Sennheiser
Sennheiser E 901
Best specialized microphone for professional drum recording.
The Sennheiser E 901 is a condenser boundary microphone specifically designed for bass drum pickup. Its half-cardioid polar pattern and integrated pre-amp with XLR output make it ideal for capturing a clear, punchy sound with good attack and strong bass. The boundary design allows for easy placement inside kick drums or cajons without needing a stand, and its robust build ensures durability.
$229.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
269
/ 3337
#269 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-55%
Below average
Type
Boundary Condenser Microphone
/ Boundary Condenser Microphone
Who it's for
- Drummers and audio engineers seeking a robust, impactful kick drum sound.
- Live sound engineers and studio producers prioritizing quick, unobtrusive mic placement.
- Touring musicians and busy studios needing reliable, long-lasting equipment.
Who should skip it
- Musicians and engineers needing a versatile microphone for various sources.
- Creative producers and engineers desiring broad tonal shaping capabilities from a single mic.
- Audio professionals preferring a more uncolored or adaptable low-frequency microphone.
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Captures the initial snap and punch of the beater with precision.
Low-End Definition
Delivers a tight, authoritative bass response without becoming muddy or boomy.
Placement Convenience
Boundary design eliminates the need for bulky stands inside the drum.
Build Durability
Rugged metal construction easily survives the rigors of constant stage use.
Signal Integrity
Integrated pre-amp ensures a clean, noise-free signal directly to the console.
Isolation Performance
Half-cardioid pattern effectively rejects unwanted bleed from surrounding kit components.
Key Specs
Type
Boundary Condenser Microphone
Polar Pattern
Half Cardioid
Frequency Range
20 - 20,000 Hz
Impedance
100 Ohms
Connectivity
Integrated pre-amp with XLR-output
Dimensions
126.5 x 105 x 26.5 mm
Weight
350 g
Material
Metal
Features
- Clear, punchy sound with good attack
- Easy placement inside kick drums or cajons
- Robust and durable build
- Integrated pre-amp for convenience
What customers say
Customers consistently laud the exceptional sound quality, specifically its ability to capture the full, punchy low end of kick drums with remarkable clarity and definition. Many users highlight its robust build and reliable performance, making it a staple in demanding live and studio environments. Its low profile design simplifies placement, contributing to its ease of use and consistent, professional results. Users appreciate its focused sound capture, effectively minimizing unwanted bleed from other instruments.
Know before you buy
Yes, as a condenser microphone, the E 901 requires 48V phantom power from your mixer or audio interface to function.
While optimized for kick drums, its half-cardioid pattern and frequency response make it an excellent choice for cajons or any percussion instrument where a punchy, low-end focused sound is desired.
No, the boundary design is specifically engineered to sit directly on the floor of the kick drum shell, eliminating the need for bulky stands or specialized mounting hardware.
The half-cardioid pattern is designed to capture sound from the front while rejecting noise from the rear and sides, which helps isolate the kick drum from other sounds on stage or in the studio.
Yes, the integrated pre-amp allows you to connect the microphone directly to an XLR cable without needing an external power module, simplifying your setup and reducing the amount of gear you need to carry.
Still have a question?
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