Mic Archive
Sennheiser e 914
Photo: Sennheiser, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser e 914

Pre-polarised condenser instrument microphone, cardioid, exchangeable capsule, with 3-position pad and bass filter switches (evolution series)

Type
Condenser (electret)
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−43.1 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
24 dB(A)
Max SPL
137 dB SPL
Impedance
100 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 2. Graph "Frequency response", relative dB (0 dB at mid frequencies), for the three positions of the bass filter switch. Pad position, distance, room and smoothing not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet, p. 2. Graph "Polar pattern". Each curve drawn on one side only (125 Hz to 1 kHz left, 2 to 16 kHz right); taken as symmetric. Measuring conditions not stated.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the spec sheet
Capsulepre-polarised condenser, exchangeable. "Exchangeable capsule". The 2007 instructions: "The microphone head is not compatible with the K6 powering module" (page 3).p. 1
Sensitivity−43.1 dBV/Pa (7 mV/Pa), free field, 1 kHz, pad 0 dB; also −52.8 dBV/Pa, pad -10 dB (2.3 mV/Pa); also −63.1 dBV/Pa, pad -20 dB (0.7 mV/Pa). Not stated by the manufacturer: Converted from "7 mV/Pa"; "with pre-attenuation 2.3 mV/Pa / 0.7 mV/Pa".
Self-noise24 dB(A); also 19 dB(A), 2007 instructions, 2009 product sheet, and the current sheet's architect's specification. Specifications table: "24 dB(A)". The same sheet's architect's specification says "19 dB(A)", as do the 2007 instructions ("A-weighted (DIN IEC 651) 19 dB", page 8) and the 2009 product sheet.
Self-noise (CCIR 468)34 dB; also 30 dB, 2007 instructions and 2009 product sheet. "CCIR-weighted 34 dB". The 2007 instructions: "CCIR-weighted (CCIR 468-3) 30 dB" (page 8).
Max SPL137 dB SPL, 1 kHz, pad 0 dB; also 147 dB SPL, pad -10 dB; also 157 dB SPL, pad -20 dB. "137/147/157 dB SPL (depending on pre-attenuation)"; no THD figure given.
Output impedance100 ohm, nominal, 1 kHz
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, minimum. "Min. terminating impedance 1 kΩ".
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz. No tolerance given.
Poweringphantom 48 V. "Phantom powering 48 V / 2.2 mA".
Current draw2.2 mA
Low cutlinear, roll-off 130 Hz, 6 dB/octave, cut-off 85 Hz, 18 dB/octave. "Bassfilter: linear; roll-off 130 Hz, 6 dB/oct.; cut-off 85 Hz, 18 dB/oct." The 2007 instructions: the roll-off compensates for close-miking bass boost; the cut-off "reduces low-frequency wind noise by 18 dB/octave" (page 5).
Pad−10 dB; also −20 dB. "Pre-attenuation 0 dB, -10 dB, -20 dB" (three-position switch).
ConnectorXLR-3
Weight198 g. The 2007 instructions add "(without clamp and cable)" (page 8).
Dimensions24 × 157 mm. Diameter × length, "⌀ 24 x 157 mm". The dimension drawing on page 2 gives the length as 159.76 mm.
Supplied accessoriesMZQ 800 microphone clamp; MZW 64 windshield; pouch. "Delivery includes", with quick guide and safety guide.
Uses (Sennheiser)Acoustic guitars, cymbals and hi-hat, percussion, overheads, orchestras, grand pianos; woodwind and strings; live stereo pairs
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy)
Art. no.500206p. 1
From the manual (Recording Hacks copy)
Placement (Sennheiser)Hi-hat: a few centimetres above the outer edge, aiming down (not too close to the edge, where closing the hi-hat makes an air blast); overheads for live usep. 6

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Sennheiser, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on sennheiser.comRecording Hacks

Other mics