If you're a drummer, bassist, or audio engineer working with deep bass frequency instruments, you've probably heard about the Sennheiser e 902. This dynamic cardioid microphone, with an integral stand mount, breaks with our tradition. Instead of a neutral, flat response, it captures your sound source with the idealized sonic image you've always wanted. 

 

Come along with us as we examine the e 902 in detail. We'll discuss its history, uses, and the combination of features that make it a go-to bass-frequency device.

 

The e 902 is a proud member of Sennheiser's Evolution 900 series, a family of microphones that sets the standard for professional audio. But, unlike many of our previous mics, the e 902 does a bit differently.

 

Doing away with a "neutral" frequency response, it leads a new wave of "targeted sound" designs. This is where we intentionally shape a mic's frequency response to enhance the desired characteristics of the recorded sound sources. For the e 902, this means emphasizing the deep, powerful, low-end frequencies that define bass instruments, dipping midrange congestion, and bringing out the clarity and attack of the highs.

 

Musicians and sound engineers often have a specific sound in mind when recording low-frequency instruments, and a neutral mic doesn't always give them that sound. 

 

Sennheiser's own Sebastian Schmitz explains, "If you position as neutral a microphone as possible in a bass drum, you get a sound that initially reminds you of a cardboard box. You have a huge amount of self-resonance in the low and medium frequency ranges, which destroys the magic for you. Although you then get a linear, 'genuine' sound from the cylinder, you are not getting the sound you are expecting or hoping for." 

 

The e 902's innovative design solves this problem. By attenuating specific frequencies and emphasizing others, the mic delivers a well-defined bass sound that cuts through the mix without sacrificing the lowest frequencies, clarity, or detail. Needless to say, its design required meticulous development, involving countless listening sessions and feedback from musicians and sound engineers. Ultimately, Sennheiser's engineers created a microphone that met and exceeded these professionals' expectations. 

 

In the world of low-end, speed and power are everything. That's why we paid particular attention to giving the e 902 a lightning-fast transient response. Its speed ensures it captures every kick drum thump, the attack of every bass note, and every low-frequency blast with precision and clarity. And because it can handle the highest SPLs, its ideal for the loudest of amps, players, and stages. 

 

The e 902 cardioid polar pattern makes it a sonic spotlight. It focuses on the sound source right in front of it while rejecting unwanted noise from the sides and rear. This is crucial for isolating your sound source from bleed, especially with acoustic drums.

 

It also features a hum-compensating coil for a cleaner, more focused recording. 

 

The coil acts as a shield, reducing electrical interference and ensuring a noise-free signal in challenging environments. 

 

Reliability is one of the cornerstones of the Sennheiser brand, and the e 902 delivers. Since bass-heavy instruments can push a lot of air, we gave the mic an integral shock mount to isolate the capsule from this sonic energy, handling noise, and other unwanted sonic disturbances. You get cleaner recordings with less rumble and vibration.

 

Of course, the e 902 can easily withstand the rigors of live, professional use as well. It's rugged metal housing and dent-resistant grille brush off the occasional bump or drop while giving you years of reliable performance.

 

While the e 902 is a favorite dynamic instrument microphone for kick drums, its versatility definitely doesn't stop there. It's a popular choice for capturing the low-end thump of floor toms, the warmth of upright bass, the powerful resonance of brass instruments, and the raw energy of bass guitar amps. 

 

Whether you're a seasoned audio engineer or a musician needing the right mic for the low end, the Sennheiser e 902 is a dependable choice that's specifically tailored to your needs. No, it's not a neutral-sounding mic. It's even better.

 

 

• Frequency Response: Optimized for low frequencies, delivering a deep, punchy sound.
• Transient Response: Captures fast attacks and transients with accuracy and clarity.
• Cardioid Polar Pattern: Rejects unwanted noise and focuses on the sound source.
• Hum Compensating Coil: Minimizes electrical interference and hum.
• Integral Shock Mount: Reduces handling noise and vibrations.
• Rugged Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of live performance and studio use.
• Handles High SPLs: Doesn't distort even with loud sound sources.