Sennheiser makes a wide range of microphones, from budget-friendly to high-end. The e935 and e945 are two models that frequently come up for comparison, since both deliver excellent sound quality for live performance.
So which one should you pick, the Sennheiser e935 or the e945? This guide compares the two side by side, covering specs, features, pros, and cons to help you decide.
Sennheiser e935
The Sennheiser e935 is an aesthetically pleasing microphone with a sleek black body and no switches to fuss with. The design alone makes it stand out as a clean, decent-looking option.
In our testing, the e935 felt perfectly balanced in hand, making it one of the most comfortable microphones we’ve held while recording vocals. As a dynamic microphone, it doesn’t require external power, which adds to its simplicity.
Features of the Sennheiser e935
It has a simple design topped with a stylish dark purple mesh grille. The lack of switches keeps things straightforward, making it one of the more decent-looking microphones on the market.
The simple body design makes it easy to hold and record comfortably, and the build quality feels strong enough to last for years. Sennheiser backs this mic with a standard 10-year warranty.
The e935 uses a cardioid pattern with strong feedback rejection, making it well suited for loud performances like concerts or live events.
It has a frequency response of 40Hz to 18,000Hz, with a free-field sensitivity (no load) of 2.8mV/Pa at 1kHz.
In our testing, high frequencies came through clearly, with lovely, undistorted highs. The midrange and low frequencies felt strong too, with a decent bass reach. The mic does a solid job eliminating background vibration and noise, including hum caused by electrical interference.
Technical Specifications of the Sennheiser e935
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Dynamic |
| Pickup pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency response | 40Hz to 18kHz |
| Sensitivity | 2.8mV/Pa |
| Nominal impedance | 350 ohms |
| Min. terminating impedance | 1000 ohms |
| Connector | XLR-3 |
| Weight | 355 grams |
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser e935
Pros
- Simple, durable design
- Very versatile for recording
- Clear voice reproduction
- Easily rejects rear-facing noise
- Bright, clear sound quality
Cons
- Heavier due to metal construction
Sennheiser e945
The Sennheiser e945 is built for durability, suited for anyone who wants a microphone that holds up to heavy use over time.
This mic is slightly heavier than the e935, shares an identical shape, and comes with the same 10-year warranty. It’s loaded with several useful features of its own.
Features of the Sennheiser e945
It’s a metal-body, heavyweight microphone with a simple design, keeping switches to a minimum to avoid confusing the user during recording. Its cardioid polar pattern helps eliminate sound from the rear.
In our testing, the sound output felt clear with a warm character that’s genuinely pleasant to listen to.
This mic works especially well for live performances thanks to its super-cardioid pickup pattern, which helps enhance vocal clarity in louder settings.
In our testing, the sound felt consistent and reliable throughout. You may notice the e945 performs slightly better at the high end compared to the e935. It shares the same frequency response of 40Hz to 18kHz, paired with its super-cardioid pattern for strong off-axis noise and feedback rejection.
The e945 offers a solid midrange and a good bass range too. It’s sensitive to low frequencies, making it one of the stronger options for capturing low-sensitivity sound sources. If vocal-focused recording is your priority, our guide to best microphone for rappers covers more strong picks for similar use cases.
This microphone includes a shock mount and a humbucking coil to reduce hum and vibration caused by electrical interference.
Technical Specifications of the Sennheiser e945
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Dynamic |
| Pickup pattern | Super-cardioid |
| Frequency response | 40Hz to 18kHz |
| Sensitivity | 2.0mV/Pa ±3dB |
| Nominal impedance | 350 ohms |
| Min. terminating impedance | 1000 ohms |
| Connector | XLR-3 |
| Weight | 365 grams |
Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser e945
Pros
- Very sensitive to low frequencies
- Clean highs, lows, and mids
- Durable body
- Super-cardioid pickup pattern
- Enhanced sound output
Cons
- Heavier than most comparable microphones
Sennheiser e935 vs e945 Comparison
The Sennheiser e935 is designed with the home recording musician in mind, offering an affordable price point alongside excellent sound quality.
The Sennheiser e945 is also affordably priced with excellent sound quality, but it leans more toward professional studio recording use.
Now that both mics have been covered individually, here’s a direct comparison.
Both microphones share the same frequency response range of 40Hz to 18kHz. Both capture lows, mids, and highs well, though the e945 edges ahead slightly in this area.
The e945 has slightly lower sensitivity than the e935, which actually makes it the more sensitive microphone of the two in practical terms. The e945’s sound leans warm and lively, while the e935 delivers a crisper, brighter sound.
The e945 tends to perform better for vocals overall, delivering strong results, while the e935 is better suited to general-purpose use.
The main specification difference between the two comes down to polar pattern: the e935 uses a cardioid pattern, while the e945 uses a super-cardioid pattern. This makes the e945 particularly strong for live on-stage performance and for vocalists who play an instrument simultaneously.
Both mics have their strengths and weaknesses, but both perform well at a reasonable price point.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Pick?
The right choice here depends on your specific needs and budget, since there’s no universal right answer.
If you need a microphone that handles high volumes without feedback, the Sennheiser e935 is likely the better fit. If sound quality matters more to you than handling extremely high volumes, the Sennheiser e945’s frequency response and clarity make it the stronger pick, though keep in mind it doesn’t handle very high volumes quite as well.
Before buying, check the latest price and availability, since pricing and product availability can change over time. For more Sennheiser comparisons, see our guide on Sennheiser e906 vs e609, and for other dynamic vs condenser comparisons, our guides on Shure SM7B vs Rode NT1A and AKG C214 vs Rode NT1A cover more strong options worth considering.
