Sennheiser

Sennheiser E 602 II Evolution Bass Drum Microphone

4.6 (14 reviews)

A rugged cardioid microphone engineered for capturing powerful bass drum, bass cabinet, and low-frequency sources.

$159.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Sennheiser E 602 II is a cardioid dynamic microphone purpose-built for low-frequency instrument capture. Part of Sennheiser's Evolution series, it features a lightweight high-performance voice coil that delivers fast transient response — critical for preserving the sharp attack of a kick drum beater or the snap of a bass string hitting frets. Its frequency response extends down to 20 Hz, ensuring that the deepest fundamentals of bass drums, bass guitar cabinets, and tubas are captured with full weight and clarity.

The microphone's rugged aluminum body is both lightweight and durable, making it well-suited for positioning on long boom arms inside kick drums or in front of bass cabinets without the stand tipping or sagging. Its cardioid polar pattern provides effective rejection of off-axis sound, helping to isolate the target source in loud stage environments. With a nominal impedance of 350 ohms and no phantom power requirement, the E 602 II works reliably with virtually any mixing console or audio interface, making it a practical and versatile choice for both live sound and studio recording applications.

Key Features

Rugged, lightweight aluminum body for stable positioning on long microphone boom arms

Lightweight high-performance voice coil construction

Fast transient response

Low frequency extension

Ideal for direct use on the most problematic bass signal

Specifications

Brand
Sennheiser
Model
E 602 II
Type
Bass/Kick Drum Microphone
Series
Evolution
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
20 – 16,000 Hz
Nominal Impedance
350 Ohm
Body Material
Aluminum

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Extended low-frequency response down to 20 Hz captures the full depth of kick drums and bass cabinets.
  • Rugged aluminum construction withstands the rigors of touring and repeated setup.
  • Lightweight design stays stable on long boom arms without sagging.
  • Fast transient response preserves the punch and attack of bass drum hits.

👎 Cons

  • Large capsule housing may not fit inside smaller bass drum ports without careful positioning.
  • Upper frequency response tops out at 16 kHz, which limits versatility on higher-pitched sources.
  • Does not include a stand adapter or clip in the box, which must be sourced separately.
  • Cardioid-only polar pattern offers no switchable pickup options for varied recording situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The E 602 II is optimized for bass drums, bass guitar cabinets, and tubas — essentially any instrument or source that produces deep low-frequency content requiring accurate capture.
The microphone covers a frequency range of 20 Hz to 16,000 Hz, giving it extended low-end reach while still capturing enough upper-frequency detail to preserve the attack and presence of the source.
No, the E 602 II is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power. It can be plugged directly into any standard XLR microphone input.
It features a rugged, lightweight aluminum body designed to withstand the demands of live performance and frequent transport while remaining light enough for stable positioning on boom arms.