Sennheiser E 865From real comments

Verdict distilled from 9 mentions across 6 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment78%
PROS 78%
CONS 22%

Rank based on 9 mentions across 6 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a condenser mic with clean, punchy, natural vocal sound for live performance
  • You can grab it at a discount or sale price for strong value
  • You're open to a mic some users say outperforms the Shure Beta 87

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're wary of the newer non-'Made in Germany' build and cheaper packaging
  • You need guaranteed plug-and-play compatibility with every mixer
  • You need confirmed studio-recording performance before buying, which isn't settled in the comments

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Mid
Sennheiser E 865
Clean, Natural Vocal SoundGood Value for MoneyStrong Output & PresenceBuild/Sourcing Change ConcernsMixer Compatibility Issue
Sennheiser E 865
Clean, Natural Vocal Sound
Good Value for Money
Strong Output & Presence
Build/Sourcing Change Concerns
Mixer Compatibility Issue

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Clean, punchy sound wins over vocal users. Multiple commenters describe the E 865 as very clean and natural for live vocals and acoustic guitar recording, calling its performance strong with great presence. Another user says the first time they used it they were immediately impressed, calling the sound punchy, clean and smooth, and claims it outperforms the Shure Beta 87. A recent buyer simply says they're loving the power, volume and clarity after purchasing it on sale.

Buyers feel it's worth the money, especially on sale. One owner bought the E 865 for about 100 euros during a Sennheiser anniversary promotion and states they would happily pay full price for it again, calling it a great mic overall. Another commenter recently bought it at 30% off and is enjoying the power, volume and clarity it delivers, suggesting the mic holds strong value whether bought at a discount or full retail price.

A couple of ownership concerns surface. One commenter notes the newer version is no longer 'Made in Germany,' suspects cheaper packaging similar to the e835, and jokes the next step will be manufacturing in China, expressing a preference for a cheaper Behringer dynamic mic instead. Separately, another owner reports the mic doesn't work with all mixers despite having the proper certification, and is unsure why this compatibility issue occurs.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?