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Average Price: $508
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$100
$401+
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Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "Sennheiser e 965". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Sennheiser e 965, an innovative leap in the world of handheld microphones. As Sennheiser's first large-diaphragm, true condenser handheld microphone, the e 965 delivers unmatched sensitivity and robustness that's perfect for any vocal application. With its unique 1" dual-diaphragm capsule, you get the freedom to switch between cardioid and super-cardioid polar patterns on the fly, offering you unparalleled flexibility and control over your sound.
Designed with the needs of musicians in mind, the e 965 doesn't compromise on durability despite its studio-grade sensitivity. It's built to withstand the rigors of the stage, ensuring reliable performance gig after gig. This microphone effortlessly cuts through high onstage levels, making it a powerful addition to the Sennheiser's award-winning evolution 900 Series.
Key Features:
- Large-diaphragm, true-condenser handheld microphone
- Innovative 1" dual-diaphragm capsule
- Switchable between cardioid and super-cardioid polar patterns
- Offers studio-grade sensitivity and stage-ready ruggedness
- Comes with a low-cut switch and a 10dB pad
- Delivers excellent 40Hz-20kHz frequency response
- Handmade in Germany
- Comes with a 10-year warranty from Sennheiser
- Integral moisture protection.
Owner's manual
Sennheiser e 965 User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Supercardioid |
| Diaphragm Size | 1" (25.4mm) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 142dB (152dB w/Pad) |
| Output Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Self Noise | 21dB |
| Pads | -10dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 0.87 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Mic Clamp, Storage Pouch |
FAQs
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What polar patterns does the Sennheiser e 965 offer?
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The Sennheiser e 965 features both cardioid and supercardioid polar patterns, allowing for versatile use in different environments by adjusting the microphone's sensitivity to sound from various directions.
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Is the Sennheiser e 965 suitable for live vocal performances?
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Yes, the Sennheiser e 965 is designed as a handheld condenser microphone, making it ideal for live vocal performances with its robust build and excellent sound clarity.
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Does the Sennheiser e 965 require phantom power?
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Yes, the Sennheiser e 965 requires +48V phantom power to operate, which is standard for condenser microphones and ensures optimal performance.
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What is the frequency response range of the Sennheiser e 965?
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The Sennheiser e 965 offers a frequency response range of 40Hz to 20kHz, providing a broad spectrum for capturing vocal nuances with clarity.
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How does the Sennheiser e 965 handle high sound pressure levels?
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The Sennheiser e 965 can handle a maximum SPL of 142dB, or 152dB with the -10dB pad engaged, making it suitable for capturing loud sound sources without distortion.
Videos
Sennheiser
TUTORIAL: e 965 Vocal Condenser Microphone | Sennheiser
Reviews
PROS
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Rich and full sound across all frequencies
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Great feedback rejection in supercardioid position
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Versatile for different singing styles and genres
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Provides warmth and character similar to studio condensers
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Rugged and durable design, less breakable than many dynamic mics
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Offers switchable polar patterns for flexible performance settings
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Exceptional sound clarity with warmth and richness
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Handles high notes without harshness, making them musical
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Sensitivity reduction option available for less feedback
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Dual 1" diaphragm offers a clean and very similar frequency profile to dynamic options
CONS
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Sound may not suit every vocalist's voice equally well
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Some sibilance issues require careful mic positioning
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Expensive, making it a significant investment
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Foam cover and accessories perceived as overpriced
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Requires proper treatment with a compressor and equalizer for best sound clarity
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One review found it dull and lacking power compared to another condenser mic
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sennheiser e 965.
Comparisons
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The Sennheiser e965 is praised for its warmth, potentially making it preferable for users seeking a richer sound compared to the KMS105 or d:Facto.
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The e965 is suggested to have superior clarity over the e945 for some voices, highlighting the importance of individual vocal testing before purchase.
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The e965 is praised for requiring minimal EQ or compression, offering versatility both in studio and live settings, unlike Heil PR35 and PR37.
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User experience
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The e965, though highly regarded for its sound quality, was noted to create feedback issues at higher volumes in certain setups, making it less suitable for louder environments.
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The e965 handles feedback similarly to a dynamic mic despite being a condenser, as long as volume levels are managed appropriately.
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Despite preferring Heil mics, some users acknowledge the e965's quality and suggest its effectiveness is partly dependent on the sound engineer's skill.
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Owners find the e965 exceptional for female vocals with pronounced low mid presence, though some EQ adjustments may be necessary to clean up this frequency range.
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The e965 is praised for its smooth response across frequencies, making it particularly effective for singers with a strong, low-mid presence.
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Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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The e965 is described as delivering clarity that stands out when used with backing tracks, making it a strong contender for solo performers.
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The e965 can effectively serve dual purposes, performing well in both studio recordings and live performances, making it a versatile choice for multi-venue artists.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings
174
Fell in love instantly
Has a sensitivity reduction to 2.8mv/Pa from 7mv/Pa if needed making it less feedback prone, cardioid or supercardioid patterns, and a LF cut at around 120hz, instead of a flat extension to 40hz as toggles under the grille.
(no proximity effect as it is a condenser and also a design feature of the mic) you can get a tiny bit of extra bass up at < 1" distance, it won't sound like an SM58 or AKG D7, so would need that huge proximity effect re-inserting if this is what you want.
It has a dual 1" diaphragm which has a very similar frequency profile to the E935/E945 for a dynamic option as a swap out
Its foam cover is £45 which daylight robbery by Sennheiser, and the bag isn't as nice as the Shure, but you probably would want to keep it boxed.
Its seems to be great everywhere, but needs a little off axis and 3" distance for some types of sibilance, but other pops etc are well filtered by the grille.
Its a great mic, and seems to fly under the radar despite the E935 being used by almost everyone these days (in wireless form)
Adele used the wireless form of this e965 mic for some time.
If the cat could now sleep somewhere else I might be able to practice in it more, but between the cat, and me singing, the cuteness always wins me over every time.
All mics need a little EQ, it sounds like a very solid representation of my voice unequalised, so good for improving technique and studio recording
606
Artist usage
Add artist
We can see Lauren Mayberry singin' with this mic in Rock en Seine (2016 edition). The characteristics of this is very specific, since we can watch the form and anatomy on the Sennheiser mic: large membrane and the typical Sennheiser logo on the body.
Dan Smith uses the Sennheiser e 965 microphone, as detailed in an article by Sennheiser.
Sennheiser’s Pierre Morant, relations manager EMEA, took on the mic challenge to find a perfect solution. “He and his team suggested the Sennheiser e 965, which has a sound that is very similar to the KMS 105,” said Hara. “And it turned out to be more suitable due to the very high SPLs we have on stage".
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sennheiser e 965, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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