Musicians and sound engineers agree that the trusted Sennheiser brand is a great microphone to record vocals, guitars, and other instruments.
The Sennheiser E609 and E906 are always top choices for recording. It’s easy to confuse these two microphones because of their similar model number.
While they share common features, each one has its own crowning glory.
I understand the struggle to choose microphones for your specific needs — I’m here to the rescue!
Let’s talk about the features of the E609 vs E906 microphones and compare, shall we?
Sennheiser E609 Overview
The Sennheiser E609 is best known as a handy guitar amp mic. In fact, it is designed for use in guitar cabinets with the intent to record very close to the signal source.
It is a super-cardioid dynamic microphone, meaning it has the enhanced ability to reject unwanted noise in your recording.
When recording vocals, guitar sounds or other acoustic instrumentals, you don’t have to worry about high sound pressure levels with this great mic, nor will you find any distortion.
NOTE: For a perfect recording, I recommend placing it near the source.
Main Features:
- Microphone Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Super cardioid
- Frequency Response: 40Hz-18kHz
- Output Impedance: 350 ohms
- Connector: XLR
- Sensitivity in free field, no load (1kHz): 1.5 mV/PA
- Dimensions: 5.2″ x 2.1″
- Weight: 0.4 lbs.
Pros
- Lightweight at 0.4lbs
- Compact design and flat shape
- No need for a mic stand; just hang it around the guitar amp
- Lower price compared to the E906
Cons
- Cannot make adjustments because there’s no switch
- Less warmth for low and mid-range frequencies
- Need to find the right position to get the best outcome
Sennheiser E906 Overview
The Sennheiser E906 has a WIDER frequency range of 40Hz to 18kHz.
Equipped with a super-cardioid polar pattern, it is ideal for capturing sharp sounds from even small movements.
Known for its built-in hum compensation coil, the vibration and other minor sounds are muted, giving CLEAR and CRISP recordings.
The tone can be adjusted using its three-position EQ control, too!
In addition to being a great super-cardioid dynamic microphone for guitars and other acoustic instrumentals recordings, it’s widely used for home recording and studio-based podcasts and voiceovers.
Main Features:
- Microphone Type: Dynamic
- Polar Pattern: Super cardioid
- Frequency Response: 40Hz-18kHz
- Output Impedance: 350 ohms
- Connector: XLR
- Sensitivity: 2.2 mV/Pa
- Weight: 0.31 lbs.
Pros
- Three-position switch. With this, you get more hands-on control
- Versatile for recording guitars, drums and percussions
- Flat front design makes it easy to position and makes the mic stable
- High sound pressure level. No problem cranking it up and increasing distortion since it was designed not to give feedback or mic bleed
- Less tweaking is required compared to the E609
Cons
- It is sensitive to small movements (some find it too sensitive)
Sennheiser E609 vs E906: What’s the Difference?
Pricing
These two microphones are AFFORDABLE considering the quality that comes with them, particularly since they are super-cardioid dynamic microphones.
The Sennheiser E609 comes at a LOWER price point, which is a clear advantage over the Sennheiser E906.
Build and Design
The design of the Sennheiser E609 has a vintage vibe to it, featuring a metal body with a flattened capsule form.
The mesh is reinforced with an advanced shock mount design for better protection against dents and cracks.
The flat shape makes it possible to record with the mic dangling from the amp head down to the speaker. It allows the mic to stay in place without creating any rattling noise.
The Sennheiser E609 has two color variations, silver, and black.
Similarly, the Sennheiser E906 has a sleek and solid look. The mic head and shaft are made of metal with a black matte finish, and it also takes a flat shape.
As mentioned earlier, the built-in hum compensation coil of the Sennheiser E906 reduces any induced noise from electromagnetic interference.
Simply put, the design helps reduce low-frequency noise if you plan to render instruments.
Usage
The E609 can be used for studio recordings or live performances on stage.
Since it was designed to be positioned extremely close to the sound source, it has increased isolation from other audio devices.
It’s been tested to handle loud sources, and it passed with flying colors!
The E906 is also designed for guitar amplifiers, but it is also widely used with percussion and brass instruments.
Sound Quality
Sennheiser E609:
- Supports flat settings with low self-noise
- Music critics say this model has a good sound capture. When recording acoustic guitar, the tones that come out are consistent with the guitar tones you bring in
- Has extended frequency response
Sennheiser E906:
- It is structured for high gains and has a better signal to noise ratio, which makes it less likely to pick up unwanted feedback
- Has high SPL handling
- High-frequency boost enabled
- Wider range frequency
An important feature of the Sennheiser E906 that I want to highlight is the switchable presence filter which makes it possible to adjust the character of the tone.
The switchable presence onboard filter can accentuate a certain frequency range, depending on the requirement.
- For example, the first position (High pass) of the switchable presence filter boosts the presence range, which is ideal for rhythm guitars.
- The second position (Normal) is ideal for classical rock, while the third position (Low pass) captures the smooth jazz sounds.
REMEMBER: To achieve the type of character sound you are looking for, you have to find the right mix in terms of setup and angle of the microphones.
Final Verdict: Which Mic Is Better to Use?
These two models will make a GREAT ADDITION to any musician’s war chest, whether you are recording acoustic instruments or intending to render instruments.
The super-cardioid polar pattern will reduce the bleed, making them secret weapons against unwanted interference!
The differences between these microphones are not too big.
Whether it’s EQ curves, onboard filters, or high gains that you are looking for in your recordings, the decision point in choosing microphones will depend on the usage.
No doubt, both models are good for vocals, guitars, and can handle loud sources whether on stage or in the studio.
Buy the E609 If…
In a nutshell, if you are looking for a LOWER price point (compared to E906), then this might be what you are looking for.
It is capable of handling high sound pressure levels with an extended frequency response.
The E609 supports flat settings and is suitable for live shows because it doesn’t have any distortions while recording other sounds.
Even when recording acoustic guitar music or its electric counterpart, the Sennheiser E609 has a high-end boost that brings out guitar tones that helps to cut through any mixes.
Buy the E906 If…
The Sennheiser E906 is tailored for guitar amps but is also great for percussions, toms, horns and other instruments.
Because of its fast transient response, it ELEVATES the recording of guitars and percussion sounds to another level.
It works well with dimmed amps because setting the volume at maximum level and high frequencies will not be a problem.
If you want MORE control over your sound, the Sennheiser E906 may be the one for you. The switches allow you to choose from three settings, a presence boost, or a presence cut.
Guitarists and sound engineers view this as an important feature. Why, might you ask?
When a band has more than one guitarist, you may want to focus on one guitar over the other on particular parts of the song.
The guitarist can lessen their presence while the others take the lead.
This way, there is more control in moving between a light, moderate, or dark sound pressure level.
In addition to being a great mic for guitar and other acoustic instrumentals recording, the E906 is a popular choice for studio recording such as podcasts and voiceovers.
In Summary…
Any of these two models would make a great choice because they have a very similar sound signature. But then again, not all mics are created equal.
If a choice has to be made between these two superior mics, then features-wise, go for the Sennheiser E906.
- The three-position switch made the biggest difference in the E906 model.
- It also makes recording easier with its high-end boost.
- Most of all, you can tailor fit the sound characteristics.
- If you have extra bucks to spare for mics, then the Sennheiser E906 is the one for you!
However, do note that the E609 is a good viable option, too, especially if you want to focus on guitar sounds using your guitar amps.
- Don’t think of its as just the “budget-friendly version” because the E609 is loaded with cool features, too and can hold out on its own merits.
- It is also enabled with a high-frequency boost allowing it to handle high frequencies without any distortion.
- Like the E906, its high SPL handling is perfect when you want to set the volume at maximum, or what they call dimed amps.
Final Words
Needless to say, these two mics deliver what they set out to do!
If you want to record with a crisp and bold finish and listen to the outcome without any hitch, the Sennheiser E906 or E609 will give you that perfect recording.
I’ve done our part to point out the differences. Now it’s all up to you to find your perfect match!
