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Sennheiser
Sennheiser e 865-S
Best handheld condenser for vocalists needing precise, feedback-resistant stage performance.
The Sennheiser e 865 S is a professional, permanently polarized condenser microphone engineered for exceptional vocal clarity on stage. Its supercardioid pattern delivers highly detailed sound while providing excellent feedback resistance, even with high sound pressure levels. This version features a noiseless on/off switch for performance control. Built with a rugged metal housing, it ensures durability in demanding live environments. Singers and presenters will appreciate its natural, powerful vocal capture and extended dynamic range, requiring phantom power for operation.
$231.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
193
/ 1735
#193 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-55%
Below average
Type
Condenser Vocal Microphone
/ Condenser Vocal Microphone
Who it's for
- Vocalists needing studio-grade detail in live performances
- Performers working on loud stages with high monitor volume
- Artists requiring quick, silent control during live sets
Who should skip it
- Users with basic mixers lacking phantom power capabilities
- Singers who struggle with harsh plosive sounds
- Budget-conscious musicians seeking an affordable stage microphone
Performance breakdown
Vocal Clarity
Condenser capsule captures nuanced, studio-grade detail for live vocal performances.
Feedback Rejection
Supercardioid pattern keeps stage noise at bay even at high volumes.
Build Durability
Rugged metal housing withstands the rigors of frequent touring and handling.
SPL Handling
Maintains signal integrity effortlessly when facing loud, high-pressure sound sources.
Operational Control
Integrated noiseless switch provides convenient, silent muting during live sets.
Handling Noise
Internal design effectively minimizes unwanted thumps and vibrations during handheld use.
Key Specs
Type
Condenser Vocal Microphone
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Frequency Response
40 – 20,000 Hz
Max. SPL
150 dB (THD = 6 %)
Impedance
200 Ohm
Sensitivity
3 mV/Pa (at 1 kHz)
Power Requirement
12 - 48 V phantom power
Dimensions
47 x 193 mm
Features
- Professional condenser capsule for detailed vocals
- Supercardioid pattern rejects stage feedback
- Noiseless on/off switch for performance control
- Rugged metal housing ensures stage durability
- Handles high sound pressure levels capably
- Transparent, natural, and precise sound
- Removable grille for easy cleaning
- Excellent resistance to handling noise
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Sennheiser e 865 S for its studio quality clarity in live settings. The primary focus is on exceptional sonic performance, specifically the detailed high frequencies that capture vocal nuances missed by other mics. Performers highly value the supercardioid pattern for its superior feedback rejection, enabling higher gain on loud stages. Build quality is consistently noted as robust and road ready, justifying the investment. The silent lockable switch adds practical utility for stage management. While sensitive to plosives, the overall consensus is that the pristine vocal reproduction and reliability deliver significant value, making this a worthwhile upgrade for serious vocalists.
Know before you buy
Yes, the e 865-S is a condenser microphone and requires 12–48V phantom power from your mixer or audio interface to operate.
The supercardioid pattern is highly directional, which helps isolate your voice and significantly reduces feedback from stage monitors. Because it is so focused, you will need to stay relatively close to the mic for the best sound quality.
Absolutely. The e 865-S is engineered to handle high sound pressure levels up to 150 dB, making it an excellent choice for powerful singers or loud stage environments without distorting.
Yes, the switch is specifically designed to be noiseless, allowing you to mute or unmute the microphone during a performance without creating audible pops or clicks in the sound system.
The grille is removable, which makes it easy to take off and clean or sanitize after heavy use. This helps maintain hygiene and keeps the microphone in top condition for long-term use.
While it is optimized for the stage with its rugged housing and feedback rejection, its detailed condenser capsule provides a natural, precise sound that works very well for home studio vocal tracking.
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