The Sennheiser e 906 is a dynamic microphone that has earned its place as a staple in studios and on stages worldwide. Known for its clear, natural sound, impressive ability to handle high sound pressure levels (SPLs), and switchable sound character, it's a versatile and affordable choice for capturing a wide range of sound sources. Whether you're a seasoned audio engineer, a bedroom producer, or a gigging musician, the e 906 delivers the goods.

 

The e 906 is an evolution of the popular Sennheiser e609, a dynamic microphone favored by many for its work on guitar amps and other instruments. The e609 was a true workhorse known for its ability to handle high SPLs and deliver a powerful sound. However, some users found its high-end response to be a bit harsh or unforgiving.

 

The e 906 takes the strengths of the e609 and elevates them with key improvements. One of the most noticeable upgrades is the rugged metal body of the e 906. Built to withstand the rigors of live use and the bumps and bruises of travel, this dynamic instrument mic is ready for anything.

 

The e 906 also boasts a flatter frequency response than its predecessor, ensuring that it captures the actual sonic characteristics of your source without adding unwanted coloration. This makes it an incredibly versatile tool for capturing a wide array of instruments and vocals.

 

But perhaps the most significant improvement is the addition of a switchable presence filter. This EQ switch allows you to shape the high-end response of the microphone, providing three distinct sound characteristics: bright (with presence boost), moderate (flat), and dark (high-frequency cut). This added versatility makes the e 906 even more adaptable to different instruments and recording situations.

 

 

At its core, the Sennheiser e 906 is a dynamic microphone designed to be your go-to option whether you're recording in the studio or mixing a live performance.

 

It features a supercardioid polar pattern, which means it's most sensitive to sound coming directly from the front of the mic. This pattern effectively rejects unwanted sound from the sides and rear, isolating your sound source and reducing bleed from other instruments. This isolation is beneficial in live settings where multiple instruments are playing simultaneously.

 

The e 906's frequency response spans from 40 Hz to 18 kHz, covering a wide range of frequencies that capture the nuances of most instruments and vocals. It's voiced for a flat EQ, meaning it accurately reproduces the natural sound of the source without adding any coloration.

 

The e 906's popularity comes from its versatility and impressive performance. Taking much of what gives the e609 its already famous reputation — convenient form, clear and accurate sound, affordable price — its upgraded housing and presence switch take it to the next level.

 

The e 906's added versatility also makes it popular on a broader variety of sound sources. It captures everything from vocals and delicate acoustic guitars to strings without coloration.

 

Of course, the e 906 can still hang with a screaming guitar amp or close-miked drums. Its high sound pressure level (SPL) rating translates these sounds beautifully and gives you peace of mind when you need a mic you can rely on.

 

Despite its professional-level performance, the e 906 remains an incredibly affordable microphone. Having a mic that excels in so many situations and is still accessible to purchase is vital for musicians and engineers of all levels.

 

 

One of the reasons the e 906 is so popular for guitar amps is its easy placement. Borrowing its flat form from the e609, many people loop the cable over the amp's top handle and hang it against the grille. No need for a mic stand! The presence switch can come in handy here. You can hang the mic right in front of the speaker cone and tame the highs with the mic's presence switch. It's a fast, sure-fire way to a balanced and bold guitar sound.

 

The e 906 is often used in the studio with a combination of other microphones to capture a more complete picture of the instrument. For example, you might pair it with a warmer ribbon microphone to add depth and richness to the sound. This is where the flat and bright presence switch settings excel. They add just the right amount of cut and detail to the ribbon mic's lows.

 

Drummers have long loved the e 906 for capturing their kit's attack and detail, but many place the mic too far away from the drum for our taste. To get the most from your e 906, we recommend starting with the mic as close to the center of your batter head as possible. Begin with the mic about 3-5 cm off the head and tilted back to about 30 degrees. This position offers a great starting point with a balance of fundamental and overtones. Angle the mic further from the drum to tip the balance toward the overtones and closer for more of the fundamental and attack.

 

When positioned correctly, the mic's fast transient response grabs the drum's snap and character, while its high SPL handling ensures a clean track free of distortion. Don't forget to try yours on toms and kick drums. It's magic with a bit of EQ and compression.

 

Though guitars and drums get a lot of the glory, there's something stunning about the power and rich tones of a screaming trumpet, trombone, and saxophone. Miking them can take a little know-how. You want a mic that can handle their dynamic volume jumps but also needs it to translate their full and nuanced tones.

 

The e 906 is perfect for the job. Onstage or in the studio, it shines on brass instruments. Its ability to effortlessly handle high SPLs is crucial for capturing the horns' dynamic range. And thanks to the mic's supercardioid polar pattern helps isolate the sound from other sources, which is especially vital on a crowded, loud stage.

 

• Famous flat form factor: Makes positioning and placement easy, especially on electric guitar amplifiers

• Presence Filter/EQ Switch: Offers three distinct sound profiles—bright, moderate, and dark—for shaping the high-end frequencies to achieve the desired tonal quality.    

• Supercardioid Polar Pattern: Focuses on capturing sound directly in front of the microphone while effectively reducing background noise.    

• Flat, Natural-Sounding EQ: Accurately captures the sound of your instrument or voice, ensuring a true-to-life recording or performance.    

• Hum-Compensating Coil: Minimizes unwanted electrical interference, providing a clean and noise-free audio signal.    

• Rugged Metal Housing: Ensures durability, withstanding the demands of stage and studio use.

 

• Microphone type: Dynamic

• Frequency response: 40 Hz to 18 kHz

• Polar pattern: Supercardioid

• Output impedance: 350 Ohms

• Sensitivity: 2.2 mV/Pa

• Weight: 140 g

 

The Sennheiser e 906 has earned its place as a modern classic. An evolution of the e609's already industry-standard design, its added features and upgrades make it indispensable for audio engineers and musicians alike. Whether you pick one up for its sonic versatility, dependable construction, or unbeatable value, it's guaranteed to be a staple of your mic locker for years to come.