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Sennheiser MKH 8040
Photo: Sennheiser, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser MKH 8040

Small-diaphragm RF condenser, cardioid; modular MKH 8000 series (microphone head on the MZX 8000 XLR module)

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

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−34 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
13 dB(A)
Max SPL
142 dB SPL
Impedance
25 Ω
Rated range
30 – 50k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 2. Graph "Frequency response" in absolute dB (sensitivity, dBV/Pa: the 0° curve is at -34 dB at 1 kHz); 20 to 100 kHz shaded on the graph. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.

The manufacturer draws absolute sensitivity (dBV/Pa); shifted here by a constant so 1 kHz is near 0 dB.

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 curve drawn on one side only (125 Hz to 1 kHz left, 2 to 32 kHz right); taken as symmetric. Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate some frequencies are identified by reasoning, not by the legend: 250 Hz, 500 Hz.

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All specs

From the spec sheet
Self-noise13 dB(A). The 2007 instructions add "(DIN 651)".p. 2
Self-noise (CCIR 468)22 dB. The 2007 instructions add "(CCIR 268-3)".
Max SPL142 dB SPL; also 137 dB SPL, with the MZF 8000 II filter module. "Max. SPL"; no THD figure given. The manual calls it "Sound pressure level limit" (page 96).
Rated frequency range30 Hz to 50 kHz; also [35, 50000], 2007 instructions. No tolerance given. The 2007 instructions say "35 Hz – 50 kHz" (page 10).
Poweringphantom 48 V ± 4 V (P48, IEC 61938)
Current draw3.3 mA
Finishnon-reflective Nextel coatingp. 1
Supplied accessoriesMZQ 8000 microphone clip; MZW 8000 windshield; transport case. "Delivery includes".
Operating temperature-10 °C to +60 °Cp. 2
Art. no.506289p. 1
From the manual (Recording Hacks copy)
CapsuleRF condenser, symmetrical transducer. "Symmetrical transducer technology ensures extremely low distortion".p. 5
Output impedance25 ohm. Connection data: "25 Ω impedance". Not given in the current sheet or manual.p. 7
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, minimum. "1000 Ω min. terminating impedance".
ConnectorXLR-3 (on the MZX 8000 XLR module). Delivered as the MKH 8040 microphone head on the MZX 8000 XLR module (page 6).
OutputTransformerless, fully floating balancedp. 5
Modular designMKHC 8040 microphone head (cat. no. 502095) on the MZX 8000 XLR module (502098); the head can be swapped for other 8000-series heads or moved onto extension tubes and remote cablesp. 7
From the manual
Sensitivity−34 dBV/Pa (20 mV/Pa); also −44 dBV/Pa, with the MZF 8000 II filter module. "-34 dBV/Pa (20 mV/Pa) without MZF 8000 II filter module"; "-44 dBV/Pa (6.3 mV/Pa) with MZF 8000 II filter module" (that module has a -10 dB attenuation switch, page 109). The spec sheet gives the same.p. 96
Weight55 g, approx., with the MZX 8000 XLR module; also 25, microphone head alone. "approx. 25 g", "approx. 55 g with XLR-Modul MZX 8000".
Dimensions19 × 75 mm, approx., with the MZX 8000 XLR module; also [19, 41], microphone head alone. Diameter × length: "approx. 19 mm"; "approx. 41 mm", "approx. 75 mm with XLR-Modul MZX 8000".
WindshieldMZW 8000 changes the sound only slightly; attenuates wind noise by approx. 30 dBp. 56
Stereo setMKH 8040 Stereoset (art. no. 506290): matched pair, sensitivity difference < 1 dB, frequency response difference < 1 dBp. 17
MZF 8000 II filter module (optional)Low-cut -3 dB at 16 Hz; switchable roll-off -3 dB at 70 Hz; switchable -10 dB attenuation; adds 1 dB(A) noise (4 dB(A) with the attenuation)p. 109

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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