Sennheiser E 835-S Dynamic Vocal Microphone

Sennheiser E 835-S Dynamic Vocal Microphone

The Sennheiser E 835-S is a dynamic cardioid vocal microphone for live sound, and the S in its name marks the version fitted with a noiseless on/off switch. It belongs to Sennheiser’s evolution series of stage microphones and is designed for singers and speakers who work through a PA system: a solid sound that projects and cuts through high stage volumes, with consistent tone even when the distance between the singer and the microphone changes. The capsule is shock-mounted inside a rugged metal body, needs no phantom power and connects by standard XLR, which is why microphones of this type form the working stock of venues, houses of worship, rehearsal rooms and event companies.

Key features

• Dynamic cardioid capsule voiced for live vocals and speech
• Noiseless on/off switch, the defining feature of the E 835-S version
• Frequency response of 40 Hz to 16,000 Hz tailored to the voice
• Excellent feedback rejection and isolation from sound arriving at the rear
• Shock-mounted capsule for good suppression of handling noise
• Humbucking coil to reduce interference from electrical sources
• Rugged metal body built for repeated stage use
• Standard XLR-3 connector, no phantom power required

Voice character and feedback behaviour

The E 835-S is voiced for presence. Its 40 Hz to 16 kHz response covers the full range of the singing and speaking voice with an emphasis that helps a vocal sit on top of a band or a busy room without heavy equalisation at the desk. The cardioid pattern concentrates pickup at the front of the microphone and rejects sound from behind, which in practice means monitor wedges can be positioned with more freedom and the microphone reaches a higher level before feedback than a less directional design. Sennheiser also designs this microphone to keep its tonal character when the singer moves slightly off axis or works at varying distances, so the sound at the mixing desk stays usable instead of turning thin or boomy with every movement.

The on/off switch in practice

The switch is what separates the E 835-S from the plain E 835, and it suits a particular set of jobs. Presenters, hosts, quiz and event announcers, teachers and speakers at ceremonies often control their own muting: the microphone can be switched off while it is carried to a table, passed between speakers or set down, and switched on only when someone is ready to speak. The switch is described by Sennheiser as noiseless, meaning the action does not send a click or thump through the PA. For a singer performing a full set, a switch is usually unnecessary, but for spoken-word and mixed-use stages where the microphone changes hands, it prevents the accidental noises and feedback bursts that happen when a live microphone is handled between contributions.

Build and handling

Stage microphones live a hard life, and the construction reflects that. The metal body withstands the knocks of transport and repeated setup, the capsule is internally shock-mounted so handling noise and stage vibration are kept out of the signal, and a humbucking coil works against buzz picked up from lighting rigs and power cabling. At 330 g and 180 mm long with a 48 mm maximum diameter, the microphone has the familiar weight and balance of a standard handheld vocal microphone, and it fits standard microphone clips. As a dynamic microphone it is also tolerant of loud sources and needs no power supply, so it can be handed to any performer and plugged into any mixer or stage box input with an ordinary XLR cable.

Who it suits

The E 835-S suits singers who also present, venues and event organisers who need a dependable shared vocal microphone, houses of worship, schools, conference and function spaces, and home recording or rehearsal setups that want a stage-grade dynamic microphone. Its sensitivity of 2.7 mV/Pa and 350 ohm nominal impedance match standard microphone preamps, with a minimum terminating impedance of 1000 ohms. For spoken-word work especially, the combination of a clear vocal voicing, disciplined feedback behaviour and the self-service on/off switch makes this version a practical, long-serving choice.