Mic Archive
Sennheiser MKH 800
Photo: Sennheiser, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser MKH 800

RF condenser, five switchable patterns, response to 50 kHz, small side-address studio mic

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / wide cardioid / cardioid / supercardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−28 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
10 dB(A)
Max SPL
136 dB SPL
Impedance
150 Ω
Rated range
30 – 50k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the quick guide, p. 2. Untitled graph per pattern, legend "0°", "45°", "90°" (figure-8: "0°/180°", "45°"); relative dB. Distance not printed here; the 2004 product sheet's on-axis graphs say "measurement distance 1m" and "Deviation from nominal frequency response max ± 2dB". Switches presumably flat (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. Each frequency drawn on one side only (125 to 2000 Hz on one half, 4000 to 32000 Hz on the other); the pattern is taken as symmetric. Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 2k Hz.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the quick guide
Sensitivity−28 dBV/Pa (40 mV/Pa), free field, no load, 1 kHz, ±1 dB. "40 mV/Pa ± 1 dB"; converted (20 log10 0.040).p. 1
Self-noise10 dB(A), DIN IEC 651. "10 dB(A) (DIN IEC 651)".
Self-noise (CCIR 468)20 dB, CCIR 468-3
Max SPL136 dB SPL, 1 kHz, pad off; distortion not stated; also 142 dB SPL, 1 kHz, pad on (6 or 12 dB). "136 (142) dB / 1 kHz"; the product sheet: "Values in parentheses with attenuator switched on (6/12 dB)".
Output impedance150 ohm, nominal
Rated load impedance2000 ohm, minimum. "2 kΩ".
Rated frequency range30 Hz to 50 kHz
Poweringphantom, 48 V ± 4 V (P48, IEC 61938)
Current draw3 mA
Low cutoff, -3 dB, -6 dB; 50 Hz; bass attenuation. Switch "bass attenuation": 0 dB, -3 dB, -6 dB, marked "50Hz" on the body. Not graphed.
Pad−12 dB, two steps: -6 and -12 dB. Switch "preattenuation": 0 dB, -6 dB, -12 dB.
Switchestreble emphasis: 0 dB, +3 dB, +6 dB. Switch "treble emphasis": 0 dB, +3 dB, +6 dB, marked "8kHz" on the body. Not graphed.
ConnectorXLR-3
Weight135 g
Dimensions26.7 × 176 mm. "⌀ 26.7 x 176 mm": diameter × length.
From the spec sheet
CapsuleRF condenser, symmetrical push-pull capsule. "RF Symmetrical Capsule"; "Transformerless and fully floating balanced output".p. 1
Supplied accessoriesMZS 80 shock mount; MZW 80 foam windshield. "Delivery includes: 1 MKH 800 P 48, 1 MZS 80 shock mount, 1 MZW 80 windshield". The quick guide's "In the box" pictures the same, plus the guides.
LEDLED for on-axis alignment (marks the front)
BodyAnodised light metal body
Intended use (Sennheiser)"the first microphone to fully utilise the wider frequency response and dynamic range of the new high bit-rate standard of advanced digital recording systems (for example SACD)"
Recommended accessoriesMZA 14 P 48 U battery power supply (002960), MZW 80 foam windshield (003780), MZS 80 shock mount (003685), MZP 40 popshield (003132)
Response toleranceDeviation from nominal frequency response max ± 2 dBp. 2

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.

Other mics