Mic Archive
Sennheiser MK 8
Photo: Sennheiser, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser MK 8

Large-diaphragm true condenser, dual 1-inch diaphragms, five switchable patterns, with pad and low-cut switches; studio vocal mic

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / wide cardioid / cardioid / supercardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−37 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
10 dB(A)
Max SPL
142 dB SPL
Impedance
50 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 2. Titled "Polar pattern and frequency response", panel for this pattern. The axis is labelled "dBV" but is relative (+20 to -30, about 0 at 1 kHz). Distance, room and smoothing not stated.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet, p. 2. Each frequency is drawn on one side only (125 to 1000 Hz left, 2000 to 16000 Hz right); the pattern is taken as symmetric. Filter setting and measuring conditions not stated.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the spec sheet
CapsuleDual-diaphragm, two 24-carat gold-plated 1-inch (25.4 mm) diaphragms, shock-mounted. "Two 24-carat gold plated 1 inch diaphragms", "Shock-mounted capsule"; "Diameter of diaphragm 25.4 mm / 1"".p. 1
Sensitivity−37 dBV/Pa (14.1 mV/Pa). "14.1 mV/Pa (-37 dBV)"; no pattern or condition given.
Self-noise10 dB(A). "Equivalent noise level A-weighted: 10 dB(A)".
Self-noise (CCIR 468)16 dB. "CCIR-weighted: 16 dB".
Max SPL142 dB SPL, attenuation 0 dB. "142 dB (attenuation: 0 dB)"; no THD figure, and no figure with the pad on.
Dynamic range132 dB
Output impedance50 ohm, nominal
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, minimum
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz
Poweringphantom 48 V ± 4 V (P48, IEC 61938)
Current draw4.1 mA
Low cutoff, roll-off 100 Hz, low cut 60 Hz. "3-position switchable low cut/roll-off filter"; the table row reads only "linear". The graph legends on page 2: "Linear", "Roll off: –6dB/oct. @ 100 Hz", "Low cut: –18dB/oct. @ 60 Hz". The quick guide (page 1) names the positions "off", "roll-off, -6 dB/oct." and "low-cut, -18 dB/oct.".
Pad−10 dB; also −20 dB, second step. "Attenuation, switchable 0 dB, -10 dB, -20 dB"; "3-position pad switch".
Weight485 g
Dimensions57 × 160 mm. "⌀ 57 mm x 160 mm": diameter × length.
Supplied accessoriesMZQ 4 microphone clamp; pouch. "Delivery includes".
ConstructionRugged metal housing; safely sheltered electronics; designed and made in Germany
Temperature rangeOperation 0 °C to +40 °C; storage -10 °C to +60 °C
From the quick guide
ConnectorXLR-3. The overview labels the "XLR-3 connector".p. 1
Optional accessoriesMKS 4 shock mount, MZP 40 pop shield, MKW 4 windshield

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Sennheiser, unchanged, with its original address.

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

Other mics