Sennheiser's New Evolution(s): 906 & 914

We've been writing a lot about Sennheiser and I am sure that you've also read some more stuff about these amazing Germans if you're not even owning Senn gear. And because Sennheiser are a bunch of very serious and devoted people, they're never content with what they've achieved so far but continuously scour after better gear and happier customers.

The Frankfurt Musikmesse brings 2 completely new microphones from Sennheiser, with two completely different looks, principles and applications: the newest members of the Sennheiser Evolution clan, the E 906 and 914. Let's see what's on with the "new kids on the block", apart from their killer-look.

First of all, they both are instrument mics but while the E906 is a dedicated guitar cabinet mic, the E914 is a microphone you'd use to capture the sound of acoustic instruments such as pianos, cymbals, violins or winds.

As said, E906 is the newest dedicated solution for capturing the sound of an electric guitar played through a combo or an amp and cabinet. Its shape is flat so it won't roll away when simply hanged by the cord (as most of us guitarists do, admit it!); even more, the plate shape allows its (supercardioid) membrane to get (and remain) closer to the cabinet's grill so the mic gets the most of the sound unaltered.

The E906 sport a killer-feature I'm sure all guitarists would love: the 4kHz switch! This is a 3-position switch allowing you to shape the sound transmitted by the mic to the mixing console by acting as a pass-filter set for 4 kHz. Basically, the first position is neutral and the filtering component is inactive so the highs go free and you can play the funkiest funk; the middle position will act as a -3dB cut on the specified frequency thus making a traditional sound for rock guitarists: the audio will have enough HFs so it "cuts through"yet won't hurt your ears if metal distortions would be used. The third position will cut 6 dB off those 4kHz thus making a warmer sound perfectly fit for blues and jazz.

The E906 has a hum-compensating coil in the rugged body and, with its fast attack, it is most likely one of the best choices available. After the retail price will be known, we'll see up to what point will the Sennheiser E906 be able to battle the "king" Shure SM57...

The second piece of equipment Sennheiser showcased was the E914, the acoustic-purpose condenser microphone. If the E906 was a mic perfect for either home, stage or studio recording, the E914 has been designed from the start as a piece of gear destined for hi-class applications and very demanding situations.

If you need to record acoustic guitars, cymbals, percussion, overhead, orchestras, grand pianos and the like, then the E914 may be one of the most inspired choices: it has a very accurate, lively and fast response to the subtleties of the sound and the internal switch regulating the bass-behavior will be a very handy help in the most peculiar situations with almost any acoustic instrument.

The included windscreen and clamp make perfect accessories that will allow you to set the E914 almost everywhere without any concern: it can withstand awesome high sound pressures and anyway, the capsule is easily exchangeable. I can't think of a direct opponent for the Sennheiser E914 because there are so many high-class condenser mics out there... nevertheless, it's most likely we'll soon see whether the two new Evolution series pieces will rock out the stages and studios or not. My personal impression is that they'll pull off a nice job, but still, it's rather premature to praise them....

And anyway, I play guitar so you all guess I like the 906 more... (as if I were the overall judge, lol). Watch the Musikmesse movie with Stefan (Sennheiser) and Joe (GearWire) and see for yourselves.