Sennheiser e835 vs Warm Audio WA-87 R2
A side-by-side look at Sennheiser e835 and Warm Audio WA-87 R2 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Sennheiser e835
Touring-grade dynamic vocal mic that translates cleanly to the podcast setup
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Warm Audio WA-87 R2
U87-style FET condenser with three polar patterns at a fraction of the price
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Sennheiser e835 | Warm Audio WA-87 R2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters who also perform live and want one mic that covers both environments | Studio-focused podcasters who want professional multi-pattern condenser flexibility without spending on a Neumann |
Key features
Sennheiser e835
- Cardioid dynamic XLR, no phantom power required
- Frequency response 40 Hz to 16 kHz
- Hum-compensating coil for interference rejection
- All-metal construction designed for live and studio environments
- Internal shock mounting to reduce handling noise
- Standard 5/8-inch thread mount adapter included
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
- Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and -10 dB pad
- Large-diaphragm FET condenser XLR, requires 48V phantom power
- Three polar patterns: cardioid, omni, and figure-8
- NOS Fairchild transistor and Cinemag USA output transformer
- Maximum SPL 125 dB (132 dB with pad engaged)
Pros and cons
Sennheiser e835
Pros
- Slightly more open upper midrange than SM58 - works well for some voices
- Hum-compensating coil useful near home studio electronics
- Robust metal housing - stage-proven durability
- Accessible price point
Cons
- Less built-in plosive protection than SM58 - pop filter recommended
- Frequency ceiling at 16 kHz limits high-end extension
- Needs a capable preamp for broadcast-level gain
Warm Audio WA-87 R2
Pros
- Three polar patterns enable cardioid, omni, and figure-8 recording configurations
- Premium passive components (Fairchild NOS transistor, Cinemag transformer) at accessible price
- U87-inspired voicing with full, present character
- High SPL ceiling handles a wide range of sources
Cons
- Condenser sensitivity demands acoustic treatment
- Requires 48V phantom power
- Multi-pattern capability is underutilized in basic solo podcast setups
The verdict
Choose Sennheiser e835 if
Podcasters who also perform live and want one mic that covers both environments.
The e835 is the SM58's closest comparable from Sennheiser, and the comparison is instructive: the e835 tends to sound slightly more open in the upper midrange, which some voices prefer for spoken word. The hum-compensating coil is a practical feature…
Choose Warm Audio WA-87 R2 if
Studio-focused podcasters who want professional multi-pattern condenser flexibility without spending on a Neumann.
The WA-87 R2 is the most honest U87 homage on the market - Warm Audio builds it with premium passive components and does not hide what they are doing. The cardioid pattern sounds full and detailed, with the characteristic presence…