Sennheiser
Sennheiser E604 Cardioid Dynamic Drum Microphone
Best compact microphone for professional drummers and percussionists.
The Sennheiser e 604 is a compact, dynamic cardioid microphone designed for close-miking drums and percussion. Packaged as a convenient 3-pack, it excels at handling extremely high sound pressure levels, delivering a clear, balanced signal. Its optimized performance is ideal for drum kits, brass, and woodwind instruments. The rugged, reinforced glass-fiber body and integral stand mount ensure quick, secure positioning on stands or drum rims, making it a reliable choice for demanding live and studio environments.
$159.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
149
/ 1735
#149 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-69%
Below average
Microphone Type
Dynamic
/ Dynamic
Who it's for
- Sound engineers wanting a punchy, mix-ready drum sound instantly
- Touring drummers needing fast setup and a clean stage look
- Heavy hitters requiring distortion-free audio for loud drum kits
Who should skip it
- Percussionists using vintage or non-standard drum hoop designs
- Studio owners seeking a versatile mic for vocals or guitars
- Drummers with cramped kits needing flexible cable routing options
Performance breakdown
SPL Handling
Handles aggressive drum hits without a hint of signal distortion.
Mounting Versatility
Integrated rim clips make complex drum setups fast and secure.
Form Factor
Compact profile avoids cluttering the kit during intense performances.
Durability
Reinforced glass-fiber body withstands accidental stick strikes with ease.
Transient Response
Captures the sharp attack of percussion with impressive clarity.
Isolation
Cardioid pattern effectively rejects unwanted bleed from surrounding cymbals.
Key Specs
Microphone Type
Dynamic
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Range
40 Hz - 18 kHz
Max SPL Handling
Exceeds 160 dB
Impedance
< 350 Ohms
Body Material
Reinforced glass fiber
Connectivity
XLR
Weight
45 grams
Features
- Handles extremely high sound pressure levels
- Optimized for drums and percussion
- Compact design for easy positioning
- Low sensitivity to impact noise
- Hum-compensating coil
- Clear, balanced signal quality
- Quick setup with integrated mount
- Attaches directly to drum rims
What customers say
The Sennheiser E604 is highly regarded as a professional choice for close miking drums, especially snares and toms. Users consistently praise its exceptional sound quality, noting the output is punchy, clear, and captures transients accurately. A major benefit is the microphone's smart, compact design which includes an integrated swivel mount. This feature simplifies setup by removing the need for external stands, making placement fast and secure in tight spaces. Furthermore, the E604 is celebrated for its rugged durability, handling high sound pressure levels without issue. For drum miking, it offers an excellent balance of convenience, reliability, and professional audio fidelity.
Know before you buy
No, the e 604 is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power. You can plug it directly into your audio interface or mixer and start recording immediately.
Yes, it is designed specifically for high-pressure environments. With a maximum SPL handling exceeding 160 dB, it can easily capture the loudest snare hits or percussion without distorting.
The microphone features an integrated stand mount that clips directly onto the rim of your drum. This design eliminates the need for bulky external mic stands, keeping your drum hardware clean and your setup compact.
While optimized for drums and percussion, the e 604 performs exceptionally well with brass and woodwind instruments. Its compact size and ability to handle high sound pressure make it a versatile tool for various acoustic sources.
The e 604 is engineered with low sensitivity to impact noise, which helps isolate the sound of the drum head while minimizing unwanted mechanical vibrations or 'thuds' from the hardware.
It uses a standard XLR connection, which is the industry-standard cable for professional audio equipment. The 3-pack includes the necessary XLR cables to get you connected to your interface.
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