Sennheiser's new Praise Pack consists of (4) e 835 dynamic vocal microphones, (4) mic pouches and (4) mic stand clips, all housed in a rugged and specially embroidered Gator case.
I love a good deal. Who doesn't? As a steward of my church's tech budget, I shop around and try to get the best pricing on the equipment we need. Like most churches, we can always use more microphones. Mics are one of my passions. I love getting new ones --- even rentals --- just to try and see what works best for our worship leader and band. One of the microphones that I keep in our inventory is the trusty Sennheiser's e835.
When Sennheiser recently announced a new microphone bundle called….wait for it…the “Praise Pack,” I immediately took notice. While I won't give their marketing team any points for the name, I am intrigued at the offering they've come up with. The Praise Pack consists of four e835 dynamic (wired) microphones. Since I'm very familiar with this mic, I know you can pick up a single e835 almost anywhere for $99.95. Buying the Praise Pack with four mics for $349.00 brings the price per mic down to just $87.25, so there's an obvious savings to buying in bulk if you're in the market for multiple microphones.
The Praise Pack also includes a black Gator case with “Praise Team” embroidered on it. The case has four foam cutouts for the microphones, and a fifth place to hold the clips. The case is a nice addition depending how you store your microphones when they are not being used --- especially multi-site or portable churches that set up and tear down each weekend. For me, it would probably end up in closet somewhere since I use a central locker to store our microphones in.
While Sennheiser's focus for this microphone is on the small to midsize church looking to improve their sound, I believe any size church can benefit from this bundle. According to their website, the e835 is their best selling microphone. It also comes with a 10-year warranty, which I found incredibly surprising. These days you're lucky to get a one-year warranty on any electronic device. I wonder if the warranty covers dropping it?
If you are familiar at all with Shure's SM58, I'd encourage you to try Sennheiser's e835 microphone as an alternatiev. It's very similar to the SM58 in that it's a standard, dynamic stage microphone that offers the option of being rather utilitarian; meaning, it can easily be used on several things besides vocals. Also, the e835, in my opinion, has less of a proximity effect than the SM58. This means that as the vocalist moves the microphone closer or pulls it away further from their mouth, the low end or bass in the voice remains more consistent. I really appreciate this when trying to mix newer vocalists to the team, they tend to sound check with the microphone almost in their mouth and then after some coaching, combined with their nerves subsiding, the microphone tends to drift further away. This can lead to some drastic EQ changes.
The thing you read or hear most often from people about the e835 is that it offers warmth and “presence” to vocals. Designed primarily with the lead singer in mind, it has the capacity to exist on a loud stage, and still cut through. It also has the ability to take exceptionally high sound pressure levels (SPL); which makes it great for guitar cabinets, saxophones, or even some percussion drums.
Finally - and probably most importantly - the e835 looks sleek. I realize we're buying audio gear based on how it sounds and performs … but looks play a huge factor on stage, too. The metallic gray and black tend to “disappear” during performances. Call it vanity if you will … but even the sound guys should have some sleek looking toys.
While I feel the product's official press release is a little condescending towards churches, saying: “Sennheiser Helps Houses of Worship Take the Straight and Narrow to Pristine Audio with New 'Praise Pack' Microphone Bundle;” I won't fault them for trying to be clever. This Praise Pack is worth the $349 in my book, if for nothing other than a backup to your normal rig.
