Mic Archive
Sennheiser MKH 20 P48
Photo: Sennheiser, from its spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser MKH 20 P48

RF small-diaphragm condenser, omni, with switchable diffuse-field correction and pad

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni
Sensitivity
−32 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
10 dB(A)
Max SPL
134 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
12 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. Graph titled "Effect of diffuse-field correction". 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 (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. Each curve drawn on one side only (125 Hz to 1 kHz left, 2 to 16 kHz right); taken as symmetric. Measuring conditions not stated.

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All specs

From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy)
CapsuleRF condenser, symmetrical (push-pull) transducerp. 1
Sensitivity−32 dBV/Pa (25 mV/Pa), free field, no load, 1 kHz. Not stated by the manufacturer: Stated as 25 mV/Pa ± 1 dB (8 mV/Pa with the attenuator); converted: 20·log10(0.025) = -32.0.
Self-noise10 dB(A), DIN IEC 651; also 18 dB(A), attenuator on. Values in parentheses on the sheet are with the -10 dB attenuator on.
Self-noise (CCIR 468)20 dB, CCIR 468-3; also 28 dB, attenuator on. Values in parentheses on the sheet are with the -10 dB attenuator on.
Max SPL134 dB SPL, 1 kHz; also 142 dB SPL, attenuator on. Values in parentheses on the sheet are with the -10 dB attenuator on. No THD figure given.
Output impedance150 ohm
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, minimum
Rated frequency range12 Hz to 20 kHz
Poweringphantom 48 V ± 4 V
Current draw2 mA
Pad−10 dB. "Switchable pre-attenuation".
Switchesdiffuse-field correction: off, on. "Exceptionally flat frequency response, switchable for near and diffuse field applications"; the graph shows the correction.
Weight100 g, approx.
Dimensions25 × 153 mm. Diameter × length.
Finishblack anodised light metal
Supplied accessoriesMZS 40 shock mount; MZW 41 windshield; pressure build-up ring
Pressure build-up ringSupplied; accentuates the high-frequency response (not graphed)

Documents

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

Recording Hacks

Recommended for

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

Other mics