Audiosavings Bundle: AKG D112 MKII Professional vs Sennheiser Professional E 604 Compact Dynamic

Overview of the Products

In this comparison, we pit the Audiosavings Bundle against the Sennheiser Professional E 604. The Audiosavings Bundle, priced at $264.18, includes the AKG D112 MKII microphone and a Rockville mixer. In contrast, the Sennheiser E 604 is available for $159.00. The price difference of about $105.18 makes the Sennheiser approximately 40% cheaper than the Audiosavings Bundle, which may appeal to budget-conscious musicians.

Design and Build Quality

The Audiosavings Bundle features the AKG D112 MKII microphone, known for its robust construction and versatile design, making it suitable for various applications, including studio recording and live performances. It boasts a large diaphragm dynamic design that delivers accurate low frequencies, making it a popular choice among bass drum microphones for over 30 years. The included Rockville mixer adds to its functionality, offering a compact design perfect for home studios.

Conversely, the Sennheiser E 604 is optimized for close-miking drums and percussion instruments. Its compact design allows for easy positioning, especially on drum rims, ensuring it captures sound accurately without taking up much space. This microphone is built to handle high sound pressure levels exceeding 160 dB, indicating a durable and reliable build for intense performance environments.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Audiosavings Bundle, featuring the AKG D112 MKII, is recognized for its punchy sound and bass resonance volume chamber, which delivers unique audio characteristics that many professionals appreciate. The microphone's polar pattern is cardioid, which helps to isolate sound sources and minimize background noise, making it ideal for studio settings.

The Sennheiser E 604 also delivers impressive audio quality, producing a balanced and clear signal with low distortion, similar to what one might expect from a high-end studio condenser microphone. With its optimized design for percussion instruments, it excels in capturing the nuances of drums, brass, and woodwind instruments, making it a versatile choice for various musical styles.

Features and Functionality

The Audiosavings Bundle offers a comprehensive package, including the Rockville mixer that enhances its functionality. The mixer features USB recording capabilities, phantom power for condenser microphones, and multiple input options, making it suitable for a range of recording scenarios. This added functionality is particularly beneficial for those looking to produce high-quality recordings at home or during live sessions.

In contrast, the Sennheiser E 604 is designed with simplicity in mind, focusing on delivering excellent sound quality for specific instruments. It comes with a drum clip for easy attachment to drum rims, which adds a layer of convenience for drummers. While it lacks the extensive features of the Audiosavings Bundle, its streamlined approach ensures that it effectively meets the needs of musicians focused on percussion and brass instruments.

Target Users

The Audiosavings Bundle is geared towards musicians looking for a complete solution for both recording and live performances. Its robust microphone and versatile mixer make it ideal for professional studios, project studios, and live instrument setups. The comprehensive nature of this bundle appeals to those who want to invest in a high-quality recording setup from the get-go.

On the other hand, the Sennheiser E 604 targets musicians who require a specialized microphone for drums and other percussive instruments. Its ability to handle high sound pressure levels and low sensitivity to noise makes it an excellent choice for live performances where durability and sound clarity are paramount. This microphone is particularly suitable for drummers and those who work with brass and woodwind instruments, offering a focused solution without unnecessary features.

Price and Value for Money

The Audiosavings Bundle is priced at $264.18, reflecting the inclusion of both the AKG D112 MKII microphone and the Rockville mixer. While it comes with enhanced functionality, the price point may be a consideration for those on a tighter budget. The average price over the last 90 days has been $236.99, indicating some variability in pricing.

In comparison, the Sennheiser E 604 is priced at $159.00, making it a more budget-friendly option, especially for those who may not need the additional features of a mixer. Over the last 90 days, its price averaged $143.06, suggesting it offers solid value for those seeking a high-quality microphone without breaking the bank.

Popularity and Sales Rank

The Audiosavings Bundle currently holds a sales rank of 52,915, indicating its position in the market compared to other products. While not the top seller, it appeals to a specific audience looking for complete recording solutions.

In contrast, the Sennheiser E 604 has a much higher sales rank of 14,945, suggesting a stronger presence and popularity among users. This could be attributed to its reputation for quality and ease of use, making it a favored choice among musicians, particularly drummers.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Audiosavings Bundle and the Sennheiser E 604 ultimately depends on your specific needs as a musician. If you require a comprehensive setup that includes both a high-quality microphone and a versatile mixer for recording and live performances, the Audiosavings Bundle is a solid choice despite its higher price. However, if you are focused on a specialized microphone for drums or similar instruments and prefer a more budget-friendly option, the Sennheiser E 604, with its excellent sound quality and compact design, is likely the better fit.