get boomy when you sing close.
Absolutely. I’ve used the E835 when doing sound for countless gigs. It handles loud stages well and resists feedback. The sturdy metal build also stands up to the rigours of touring.
The E935 has a wider frequency response and higher output. It captures more detail in vocals. But the E835 is more affordable and still sounds great for most singers.
No, the E835 is a dynamic mic. It doesn’t need phantom power to work. Just plug it in and start singing.
