Refinement, Redefined: Sennheiser Expands Studio Microphone Range with the MK 8

LAS VEGAS, NV, April 09, 2014 (Press-News.org) At NAB Show, the world's largest annual conference and expo for professionals who create, manage and distribute entertainment across all platforms, audio specialist Sennheiser [booth C3217] will unveil the MK 8 large-diaphragm, multi-pattern condenser studio microphone.

The new microphone features five selectable polar patterns (omni-directional, wide cardioid, cardioid, super-cardioid, figure-of-eight), 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," said 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 features a one-inch, dual-diaphragm capsule, precisely spattered with 24-carat gold and elastically mounted to reduce structure-borne noise. In addition, a three-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. This ensures better, more defined sound, as the selected pattern is maintained over frequency. For example, the super-cardioid 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 of the MK 8:

Transducer principle externally polarised condenser microphone
Diaphragm diameter 1" (25.4 mm)
Pick-up patterns omni-directional, wide cardioid, cardioid,
super-cardioid, figure-of-eight
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°C
Storage temperature -10° to +60°C

Optional accessories:

MKW 4 Windshield
MZP 40 Pop filter
MKS 40 Elastic suspension
MKC 4 Hard case

About Sennheiser:

Sennheiser is a world-leading manufacturer of microphones, headsets and wireless transmission systems. Established in 1945 in Wedemark, Germany, Sennheiser is now a global brand represented in 60 countries around the world with U.S. headquarters in Old Lyme, Conn. Sennheiser's pioneering excellence in technology has rewarded the company with numerous awards and accolades including an Emmy, a Grammy, and the Scientific and Engineering Award of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

You can find all the latest information on Sennheiser by visiting our website at http://www.sennheiserusa.com.