Sennheiser e 865

The Sennheiser e 865 is the condenser microphone of the evolution wired range — a pre-polarized supercardioid handheld built for live work where a dynamic microphone runs out of detail. Its response reaches 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz with an exceptional transient response, so consonants, breath and the leading edge of every note survive intact instead of being rounded off. The supercardioid pattern isolates the lead vocal from the rest of the stage and keeps feedback at bay, while a steel inlet basket and an all-metal housing take the punishment of touring. It handles up to 150 dB SPL, so loud singing at close range is not a problem. Being a condenser, it needs 12–48 V phantom power over its 3-pin XLR. Nominal impedance is 200 Ω, weight 311 g. Supplied with the MZQ 800 clamp and a pouch.

evolution wired

Condenser detail, built for the stage

The e 865 brings condenser resolution to live vocals. Response to 20,000 Hz and an exceptional transient response keep the detail a dynamic microphone rounds off — without giving up the ruggedness a touring mic needs.

• Condenser
• 40–20,000 Hz
• 150 dB SPL

Detail that survives a loud stage

The pre-polarized capsule resolves the fine detail of a voice — breath, consonants, the attack of each note — while the supercardioid pattern isolates it from everything else happening around it. That combination is what makes it work for presenters and speakers as well as singers: the words stay intelligible at volume.

Metal housing, steel basket, phantom power

A steel inlet basket and all-metal housing handle the reality of touring, and the capsule copes with up to 150 dB SPL, so close-range singing will not overload it. As a condenser it needs 12–48 V phantom power from the desk or preamp — worth checking before the first soundcheck if you are used to dynamic microphones.