Mic Archive
Sennheiser MKH 30 P48
Photo: Sennheiser, from its spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser MKH 30 P48

Small-diaphragm RF condenser, figure-8; symmetrical push-pull transducer, the side mic for MS stereo

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Figure-8
Sensitivity
−32 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
13 dB(A)
Max SPL
134 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
40 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the quick guide, p. 2. Graph titled "Effect of switchable roll-off filter". 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 quick guide, p. 2. Titled "Polar pattern and frequency response". Each curve drawn on one side only (125 to 1000 Hz left, 2 to 16 kHz right); taken as symmetric. Measuring conditions not stated.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the quick guide
Sensitivity−32 dBV/Pa (25 mV/Pa), free field, no load, 1 kHz; also −42 dBV/Pa, pre-attenuation on. Not stated by the manufacturer: Stated as "25 (8) mV/Pa ±1 dB"; converted: 20 log10(0.025) = -32.0. The older instructions give "≙ -32 dBV (-42 dBV)" (page 17). Values in parentheses are with the -10 dB pre-attenuation on.p. 2
Self-noise13 dB(A), DIN IEC 651; also 19 dB(A), pre-attenuation on. Values in parentheses are with the -10 dB pre-attenuation on.
Self-noise (CCIR 468)22 dB, CCIR 468-3; also 28 dB, pre-attenuation on. Values in parentheses are with the -10 dB pre-attenuation on.
Max SPL134 dB SPL, 1 kHz; also 142 dB SPL, pre-attenuation on. Values in parentheses are with the -10 dB pre-attenuation on. No THD figure given.
Output impedance150 ohm. "Nominal impedance".
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, minimum
Rated frequency range40 Hz to 20 kHz
Poweringphantom 48 V ± 4 V. The older instructions: "Phantom supply as per DIN 45 596", 44 to 52 V (page 17).
Current draw2 mA
ConnectorXLR-3. The switch diagram on page 1 labels the "XLR-3 connector".p. 1
Weight110 g, approx.p. 2
Dimensions25 × 174 mm; also [25, 150], older instructions. "⌀ 25 x 174 mm": diameter × length. The older instructions say "25 ø x 150" (page 17).
MS stereoWith a cardioid (e.g. MKH 40) as M: Left = M+S, Right = M-S; MZD 30 dual clip for mounting the pair
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy)
CapsuleRF condenser, symmetrical (push-pull) transducer. "Symmetrical transducer technology ensures extremely low distortion".p. 1
Low cutoff, on. "Switchable roll-off filter to compensate for proximity effects at a distance of approx. 0.5 m"; the older instructions: "additional 4 dB attenuation at 50 Hz" (page 17), for distances of 40 to 60 cm (page 14).
Pad−10 dB. "Switchable pre-attenuation".
Finishblack anodised light metal
Supplied accessoriesMZS 80 shock mount; MZW 41 windshield. "Delivery includes: 1 MKH 30, 1 MZS 80 shock mount, 1 MZW 41 windshield". The older instructions list the MZQ 31 stand adapter and MZW 41 windscreen (page 17).
OutputTransformerless, fully floating balanced
Uses (Sennheiser)Soloists and small instrumental groups; the S mic in MS stereo; a support mic that rejects adjacent sources
From the manual (Recording Hacks copy)
Subsonic filterLow-cut filter, 12 dB/oct below 30 Hz, active whatever the roll-off switch settingp. 17

Documents

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

Product page on sennheiser.comRecording Hacks

Recommended for

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

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