Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $237
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Sennheiser e 865 Condenser". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Sennheiser e 865 Condenser, a fully professional vocal microphone that has been engineered to provide you with a superbly smooth and extended dynamic range. As the first condenser microphone in the renowned evolution series, it brings the refined tone of the studio to the stage, making it an excellent choice for public speaking, live broadcasting, and podcasting.
This microphone is not only impressive in terms of sound quality but also in its design and durability. It boasts a sleek profile and solid construction, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of regular use and still maintain its performance. The super-cardioid pick-up pattern is uniquely designed to handle the highest vocal levels without feedback, focusing only on what's directly in front of the capsule and minimizing background noise.
Key Features:
- Pro-studio sound quality with smooth, consistent top-end and warm, focused lows
- Super-cardioid pattern for precise vocal pick-up and minimal background noise
- Extended high-frequency response to handle high vocal levels without feedback
- Rugged metal construction for durability in rigorous conditions
- Ideal for public speaking, live broadcasting, podcasting, and stage performance
- Phantom powering capability for use with professional systems
- Easy-cleaning removable sound inlet basket
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Supercardioid |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 150dB |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Mic Clip, Carrying Pouch |
FAQs
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What is the polar pattern of the Sennheiser e 865 Condenser Microphone?
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The Sennheiser e 865 features a supercardioid polar pattern, which provides excellent isolation from background noise and feedback, making it ideal for live vocal performances.
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Does the Sennheiser e 865 require phantom power?
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Yes, the Sennheiser e 865 is a condenser microphone and requires phantom power to operate, typically provided by most modern mixing consoles and audio interfaces.
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Is the Sennheiser e 865 suitable for live vocal performances?
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Absolutely, the Sennheiser e 865 is designed specifically for lead vocal applications, offering clarity and presence with its condenser capsule and supercardioid pattern, making it perfect for live settings.
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What is the frequency response range of the Sennheiser e 865?
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The Sennheiser e 865 has a frequency response range of 40Hz to 20kHz, ensuring it captures a full and detailed sound spectrum suitable for vocals.
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What is the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) the Sennheiser e 865 can handle?
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The Sennheiser e 865 can handle a maximum SPL of 150dB, allowing it to capture loud vocal performances without distortion.
Videos
Full Compass
Sennheiser e865 Handheld Vocal Condenser Microphone Overview | Full Compass
Reviews
PROS
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Enhances vocal clarity, making it ideal for live performances
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Superior to previous models (e.g., E835) in dynamic range and clarity
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Offers distinct sound improvement over dynamic microphones
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Produces less boomy sound than dynamic mics, maintaining vocal distinction
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Warm, detailed, and articulate sound quality
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Requires little to no EQ, simplifying setup
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Durable and reliable for regular gigging
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Performs well in various musical genres and settings
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Resistant to feedback, even as a condenser microphone
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Built like a tank, indicating solid construction
CONS
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Requires phantom power, which may limit its use in some setups
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May be considered expensive for some budgets
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Less suited for extremely loud stage environments without a dynamic mic backup
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Controls can be perceived as fiddly compared to simpler models
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sennheiser e 865 Condenser.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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A shoot-out video included the e 865, where hosts favored a Shure model, though some felt the Shure was over-hyped in the high-end frequencies.
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The e 965 is considered a versatile workhorse with warmth and power, particularly in hypercardioid, outperforming the KSM9 in these aspects.
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Users find the e 965 better on a loud stage compared to the Neumann KMS105, which struggles with stage spill and is more suited for quieter environments.
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Value and pricing
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The e 865's price drop to $99.95 is noted as a significant deal, with comparisons indicating it remains priced higher on Sennheiser's official site.
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Use cases and applications
User experience
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Some users prefer the Sennheiser e 965 for its safe versatility across different vocals and settings, describing it as "boring" but reliable.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 12 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistThis photo shows Ed Sheeran performing live and singing into a Sennheiser e 865 microphone. An article on the UK Sennheiser site confirms that Sheeran uses an 865 capsule with a Sennheiser 2000 Series wireless system.
Sheeran's Front of House engineer Chris Marsh says that before the 865, Ed was using the Sennheiser e945, which didn't respond as well to Sheeran's "cupping the microphone and holding it in the air at an awkward angle." He goes on to say, "The 865 is the capsule out of all those that I tried, and not just Sennheiser, that has consistency between the open mic and the cupped. And Ed likes it!"
The original article can be found here.
In the March 2012 issue of Total Production International magazine, Sting's then-production crew was interviewed and it is stated that he was using an 865 for live work.
Conor Mason uses the Sennheiser e 865 Condenser Microphone during live performances, as seen in the Nothing but Thieves set at the Reading and Leeds Festival 2016.
You can see this item at 0:34. It is green with a black capsule. This microphone was used extensively until "Common Dreads".
Bora Karaca uses the Sennheiser e 865 CondenserI, as listed on his LA studio's website, The Laboratory Audio.
Album Usage
The Sennheiser e 865 Condenser has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sennheiser e 865 Condenser, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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