Sennheiser Microphone

SENNHEISER SKM3072 U
SENNHEISER SKM3072 U
$340.00 (1 Bid)
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Sennheiser e815s cardioid mic microphone e 815s 3pk cables NEW Free Shipping
Sennheiser e815s cardioid mic microphone e 815s 3pk cables NEW Free Shipping
$129.95
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Sennheiser E835 Condenser Cable Professional Microphone
Sennheiser E835 Condenser Cable Professional Microphone
$86.99
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Sennheiser e906 e 906 Guitar Amp Instrument Mic +BONUS
Sennheiser e906 e 906 Guitar Amp Instrument Mic +BONUS
$189.95
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Sennheiser AC2 RF Custom Combiner and NT3 Power Supply
Sennheiser AC2 RF Custom Combiner and NT3 Power Supply
$20.50 (2 Bids)
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SENNHEISER S 72817 WIRELESS 1 4 WAVE MIC ANTENNAS ONE PAIR FREE SHIPPING
SENNHEISER S 72817 WIRELESS 1 4 WAVE MIC ANTENNAS ONE PAIR FREE SHIPPING
$14.99
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SENNHEISER EW112 P G3 SK 100 EK 100 EW 100 G3 NEW
SENNHEISER EW112 P G3 SK 100 EK 100 EW 100 G3 NEW
$515.00 (20 Bids)
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Sennheiser e609 Silver Microphones MINT Condition w Case
Sennheiser e609 Silver Microphones MINT Condition w Case
$80.00
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Sennheiser HSP2 Beige
Sennheiser HSP2 Beige
$390.00
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Sennheiser MKH 816P
Sennheiser MKH 816P
$1,399.00
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Sennheiser MD421U5 MD 421 U 5 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone
Sennheiser MD421U5 MD 421 U 5 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone
$240.00
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Sennheiser E865 Condenser Super Cardioid Vocal Microphone
Sennheiser E865 Condenser Super Cardioid Vocal Microphone
$220.00
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Sennheiser EW112P G3 Wireless Lav Camera System A Band + Zoom H4n Recorder
Sennheiser EW112P G3 Wireless Lav Camera System A Band + Zoom H4n Recorder
$699.00
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Sennheiser G3 100 Series Receiver 2pin European Adapter
Sennheiser G3 100 Series Receiver 2pin European Adapter
$10.00
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SENNHEISER E835 DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE VOCAL MICROPHONE
SENNHEISER E835 DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE VOCAL MICROPHONE
$75.00
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Countryman E6 Omni Earset E6OW6T2SR for Sennheiser
Countryman E6 Omni Earset E6OW6T2SR for Sennheiser
$349.99
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TELEFUNKEN SENNHEISER VINTAGE CARDIOID DYNAMIC GOOSENECK MICROPHONE W XLR CABLE
TELEFUNKEN SENNHEISER VINTAGE CARDIOID DYNAMIC GOOSENECK MICROPHONE W XLR CABLE
$97.50
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Sennheiser e609 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone Pair 2
Sennheiser e609 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone Pair 2
$110.00 (1 Bid)
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Sennheiser E935 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone
Sennheiser E935 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone
$81.00 (2 Bids)
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Neumann KK105S Supercardioid Condenser Mic Capsule Head Sennheiser SKM5200
Neumann KK105S Supercardioid Condenser Mic Capsule Head Sennheiser SKM5200
$799.90
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Sennheiser MD 421 MD421 U 5 Microphone Mic with Case and Clip
Sennheiser MD 421 MD421 U 5 Microphone Mic with Case and Clip
$250.00
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Neumann KK104S Cardioid Condenser Microphone Capsule Head for Sennheiser SKM5200
Neumann KK104S Cardioid Condenser Microphone Capsule Head for Sennheiser SKM5200
$799.90
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SENNHEISER e815S CARDIOID HANDHELD DYNAMIC STAGE STUDIO VOCAL MIC
SENNHEISER e815S CARDIOID HANDHELD DYNAMIC STAGE STUDIO VOCAL MIC
$39.99
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M14135 Lavalier Lapel Microphone for Sennheiser Wireless System
M14135 Lavalier Lapel Microphone for Sennheiser Wireless System
$31.00
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Sennheiser MD421 II Dynamic Microphone
Sennheiser MD421 II Dynamic Microphone
$190.00 (12 Bids)
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Sennheiser E825S Vocal Microphone NICE 01 B37373B
Sennheiser E825S Vocal Microphone NICE 01 B37373B
$37.00 (9 Bids)
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Sennheiser e835 Dynamic Vocal Handheld Mic + Cables x2
Sennheiser e835 Dynamic Vocal Handheld Mic + Cables x2
$154.99
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New YPA ML2 C4SE Omni directional Lavalier Lapel Microphone FOR SENNHEISER Beige
New YPA ML2 C4SE Omni directional Lavalier Lapel Microphone FOR SENNHEISER Beige
$39.95
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Sennheiser E 835 Dynamic Vocal Mic 3 Pack+Cable
Sennheiser E 835 Dynamic Vocal Mic 3 Pack+Cable
$254.95
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Sennheiser ew 100 ENG G2 Wireless Professional Microphone
Sennheiser ew 100 ENG G2 Wireless Professional Microphone
$300.00 (1 Bid)
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NEW Sennheiser e835 Vocal Microphone
NEW Sennheiser e835 Vocal Microphone
$79.00
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90yr OLD PICK + AKG Neumann Sennheiser Shure Beyerdynamic Wireless Microphone Ad
90yr OLD PICK + AKG Neumann Sennheiser Shure Beyerdynamic Wireless Microphone Ad
$4.25 (8 Bids)
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Sennheiser e835 Dynamic Vocal Handheld Mic + 20 XLR Cable
Sennheiser e835 Dynamic Vocal Handheld Mic + 20 XLR Cable
$99.99
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1969 COIN PICK+ AKG Neumann Sennheiser Shure Beyerdynamic Wireless Microphone Ad
1969 COIN PICK+ AKG Neumann Sennheiser Shure Beyerdynamic Wireless Microphone Ad
$5.50 (6 Bids)
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YPA MM3 HEADWORN MIC FOR SENNHEISER RADIO MICROPHONES
YPA MM3 HEADWORN MIC FOR SENNHEISER RADIO MICROPHONES
$34.99
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Sennheiser MKH 70 P48 Shotgun XLR Microphone MKH70
Sennheiser MKH 70 P48 Shotgun XLR Microphone MKH70
$1,099.00
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Sennheiser e845S
Sennheiser e845S
$99.00
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Sennheiser MD421 II Microphone AUTHORIZED DEALER BRAND NEW
Sennheiser MD421 II Microphone AUTHORIZED DEALER BRAND NEW
$379.00
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Sennheiser EW135 G3 Band E Wireless Microphone System
Sennheiser EW135 G3 Band E Wireless Microphone System
$449.00
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Sennheiser 091354 Belt Clip Belt Clip for G2 Series Bodypacks
Sennheiser 091354 Belt Clip Belt Clip for G2 Series Bodypacks
$6.99
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Sennheiser MD 441 U XLR box EXCELLENT
Sennheiser MD 441 U XLR box EXCELLENT
$570.00
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SENNHEISER fp 12 B WIRELESS LAPEL MIC SYSTEM freePORT PRO UHF WIRELESS BRAND NEW
SENNHEISER fp 12 B WIRELESS LAPEL MIC SYSTEM freePORT PRO UHF WIRELESS BRAND NEW
$199.00
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Sennheiser MD 441 U XLR box EXCELLENT
Sennheiser MD 441 U XLR box EXCELLENT
$550.00 (1 Bid)
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SENNHEISER MD 46 MIC w CASE  20FT VTG LOW NOISE CABLE NEUTRIK XLR3F TO 1 4IN
SENNHEISER MD 46 MIC w CASE 20FT VTG LOW NOISE CABLE NEUTRIK XLR3F TO 1 4IN
$169.00
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Buy It Now for only: $200.00

NEW Sennheiser e604 Drum Microphone e 604
NEW Sennheiser e604 Drum Microphone e 604
$119.00
Time Remaining: 16d 3h 23m
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Sennheiser ew 152 G3 Microphone
Sennheiser ew 152 G3 Microphone
$549.99
Time Remaining: 1d 4h 35m

Sennheiser EM1090 Digital Bodypack and Transmitter
Sennheiser EM1090 Digital Bodypack and Transmitter
$249.00
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Sennheiser e835 Dynamic Vocal Microphone
Sennheiser e835 Dynamic Vocal Microphone
$75.00
Time Remaining: 1d 4h 39m
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Dual Headset mic Yam Headworn for sennheiser SET EW100G2 EW300 G2 EW300 G2 SKM
Dual Headset mic Yam Headworn for sennheiser SET EW100G2 EW300 G2 EW300 G2 SKM
$28.99
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Sennheiser ew300 G2 wireless guitar
Sennheiser ew300 G2 wireless guitar
$150.00 (1 Bid)
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SENNHEISER SK500 G3 TRANSMITTER G RANGE 566 608 mHz CLEAN WITH BELT CLIP
SENNHEISER SK500 G3 TRANSMITTER G RANGE 566 608 mHz CLEAN WITH BELT CLIP
$150.00
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Sennheiser e945 Super Cardioid Vocal Microphone  NEW MAKE OFFER
Sennheiser e945 Super Cardioid Vocal Microphone NEW MAKE OFFER
$219.95
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Sennheiser NT 2 3 US Power Supply NEW NEVER USED 12v 400mA
Sennheiser NT 2 3 US Power Supply NEW NEVER USED 12v 400mA
$2.04 (2 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1d 6h 44m

Sennheiser EW112P G3 Wireless Lav Camera System G Band + Zoom H4n Recorder
Sennheiser EW112P G3 Wireless Lav Camera System G Band + Zoom H4n Recorder
$699.00
Time Remaining: 29d 6h 7m
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Sennheiser Lavalier Microphone MKE 2 4 C
Sennheiser Lavalier Microphone MKE 2 4 C
$299.00
Time Remaining: 1d 7h 22m
Buy It Now for only: $350.00

Sennheiser e609 e 609 Guitar Drum Microphone Mic
Sennheiser e609 e 609 Guitar Drum Microphone Mic
$94.99
Time Remaining: 1d 4h 46m
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Sennheiser Lapel mic MKE 40 4
Sennheiser Lapel mic MKE 40 4
$299.00
Time Remaining: 1d 7h 26m
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SENNHEISER Wireless Vocal system freePORT UHF wireless NEW GREAT DEAL
SENNHEISER Wireless Vocal system freePORT UHF wireless NEW GREAT DEAL
$199.00
Time Remaining: 6d 4h 55m
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Sennheiser EW 122 G3 A Band 516 558 MHz Wireless System
Sennheiser EW 122 G3 A Band 516 558 MHz Wireless System
$479.00
Time Remaining: 1d 7h 34m

SENNHEISER SK 3063 U UHF WIRELESS BELTPACK TRANSMITTER WITH ANTENNA 674 685 MHZ
SENNHEISER SK 3063 U UHF WIRELESS BELTPACK TRANSMITTER WITH ANTENNA 674 685 MHZ
$127.50 (24 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1d 8h 49m

Sennheiser e602II e602 II Instrument Mic Guitar Drums
Sennheiser e602II e602 II Instrument Mic Guitar Drums
$159.95
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SENNHEISER SK250 UHF HIGH POWER 250 MW BODYPACK TRANSMITTER 674 697 MHZ
SENNHEISER SK250 UHF HIGH POWER 250 MW BODYPACK TRANSMITTER 674 697 MHZ
$103.61 (18 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1d 8h 57m

NEW Sennheiser G2 G3 Wireless Microphone Mic XLR Male to 1 8 Replacement Cable
NEW Sennheiser G2 G3 Wireless Microphone Mic XLR Male to 1 8 Replacement Cable
$14.95
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NEW Lapel Microphone YPA M1 Mic FOR SENNHEISER Wireless
NEW Lapel Microphone YPA M1 Mic FOR SENNHEISER Wireless
$34.95
Time Remaining: 1d 9h 18m

Sennheiser E604 Dynamic Snare Tom Drum Mic 3 Pack ThreePack604 Free Shipping
Sennheiser E604 Dynamic Snare Tom Drum Mic 3 Pack ThreePack604 Free Shipping
$330.00
Time Remaining: 10d 7h 19m
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Sennheiser e 614 Condenser Microphone
Sennheiser e 614 Condenser Microphone
$150.00
Time Remaining: 1d 9h 56m
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Sennheiser e906 e 906 Guitar Amp Instrument Mic + XLR
Sennheiser e906 e 906 Guitar Amp Instrument Mic + XLR
$189.95
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Sennheiser e 835 Performance Vocal Mic
Sennheiser e 835 Performance Vocal Mic
$40.00
Time Remaining: 1d 10h 1m

Sennheiser MKE 400 Cable Professional Microphone
Sennheiser MKE 400 Cable Professional Microphone
$100.00 (1 Bid)
Time Remaining: 1d 10h 9m

Sennheiser e609 Silver Guitar Cab Amp Mic + Cabgrabber
Sennheiser e609 Silver Guitar Cab Amp Mic + Cabgrabber
$139.00
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Sennheiser MKE 400 Cable Professional Microphone
Sennheiser MKE 400 Cable Professional Microphone
$100.00
Time Remaining: 1d 10h 11m

Sennheiser E905 Dynamic Snare Drum Mic
Sennheiser E905 Dynamic Snare Drum Mic
$169.95
Time Remaining: 29d 23h 45m
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Sennheiser Diversity Receiver EW100 EM100
Sennheiser Diversity Receiver EW100 EM100
$35.00 (1 Bid)
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Lapel Microphone lavalier Mic for Sennheiser Wireless 35mm Nut connector
Lapel Microphone lavalier Mic for Sennheiser Wireless 35mm Nut connector
$18.99
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Sennheiser ew 300 IEM G3 In Ear Wireless Receiver CH B
Sennheiser ew 300 IEM G3 In Ear Wireless Receiver CH B
$200.00 (1 Bid)
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80yr OLD PICK + AKG Neumann Sennheiser Shure Beyerdynamic Wireless Microphone Ad
80yr OLD PICK + AKG Neumann Sennheiser Shure Beyerdynamic Wireless Microphone Ad
$3.00 (4 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1d 12h 28m

WIRELESS VOCAL MIC SYSTEM NEW Sennheiser FP 35 FREEPORT Handheld Wireless Mic
WIRELESS VOCAL MIC SYSTEM NEW Sennheiser FP 35 FREEPORT Handheld Wireless Mic
$199.00
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YPA MM2 Headset Microphone For SENNHEISER G2 G3 Wireless Mic
YPA MM2 Headset Microphone For SENNHEISER G2 G3 Wireless Mic
$59.99
Time Remaining: 1d 17h 18m

Sennheiser wireless antenna G1 bodypack SK100 300 500 whip antenna A18 1 A Band
Sennheiser wireless antenna G1 bodypack SK100 300 500 whip antenna A18 1 A Band
$20.69
Time Remaining: 1d 2h 14m
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Sennheiser EW 122 G3 Lapel System
Sennheiser EW 122 G3 Lapel System
$650.00
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Sennheiser wireless antenna G1 bodypack SK100 300 500 whip antenna A18 3 C Band
Sennheiser wireless antenna G1 bodypack SK100 300 500 whip antenna A18 3 C Band
$25.00
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Sennheiser Wireless Headset Beltpack System ew352 G2 740 776 MHz
Sennheiser Wireless Headset Beltpack System ew352 G2 740 776 MHz
$299.99
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Sennheiser EW 122 p G3 A Band 516 558 MHz Portable Wireless w ME4
Sennheiser EW 122 p G3 A Band 516 558 MHz Portable Wireless w ME4
$629.95
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SENNHEISER EW 100 G2 TRUE DIVERSITY RECEIVER HANDHELD MICROPHONE + GATOR CASE
SENNHEISER EW 100 G2 TRUE DIVERSITY RECEIVER HANDHELD MICROPHONE + GATOR CASE
$305.00 (13 Bids)
Time Remaining: 2d 3h 31m

Sennheiser SKP 100 G3 Plug on Transmitter
Sennheiser SKP 100 G3 Plug on Transmitter
$127.50 (21 Bids)
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Sennheiser E835 S Performance Vocal Microphone Made In Germany
Sennheiser E835 S Performance Vocal Microphone Made In Germany
$79.99
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Sennheiser wireless bodypack receiver model EK100 from the EW100 series
Sennheiser wireless bodypack receiver model EK100 from the EW100 series
$157.51 (15 Bids)
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Mic Shock Mount For Shotgun Pencil MA101 MKH800 E914 Mojave Sennheiser New 0009
Mic Shock Mount For Shotgun Pencil MA101 MKH800 E914 Mojave Sennheiser New 0009
$14.95
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Sennheiser wireless bodypack receiver model EK100 from the EW100 series
Sennheiser wireless bodypack receiver model EK100 from the EW100 series
$113.96 (9 Bids)
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Tie clip Mic YPA M1 C4SE Lavalier Microphone For SENNHEISER G2 G3 Black
Tie clip Mic YPA M1 C4SE Lavalier Microphone For SENNHEISER G2 G3 Black
$29.99
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Sennheiser EW100 G2 Wireless Vocal Microphone System With Hard Case
Sennheiser EW100 G2 Wireless Vocal Microphone System With Hard Case
$248.50 (20 Bids)
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SENNHEISER Wireless Microphone System
SENNHEISER Wireless Microphone System
$149.99
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sennheiser mke2 ew gold black for evolution g2 g3
sennheiser mke2 ew gold black for evolution g2 g3
$110.01
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sennheiser mke2 ew gold black for evolution g2 g3
sennheiser mke2 ew gold black for evolution g2 g3
$110.01 (1 Bid)
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Sennheiser MKH 416 Short Shotgun Interference Tube Mic w Zoom H4n  XLR Cable
Sennheiser MKH 416 Short Shotgun Interference Tube Mic w Zoom H4n XLR Cable
$999.95
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Sennheiser E604 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone NO RESERVE
Sennheiser E604 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone NO RESERVE
$274.99
Time Remaining: 2d 6h 59m

Sennheiser e935 Cardioid Vocal Microphone NEW MAKE BEST OFFER
Sennheiser e935 Cardioid Vocal Microphone NEW MAKE BEST OFFER
$169.95
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YPA MM4 C4SE Earset Headset Mic FOR SENNHEISER Wireless
YPA MM4 C4SE Earset Headset Mic FOR SENNHEISER Wireless
$59.99
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Sennheiser E935 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone
Sennheiser E935 Dynamic Cable Professional Microphone
$119.95
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SENNHEISER EVOLUTION WIRELESS EW 300 MICROPHONE AND DIVERSITY RECEIVER
SENNHEISER EVOLUTION WIRELESS EW 300 MICROPHONE AND DIVERSITY RECEIVER
$399.00
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Sennheiser Microphone
Sennheiser Microphone

Voice Over Microphones - How to Choose the Best One For You and Your Budget

If you market yourself on Voice123.com or Voices.com, the wrong microphone will insure you don't get hired, or if you do, that you won't get hired by that same person again.

Here we'll look at the three types of microphones most often used, their strengths and weaknesses, cost, and how to determine which one(s) to go for.

We'll talk about the types, then look at specific brands, models, and prices.

Before we start, the most important thing I can say to you is that your microphone is the most important part of your entire audio chain, no exceptions.You can have the most fabulous gear in the world downstream from the mic, but if the mic doesn't cut it, it doesn't really matter about the rest of that gear. On the other hand, a terrific microphone followed by average-priced gear will give you a superior audio product.

What are you looking to do? Are you looking for a mic that's smooth and sweet, or hard-edged and in-your-face? Are you male or female? If you want to do movie trailers and screaming car dealer ads, you need a different mic than if you're doing "guy or girl next door" -- realistic -- voice work, or standard announce voice work. Here are the types of mics to consider:

Dynamic

Dynamic microphones are what you see in radio stations and are what live vocalists (singers) most often use. They're rugged, reasonably good-sounding, and okay for most voices, meaning one might not sound absolutely fabulous on your particular voice, but it won't sound awful, which is not true of other types, including some very expensive microphones. A dynamic also is not nuanced. The part that pics up your voice, the diaphragm, is connected to a coil of wire; air movement from sound makes the coil move between the poles of a magnet. The sound has to overcome the mass of the coil, and very small sounds don't get through.

This doesn't make them bad. Rush Limbaugh's Golden EIB microphone is a dynamic, and, again, most radio stations use them. They are good general-purpose mics, and many voice over pros use them. They are equally good for male and female voices, and you can do most any type of style with them.

If you're on a budget, a dynamic is the ONLY choice, because the other two cost a lot more for ones that are worth it. There are cheap versions of the other two, and you do not want one!

So if dynamics are so useful, why spend more for a condenser or ribbon?

Condenser

A condenser microphone, of which there are two types, transistor and tube ("valve" in Europe), does not have the moving coil of wire attached to its diaphragm. It modifies an electrical current generated by an external power supply (found in most computer interfaces or with an external power supply, see your dealer for info, or internal batteries). Without the mechanical resistance of a dynamic mic's coil to overcome, a condenser is far more sensitive to nuance, and therefore sounds much more intimate.

Condensers come in two flavors: transistor and tube. A tube condenser, which is an expensive instrument (there are cheap ones and they make good paperweights but not microphones), is almost always the very best way to go. They sound very intimate and full, and have a great up-front sound without being aggressive. They are quite subject to problems from non-vocal speech components -- 'f', 's', 'p' -- and require a pop screen (see your dealer). A caveat -- small amounts of certain types of distortion, so small that we don't consciously hear it -- is actually good. It accounts for the "warmth" we hear in a tube mic.

Tube condensers generally sound better than transistorized condensers, but as with all things there are exceptions.

Here's the third type, in a class by itself: the ribbon microphone. While dynamics and condensers 'hear' with diaphragms, a ribbon microphone has a short, narrow, and very thin piece of corrugated aluminum suspended between two poles of a strong magnet.

You've seen the big, pickle-shaped microphones on Letterman's and Larry King's desks. They are RCA Model 77 ribbon microphones (used as props in this case), invented, I believe, in the 1930's. They were found everywhere for half a century. RCA quit making ribbons in the 1970's, and an enterprising genius named Wes Dooley bought all of RCA's stock ribbons (the ribbons themselves) and probably single-handedly re-introduced the ribbon microphone to the US market. His company is called AEA, and even the AEA logo is so designed as to closely resemble RCA's logo.

Ribbon mics are warm and smooth, jazz guys like to record with them, they're very nice for ladies' voices, and for certain male voices they add a nice satisfying depth. They also have a low output, which means that you have to crank up the input on your system to get a decent level from them. But raising the input raises what's called the noise floor, and you can end up with a recording where you can hear hiss in the background. Wes and other ribbon mic manufacturers deal with this problem well, however, and some companies are making preamplifiers (talk with your dealer about this) designed specifically for ribbon mics.

Whether a ribbon -- or any mic, for that matter -- will sound good on your voice cannot be known without actually trying one out. Ribbons are quite sensitive to moving air; if you blow into one to test to see if it's on, there's an excellent chance you'll destroy the ribbon. When ribbons were in common studio use, they were 'bagged' -- a fitted bag was put over them -- just to move them from place to place in the studio, to avoid ribbon damage from the air passing across them as they were moved.

Brands

Dynamics

There are a million brands, which of course goes for condensers, but not that many ribbon brands.

Not to worry, because there are several industry standards with which it's hard to go wrong. Here are the three most popular dynamics, and they probably outsell all the rest put together:

Electro-Voice RE20
Sennheiser 421U (see dealer about the specific one for your purpose)
Shure SM7
---------
Shure SM57 / SM58 -- less expensive and can be used if you don't have the money for the others

These mics, except for the last two, are in the $350-$700 range. Though each has a characteristic 'sound,' they are fairly close together in that respect. Each is well-made and dependable over the long haul, as in decades.

The Sennheiser, and, I believe, the SM7, have what are called proximity effects: if you get right on top of them they accentuate the lows. Many announcers in radio stations like to eat them; they want that deep "Voice of God" sound. They're better used at a distance of 6-10". The RE20 is known for its lack of the proximity effect. I personally like it better than the others. Electro-Voice has a newer version, called the RE27, which users either really like or really can't stand. Further, the RE20 was also made under a different model name, PL20. The finish color is a bit different, but it's the same mic. The PL line of mics was made for miking drums and musical instruments and is no longer in production. I found a PL20 for $150 and am still jumping up and down, for the average used price of a PL20 or RE20 is double that.

For price-to-quality, none of these mics can be beat.

Condensers (valves)

Probably the most-recognized condenser mic name in the world is Neumann (pronounced NOI-man), and its most popular model is called a U-87. They sell new for around $2200, $1700 or less used. A Neumann either sounds incredible on your voice or it sounds honky. It is the microphone National Public Radio uses exclusively.
It is found in just about every recording studio of any size. It will love your voice or hate it.

There are more expensive Neumanns, and one low-priced one, the TLM103, but most professionals I have spoken with do not see the need for a really high-priced one, and though a good number of voiceover artists use TLM103's ($995), in my opinion they are not nearly as natural-sounding as the U-87 or a good dynamic. I had one but sold it after a few months. It could sound really good to your particular ear, however. I make this point because tastes differ, and it is certainly true that one voice can sound bad on a certain mic and superb on the next voice. So how does one choose? We'll get to that in a sec.

First, you must use a pop screen on a condenser. This is a device that allows you to talk straight into the mic, capturing all of your voice, but not allowing blasts of air from non-vocal speech components, most notably "P" sounds. Put your hand in front of your mouth and say "P." Feel the air? If that blast hits a condenser, let's just say you don't want to be wearing headphones at the time. Now, it's a good idea to talk across (at 45 degrees) not straight into, any microphone, because all of them will react badly to P pops; it is just that condensers REALLY react to them. Many RE20 users put pop screens in front of their mics even though most people don't use pop screens with dynamics.

Cheap condensers: a big no-no.

Cheap condensers are all over the market. You can buy a microphone with a nice spider shock mount and in a beautiful aluminum flight case all for $75. Um, I don't thin' so, Loooocy. They are unnaturally bright at the top end and boomy at the bottom.

The really nefarious part of this is that, if you're just starting out, your ear is easily fooled into thinking that this sounds good. It does sound sort of exciting, but it is extremely fatiguing to listen to a recording made on one. As Phil Spector famously put it, "It's all in the middle." Americans like to crank up the treble and bass. If you have a mic delivering lots of highs and lows, and someone boosts the highs and lows on their music system, your work will sound worse than awful. Expensive microphones have rolled-off low ends and smooth high ends. Upon first using one you may even think, "Wow, what's the big deal about this thing? It's boring." No, it's natural. Unboosted highs and lows. In other words, it sounds like you, not you-through-a-microphone. That's as it should be.

Remember, you are competing with people who own high-end condensers, and that's how they sound. I'll take a $400 dynamic over a $400 condenser just about every time.

Ribbon microphones

I have experience with exactly one ribbon: an AEA R84. It sounds really good. It's an updated version of an industry-standard RCA ribbon, the Model 44, invented long ago and used forever, like the 77. It's tres cool-looking, and comes with a snarky-looking padded, fitted maroon bag for transport and protection. It's about $990.

There are other ribbons that have excellent reputations, most notably Coles. In general, I'm not aware of ribbons being used that much for voiceover, but I think it's because a great number of people don't know about them. I think it's also due as much to inertia as anything -- everyone learns what everyone else is using and follows suit. Also, ribbons don't have the in-your-face sound that dynamics and especially condensers have.

How to choose the right mic for you

The really best way is to call a professional recording studio and book an hour or so of their time, and have them set up an array of mics and test read you on each one. It's infinitely better to match the mic to your particular (and unique) voice than to get just anything and try to make it fit using equalization (Google "equalization for voiceover" and read it!). I recommend you test no fewer than five mics, making sure to include all the ones listed above except the Shure SM57 / 58. When you listen to yourself recorded on each one, the best one will usually make itself plain, and it's a good idea to ask the recording engineer's opinion, for s/he knows what to listen for.

But don't try this test in an amateur home studio. They almost certainly will not have the mics you need to make the test meaningful, and the person recording you will almost certainly not be competent to evaluate which mic to use for voiceover; most home studios exist for the purpose of recording music and sung vocal, not voice acting and voiceover.

What if you don't have a studio within 50 or 100 miles, or their rates are too high (though I think paying $100 to test several thousand dollars' worth of microphones will save you unbelievable headaches, sending mics back, etc.)?

Here's what to do: if your budget allows, buy either a Neumann U-87 or a Lawson L-47MP II. The Lawson is a few hundred bucks less than the Neumann. The Lawson is the mic I have used for nearly 10 years. It sounds like Disney, but even more importantly, I have yet to record a voice on it where it doesn't sound really good. The only other microphones I've used in the past 25 years that have that quality is the Electro-Voice RE20 and the Shure SM57, which is a $100 singer's mic that never sounds bad but doesn't sound incredibly stupendous either, and you have to think about that big bad competition using $2000 condensers. The SM57 will, however, work in a pinch. The Lawson is sold factory-direct through a fella named Gene Lawson in Nashville. Google "Lawson Microphones." If you call them, you can talk right to Gene. He's a great guy.

I also recommend Mercenary.com. They are not the least expensive, but it's worth paying another maybe 5 percent to get the best advice out there, and I say that most sincerely. Go to their site, get their number, and call them. Tell them everything you want to do, what other gear you have, what to buy if you don't have any gear yet. They truly give a great big rip about their customers and about the pro audio business in general. I can't say enough good about them. In case you're wondering about all this nice stuff I'm saying about Lawson and Mercenery, not only am I not getting paid by them, neither knows I'm writing this article:)

I've worked for years to get a good sound and am writing this to perhaps save you some time in finding your great sound.

Voiceover actor Michael K. Holmes has written and produced broadcast advertising for twenty years. Listen to examples of his ads and jingles at http://YourGreatRadioAds.com

 

About the Author

My microphone no longer works after I unplugged it/Mon micro ne fonctionne plus après un débranchement?

I unplugged my headset to untwist the cable and it was working fine till then. When I plugged it back in, the sound was still working but when I logged on teamspeak, no one could hear me. I have already been on several forums but I found nothing helpful. My microphone is plugged properly, nothing is muted on my computer, my sound card is not turned off and there are no cds to install my microphone as far as I can remember. Other microphones are not working as well. I am using a Sennheiser pc 161.

J'ai débranché mon micro et il ne fonctionne plus depuis. Le son fonctionne toujours mais il n'enregistre plus ma voix. J'ai déjà été sur plusieurs forum ce qui ne m'a servi a rien. Mon micro est bien braché, rien n'est mit sur mute,ma carte son est a on et je ne crois pas que mon micro est un cd requis pour l'intallation. Les autres micros ne fonctionne pas non plus. J'utilise le SENNHEISER PC 161.

Buy a new one.

Charice uses the Swarovski crystals-studded Sennheiser Mic for the 1st Time in Public 1/3