The Bottom Line
The Sennheiser E904 is a superior-quality cardioid drum microphone, best suited for toms and snare. An easy-to-use, strong clip allows easy mounting on any drum.
While it's not the cheapest at $200, it offers performance reminiscent of Sennheiser's famous MD441 at a fraction of the cost, and is an indispensable tool for recording or live sound reinforcement.
While it's not the cheapest at $200, it offers performance reminiscent of Sennheiser's famous MD441 at a fraction of the cost, and is an indispensable tool for recording or live sound reinforcement.
Pros
- Great sounds quality on toms, snare
- Easy clip-on mounting
Cons
- Poor aesthetic durability
- Somewhat expensive
Description
- Clip-on cardioid microphone; clip detaches to allow standmount applications.
- Frequency response: 40Hz to 18kHz
- XLR connector, requires no external preamp. 2.5X1.6 inches.
- Retail price, near $200
Guide Review - Sennheiser E904 Drum Microphone
I'm a really big fan of the Sennheiser MD421. It's a front-address, exceptionally sturdy dynamic microphone, and it's one of my favorites for everything from horns to drums -- especially toms. Unfortunately, the MD421 has two strikes against it -- it sells at $379, and it's bulky as can be.
For the studio, and if you can afford it, this doesn't matter much -- but for live, an unpredictable environment at best, the MD421 is an impractical choice, even though the sound quality is considered legendary.
The integrated clip makes placement on drums extremely easy; from snares to toms to percussion, the E904 goes anywhere and sounds phenomenal. On toms, the sound is even, round, and with plenty of attack and body. Light EQ and compression makes the E904 sound unbelievably lifelike and powerful.
Off the clip, the E904 sounds incredible with horns, much like an MD421; add a little more bottom end, and you've got a very convincing sound.
Otherwise, build quality is great. The mics are made of machined metal; this offers substantial protection over the plastic housing of the predecessor, the E604.
Overall, the E904 is a superior value. At around $200, the price can't be beat, especially for a mic that sounds amazing on drums, percussion, guitar cabs, and horns.
For the studio, and if you can afford it, this doesn't matter much -- but for live, an unpredictable environment at best, the MD421 is an impractical choice, even though the sound quality is considered legendary.
The E904 -- MD421 sound in a small package
The Sennheiser E904 is part of their Evolution series of live dynamic microphones. It's extremely small -- 2.5 inches tall, 1.6 inches around -- and comes on a very convenient clip, which can be removed if necessary.The integrated clip makes placement on drums extremely easy; from snares to toms to percussion, the E904 goes anywhere and sounds phenomenal. On toms, the sound is even, round, and with plenty of attack and body. Light EQ and compression makes the E904 sound unbelievably lifelike and powerful.
Off the clip, the E904 sounds incredible with horns, much like an MD421; add a little more bottom end, and you've got a very convincing sound.
Build Quality
While the E904 is built very solid, one problem I've had since using them is with the paint finish. After several direct hits from drumsticks -- which happens a lot -- the finish is very worn. My mics are only a year old, with almost twice-weekly use.Otherwise, build quality is great. The mics are made of machined metal; this offers substantial protection over the plastic housing of the predecessor, the E604.
Overall, the E904 is a superior value. At around $200, the price can't be beat, especially for a mic that sounds amazing on drums, percussion, guitar cabs, and horns.
