Sennheiser E 604

The Sennheiser e 604 is a compact dynamic cardioid microphone made for toms, snare and percussion, and just as useful on brass and woodwinds. It's small enough to clip onto a drum rim between cymbals and hardware, where a full-size mic would get in the way of the drummer.

Its cardioid pattern focuses on the drum in front of it and helps reject the rest of the kit, while the tight, punchy sound brings out the attack of sticks on toms and snare. The e 604 handles the very high sound pressure of close-miked drums and horns without distortion, and a hum compensating coil helps keep electrical noise out of the signal. The reinforced glass-fibre body is light and tough, and stands up to the occasional stick hit.

The included MZH 604 drum clip attaches to the rim of a tom or snare for quick, steady placement, with no stand needed. Rent a set in Montréal to mic up a full drum kit for a show or a recording session.

Technical information

• Type: Dynamic
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency response: 40 Hz to 18 kHz
• Sensitivity: 1.8 mV/Pa
• Impedance: 350 ohms
• Connector: XLR-3
• Weight: 60 g
• Includes: MZH 604 drum clip

Replacement value: $189