Sennheiser E845 Microphone Review

The Sennheiser E845 is a dynamic vocal microphone that has earned a reputation among musicians, sound engineers, and vocalists for its robust build, excellent sound quality, and ability to perform under the demanding conditions of live performances. As part of Sennheiser’s Evolution 800 series, the E845 sits comfortably in the mid-tier range of the company’s offerings, balancing affordability with professional-grade features. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the design, sound quality, performance, and practical applications of the Sennheiser E845, while comparing it to its peers and assessing whether it’s worth the investment for vocalists and audio professionals in 2025.

Introduction to the Sennheiser E845

Sennheiser is a name synonymous with high-quality audio equipment, from studio headphones to professional microphones used in broadcasting and live sound. Launched in 1998, the Evolution series was designed to bring Sennheiser’s renowned engineering to a broader audience, including gigging musicians and home studio enthusiasts. Within this lineup, the 800 series focuses exclusively on vocal microphones, with the E845 standing out as a supercardioid dynamic mic tailored for live performance.

The E845 is available in two variants: the standard E845 without a switch and the E845S, which includes an on/off switch for added convenience. Priced in the budget-to-midrange category, it competes with industry staples like the Shure SM58 while offering distinct characteristics that make it a favorite for certain vocalists and sound engineers. In this review, we’ll explore what sets the E845 apart, its strengths and weaknesses, and how it holds up in real-world scenarios as of March 2025.

Design and Build Quality

The Sennheiser E845 boasts a full metal construction that exudes durability. Weighing in at approximately 330 grams (11.6 ounces), it has a substantial feel without being overly heavy, striking a balance that’s comfortable for handheld use during long performances. The microphone’s body is finished in a sleek, dark grey metallic coating, paired with a sturdy metal grille that protects the capsule. This grille can be unscrewed for cleaning or replacement, a thoughtful touch for maintaining the mic over time.

The E845’s design is minimalist yet purposeful. It measures 186 mm (7.32 inches) in length and 46 mm (1.85 inches) in diameter, making it slightly longer and slimmer than some competitors like the Shure SM58. This slender profile enhances its aesthetic appeal and ensures a secure grip. Inside, the microphone features an internal shock-mount system that minimizes handling noise—a critical feature for live vocalists who move around the stage. Additionally, a hum-compensating coil reduces electromagnetic interference, ensuring a clean signal even in environments with heavy electrical activity.

Variants: E845 vs. E845S

The E845S variant includes an on/off switch, which can be locked in place with a small screw to prevent accidental muting during performance. While some professionals view switches as a non-essential feature, they’re undeniably useful in semi-pro settings like presentations, open mic nights, or situations where a sound engineer isn’t available to mute the mic at the board. Both versions connect via a standard XLR output, requiring no phantom power as a dynamic microphone, which simplifies setup for live use.

Durability in Practice

Sennheiser backs the E845 with a 10-year warranty, a testament to its confidence in the mic’s longevity. Users consistently report that it withstands the rigors of touring—drops, bumps, and rough handling—without compromising performance. While it may show cosmetic wear over time, the internal components remain reliable, making it a workhorse for gigging musicians.

Technical Specifications

Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Supercardioid
Frequency Response: 40 Hz – 16 kHz
Sensitivity: 1.8 mV/Pa at 1 kHz
Impedance: 350 ohms
Maximum SPL: >150 dB
Connector: XLR-3

The supercardioid polar pattern is tighter than the cardioid pattern found on mics like the E835 or Shure SM58, offering enhanced rejection of off-axis sound. This makes the E845 particularly adept at isolating the vocalist’s voice from stage noise, such as drums or guitar amps. Its frequency range covers the essentials for vocal reproduction, with a presence boost around 4-5 kHz to enhance clarity and projection.

Sound Quality

Tonal Characteristics

The Sennheiser E845 delivers a smooth, warm tonal response with a full dynamic range, making it versatile for a variety of vocal styles. Its extended high-frequency response (up to 16 kHz) provides crispness and detail, while the gentle presence lift in the 4-5 kHz range ensures vocals cut through a dense mix without sounding harsh or nasal. Compared to the Shure SM58, which has a more pronounced midrange boost, the E845 feels slightly more open and airy, offering a brighter overall sound.

The low end, starting at 40 Hz, is adequate but not overly emphasized. This can be a limitation for vocalists with deep bass voices, as the E845 doesn’t capture the richness of the lowest frequencies as effectively as some higher-end mics like the Sennheiser E945. However, for tenors, altos, and sopranos, the mic excels, providing clarity and articulation without muddiness.

Supercardioid Advantage

The supercardioid polar pattern is a defining feature of the E845. Unlike the cardioid pattern, which picks up sound primarily from the front in a heart-shaped area, the supercardioid pattern narrows the focus, rejecting more sound from the sides. This results in superior feedback rejection and less bleed from nearby instruments—crucial for loud stages with monitors positioned at awkward angles. However, it does introduce a small rear lobe of sensitivity, so users must be mindful of monitor placement to avoid picking up unwanted sound from behind.

On- and Off-Axis Performance

One of the E845’s strengths is its consistent on- and off-axis response. Whether the vocalist is directly on-axis or slightly off to the side, the sound quality remains stable, with minimal coloration. This consistency is a boon for dynamic performers who move around while singing, as it reduces the need for constant mic technique adjustments. The proximity effect (an increase in bass when the mic is close to the source) is present but well-controlled, avoiding excessive boominess.

Performance in Live Settings

Cutting Through the Mix

With a maximum SPL exceeding 150 dB, the E845 can handle powerful vocalists and high stage volumes with ease. Its high output and supercardioid pattern allow it to break through noisy environments, delivering vocals that sit prominently in the mix. Sound engineers appreciate its gain-before-feedback performance, which surpasses many cardioid mics, making it easier to achieve a clean, loud vocal sound without squeals or howls.

Feedback Rejection

In real-world tests, the E845 proves its mettle against feedback. Positioned near stage monitors, it resists howling even at high gain levels, provided the monitors are angled appropriately to avoid the rear lobe. This makes it an excellent choice for smaller venues or setups with limited sound control, where feedback is a constant threat.

Handling Noise and Durability

The internal shock-mounting effectively dampens handling noise, a critical factor for animated performers. Whether gripped tightly or passed between hands, the E845 remains quiet, allowing the focus to stay on the voice. Its rugged build ensures it can endure the occasional drop or knock, a common occurrence in live settings.

Studio Applications

While the E845 is designed with live performance in mind, it’s also a capable tool in the studio, particularly for home recordists on a budget. Its ability to reject room noise makes it suitable for untreated spaces, where a condenser mic might pick up too much ambient sound. The dynamic nature of the mic means it doesn’t require phantom power, simplifying setups with basic audio interfaces.

In recording scenarios, the E845 shines with vocals that need presence and clarity, such as pop, rock, or spoken word. However, its limited low-end response may disappoint those seeking a fuller sound for deeper voices or genres like jazz or soul. Pairing it with a pop filter can enhance studio results by reducing plosives, though its live-oriented design means it’s not as nuanced as dedicated studio mics like the Sennheiser E865 (a condenser in the same series).

Comparisons with Competitors

Sennheiser E845 vs. Shure SM58

The Shure SM58 is the gold standard for live vocal mics, known for its durability and warm, midrange-focused sound. The E845, by contrast, offers a brighter, more open tone and better feedback rejection due to its supercardioid pattern. While the SM58 is slightly cheaper and more ubiquitous, the E845 provides a compelling alternative for vocalists who prioritize clarity and stage isolation. The choice often comes down to personal tonal preference and stage requirements.

Sennheiser E845 vs. Sennheiser E835

Within the 800 series, the E835 is the E845’s cardioid sibling. The E835 is warmer and less directional, making it better suited for quieter stages or home studios where feedback isn’t a major concern. The E845, with its tighter pattern, is the superior choice for loud, chaotic environments. Price-wise, the E835 is slightly more affordable, but the E845’s performance justifies the modest premium for live use.

Sennheiser E845 vs. Sennheiser E945

Stepping up to the 900 series, the E945 is a more refined version of the E845. Both share a supercardioid pattern, but the E945 offers a broader frequency response (40 Hz – 18 kHz) and a smoother, more detailed sound, particularly in the low end. It’s also more expensive, targeting professionals willing to invest in top-tier performance. The E845 holds its own as a budget-friendly option, delivering 80-90% of the E945’s quality at roughly half the cost.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Excellent feedback rejection thanks to the supercardioid pattern
Clear, articulate sound with a presence lift for vocal projection
Rugged, reliable build with a 10-year warranty
Minimal handling noise due to internal shock-mounting
Affordable for its performance level

Cons

Limited low-end response may not suit bass-heavy voices
Rear sensitivity lobe requires careful monitor placement
Not as versatile in the studio as condenser mics
Switch on E845S may be seen as unnecessary by pros

Practical Applications

The E845 is a natural fit for live vocalists in rock, pop, and country bands, where cutting through a mix is paramount. It’s also ideal for spoken word applications like presentations or conferences, especially in the E845S variant with its switch. Houses of worship, community theaters, and karaoke setups benefit from its clarity and ease of use. In the studio, it’s a solid backup mic or a primary choice for budget-conscious recordists prioritizing vocal isolation.

Value for Money

The Sennheiser E845 typically retails between $90 and $120, with the E845S slightly higher due to the switch. For this price, you get a microphone that punches above its weight, offering professional-grade features like feedback rejection and durability at a fraction of the cost of high-end models. Compared to the Shure SM58 ($99) or the Sennheiser E945 ($200+), the E845 strikes an excellent balance of performance and affordability, making it a smart investment for gigging musicians and semi-pros.

Conclusion

The Sennheiser E845 is a standout in the crowded field of vocal microphones, blending rugged construction, excellent sound quality, and stage-ready performance into a package that’s hard to beat at its price point. Its supercardioid pattern and high SPL handling make it a go-to for live settings, while its clarity and isolation offer value in the studio for those on a budget. It may not rival the nuance of higher-end models like the E945 or the warmth of the SM58 for every voice, but it excels in its niche: delivering powerful, feedback-free vocals in challenging environments.

For vocalists, bands, and sound engineers seeking a reliable, affordable mic that can withstand the chaos of live performance, the E845 is a worthy contender. Whether you’re upgrading from a basic mic or adding to your collection, the Sennheiser E845 deserves a spot on your shortlist in 2025.