Mic Archive
Sennheiser MKH 50 P48
Photo: Sennheiser, from its spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser MKH 50 P48

Small-diaphragm RF condenser, supercardioid; symmetrical push-pull transducer, very low self-noise

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

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. 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 spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. 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. 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. The manual prints "25 mV/Pa (8 mV/Pa) ≙ –32 dBV (–42 dBV)".p. 2
Self-noise12 dB(A), A-weighted; also 18 dB(A), attenuator on. Values in parentheses on the sheets are with the -10 dB attenuator on. The data sheet says "DIN IEC 651", the manual "DIN 45 500, curve A".
Self-noise (CCIR 468)21 dB, CCIR 468-3; also 27 dB, attenuator on. Values in parentheses on the sheets are with the -10 dB attenuator on.
Max SPL134 dB SPL, 1 kHz; also 142 dB SPL, attenuator on. Values in parentheses on the sheets are with the -10 dB attenuator on. No THD figure given.
Output impedance150 ohm, nominal
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, minimum. "Min. terminating impedance 1 kΩ".
Rated frequency range40 Hz to 20 kHz
Poweringphantom 48 V ± 4 V. The manual: "Phantom supply as per DIN 45 596", supply voltage "44 to 52 V".
Current draw2 mA
Pad−10 dB. "Values in () with attenuator switched on (–10 dB)". The manual: "Pre-attenuation 10 dB, defeatable".
ConnectorXLR-3. Overview: "XLR-3 connector".
Weight100 g, approx.. The 2008 manual gives 110 g.
Dimensions25 × 153 mm. "⌀ 25 x 153 mm": diameter × length. The 2008 manual gives "25 ø x 150".
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy)
CapsuleRF condenser, symmetrical (push-pull) transducer, pressure gradient. "Symmetrical transducer technology ensures extremely low distortion". The manual: "pressure-gradient receiver" (p. 15).p. 1
Low cutoff, on. "Switchable roll-off filter to compensate for proximity effects at a distance of approx. 0.5 m"; the graph shows its effect. The manual (p. 15): "Roll-off filter ... additional 4 dB attenuation at 50 Hz", besides a fixed "Low-cut filter 12 dB/oct below 30 Hz".
Finishblack anodised light metal
Supplied accessoriesMZS 40 shock mount; MZW 41 windshield. "Delivery includes: 1 MKH 50, 1 MZS 40 shock mount, 1 MZW 41 windshield". The current quick guide shows the MZS 40, MZQ 40 and MZW 41; the 2008 manual lists the MZQ 40 stand adapter and MZW 41.
OutputTransformerless, fully floating balanced
ApplicationsSoloist's or spot mic where strong rejection of sound from the sides and feedback rejection are needed
Recommended accessoriesMZA 14 P 48 U battery supply; MZT 441, MZT 100 table stands; MZD 30 dual clip for MS stereo; MZB 415 fish pole; MZS 40 shock mount; MZW 41 foam windshield; MZP 40 popshield; MZS 20-1 shock mount; MZW 20-1 basket windshield; MZH 20-1 hairy cover
From the manual (Recording Hacks copy)
Fixed low cut12 dB/octave below 30 Hzp. 15
Roll-off filterAdditional 4 dB attenuation at 50 Hz

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

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