Sennheiser e 914 – Cardioid Condenser Instrument Mic

Product Overview

The Sennheiser e 914 is a cardioid condenser instrument microphone engineered for detailed, accurate capture of acoustic instruments in studio and live commercial audio applications. With a wide 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response and excellent off-axis rejection, this condenser mic for acoustic guitar, overheads, and percussion delivers a clear, lively sound. Switchable pre-attenuation and a bass roll-off/cut-off filter make it a versatile instrument condenser microphone for AV installations, houses of worship, and broadcast studios.

Product Description

The e 914 uses a pre-polarized (back-electret) condenser capsule with a cardioid pick-up pattern to isolate the intended source while maintaining even directivity across the frequency range. A three-position sensitivity switch (0 dB, –10 dB, –20 dB) lets it handle very high sound pressure levels—up to 157 dB SPL with full pre-attenuation—so it performs equally well on quiet acoustic passages and loud sources such as drum overheads and brass. A three-position bass filter (linear, roll-off at 130 Hz, or cut-off at 85 Hz) helps control proximity effect and low-frequency spill during installation and mixing.

Its main applications include acoustic guitars, cymbals, percussion, overheads, orchestras, and grand pianos, making it a dependable choice for permanently installed AV systems in performance and worship spaces. The microphone requires 48 V phantom power and terminates in a standard 3-pin XLR connector for straightforward integration with commercial mixers, stage boxes, and Dante-enabled interfaces. Each unit ships with an MZQ 800 clip, MZW 64 windscreen, and carrying pouch. Explore more Sennheiser microphones and accessories in our Sennheiser collection.

Key Features

• Cardioid Condenser Capsule — Delivers clear, lively sound with strong off-axis rejection for isolated instrument capture.
• Three-Position Pre-Attenuation — 0 dB, –10 dB, and –20 dB pads handle sources up to 157 dB SPL without distortion.
• Switchable Bass Filter — Linear, 130 Hz roll-off, or 85 Hz cut-off settings tame proximity effect and low-end spill.
• Wide Frequency Response — 20 Hz to 20 kHz for full, accurate reproduction of acoustic instruments.
• High SPL Handling — Ideal for overheads, percussion, and loud acoustic sources.
• Exchangeable Capsule — Serviceable design supports long-term use in installed systems.
• Standard Integration — 48 V phantom power and 3-pin XLR output for easy connection to commercial audio systems.

Typical Applications

• Houses of worship and performance stages
• Broadcast and recording studios
• Auditoriums and multi-purpose rooms
• Orchestral and ensemble sound reinforcement
• Training rooms and presentation spaces requiring high-quality instrument capture

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What instruments is the e 914 best suited for?
It excels on acoustic guitar, drum overheads, cymbals, percussion, orchestras, and grand piano, and works well anywhere a detailed cardioid condenser is needed.

Does it need phantom power?
Yes. The e 914 requires 48 V phantom power supplied by your mixer, stage box, or audio interface.

How do the pad and bass filter switches help in installation?
The pre-attenuation pad prevents overload on loud sources, while the bass roll-off/cut-off controls proximity effect and low-frequency rumble—useful for clean capture in live rooms.

What connector does it use?
A standard 3-pin XLR-M output for direct connection to professional audio systems.

Can it handle loud sources without distorting?
Yes. With pre-attenuation it handles up to 157 dB SPL, making it reliable on high-output instruments.

What warranty and support are available?
The e 914 carries Sennheiser's manufacturer warranty. Contact Creation Networks for application advice and current warranty terms.