At this week’s NAB 2014 show in Las Vegas, Sennheiser [booth C3217] has unveiled the new MK 8 large-diaphragm, multi-pattern condenser studio microphone. It offers five selectable polar patterns (omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, supercardioid, figure-of-8), a low cut/roll-off filter, and selectable pad.
“The MK 8 expands Sennheiser’s successful series of large-diaphragm condensers, and professional users will appreciate its versatility,” says Sebastian Schmitz, microphone product manager. “Its sound is direct and harmonious, characterized by a defined bass, beautifully rounded mids and an open treble. Overall, it has a very musical sound.”
Designed and manufactured in Germany, the MK 8 echoes the sleek design of the MK 4 studio microphone. Where the fixed cardioid MK 4 was designed for plug-and-play simplicity, the multi-pattern MK 8 offers additional control for the refined recording engineer.
The new microphone has a 1-inch, dual-diaphragm capsule, precisely spattered with 24-carat gold and elastically mounted to reduce structure-borne noise. In addition, a 3-position filter allows the user to either eliminate low-frequency noise below 60 Hz (-18 dB/octave, low-cut position) or introduce a softer roll-off effect from 100 Hz down to compensate for the proximity effect in close miking (-6 dB/octave, roll-off position).
The MK 8 is also fitted with a switchable pad (off, -10 dB, -20 dB). A -10 dB reduction in the capsule protects against excessively loud audio sources, while an additional -10 dB reduction in the microphone electronics avoids overloads in connected mic pre-amps and subsequent recording equipment.
The five switchable pick-up patterns exhibit relatively constant characteristics, especially in the low end, helping to ensure a better, more defined sound, as the selected pattern is maintained over frequency. For example, the supercardioid pattern will not “blur” but remain precise, providing the same high attenuation of lateral sound sources regardless of frequency.
Encased in a sturdy metal housing, the MK 8 has relatively low sensitivity to humidity as the impedance conversion is done within the capsule. It is packaged with a microphone clip and a protective pouch, and optional accessories include an elastic suspension, a foam windshield, a pop filter and a hard case. The new MK 8 microphone will be available in late summer.
Technical Data
Transducer principle: Externally polarised condenser microphone
Diaphragm diameter: 1” (25.4 mm)
Pick-up patterns: Omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, supercardioid, figure-of-8
Frequency response: 20 to 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 17.4 mV/Pa (–35 dBV)
Maximum sound pressure level: 140 dB (pad: 0 dB)
Equivalent noise level: 10 dBA, 16 dB CCIR
Dynamic range: 130 dB
Nominal impedance: 50 ohms
Min. terminating impedance: 1 kohm
Power supply: 48 V phantom power (P48)
Low-cut/roll-off filter, switchable roll-off: -6 dB/oct. from 100 Hz; low-cut: -18 dB/oct. from 60 Hz
Switchable pad: 0 dB, -10 dB, -20 dB
Current consumption: 4.1 mA
Diameter: Approx. 57 mm
Length: Approx. 160 mm
Weight: Approx. 485 g
Operating temperature: 0 to +40 degrees C
Storage temperature: -10 to +60 degrees C
Optional Accessories
MKW 4 windshield
MZP 40 pop filter
MKS 40 elastic suspension
MKC 4 hard case
