Introduction
The Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 is a professional shotgun microphone known for its exceptional audio quality and durability.
Design and Build Quality
- Robust metal construction ensures longevity.
- Compact and lightweight design for portability.
- Resistant to moisture and humidity, ideal for various environments.
Performance
- Captures clear, crisp sound with remarkable accuracy.
- Superior off-axis sound rejection reduces unwanted noise.
- Ideal for film, broadcast, and outdoor recording.
Compatibility
- Works seamlessly with various audio devices and cameras.
- Phantom-powered (48V) for convenience.
Pros:
- Exceptional audio quality
- Durable construction
- Superior off-axis sound rejection
- Versatile compatibility
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Requires external power source
Conclusion
The Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 stands out as a top-tier shotgun microphone, offering unparalleled sound quality and durability despite a few limitations.
Danny Wright –
I’ve been struggling to get great audio in my video shoots, but that’s bc I’ve been cutting costs / corners. “You get what you pay for” Plain and simple. If you’re wanting a serious production, you need serious audio. It’s an investment. Get it!
Harry Neevus –
I use this mic exclusively for voice-over work. I purchased this mic with a bit of trepidation. What was I scared of? Quality? No, I was scared of getting a fake. When the mic arrived, the serial numbers were inexplicably covered by little white stickers. I can’t imagine what the purpose would be so, I contacted Sennheiser with the serial number. They not only confirmed the mic was authentic but they confirmed that Amazon was an authorized reseller. They even gave me the date of manufacture and original sale! But I was still nervous. I just spent a thousand bucks!
I already own a Neumann TLM49 and wasn’t sure this mic would offer me any real advantage. In my radio days and after, I heard people rave about this mic for V/O work but frankly, I couldn’t seen the point. There are mics you can get good results with that fall well below the $1K threshold. I’ve owned RODE NTKs, SURE SM7’s & KSM44s, Sennheiser 421s, ElectroVoice RE20 and several others. Even a few below $200… I used to have a home-made V/O booth but when I moved, I destroyed it. I had no room for it at my new place. Silly me. I forgot about room noise, birds chirping, sirens… Large diaphragm condenser mics seem to attract sounds you probably didn’t even know were there.
So I began to research options and the SENNHIESER 416 kept coming back to the surface. I wanted a mic that would be more forgiving of my work area right now. My early tests surprised me. This mic’s excellent but relatively small directional path made getting a good, clean quality recording possible even with minimal sound treatment. I paired it with a RODE swivel mount boom arm and cheesy but effective Eggsnow Universal Shock Mount and attached the whole thing to my desk. Despite my untreated office, there were few reflections from the untreated wall and computer monitor all under 3 feet away, behind the mic. My test produced a fairly room noise free recording. Noise rejection is outstanding. No birds. No chatter from the painting crew just outside banging ladders around and talking as they painted our townhouse.
Gain is ample. I don’t have to drive the 416 hard to get a strong signal. The mic is tiny and light. I don’t need a giant 3 wheeled mic stand and counter-weight system to hold this puppy in place. And it’s double duty! If I decide to do field recordings for video, I now have a durable mic that is up to the task. This mic isn’t going to solve your issue if you live in a cardboard box underneath the expressway but… It just might be the best investment you make before you blow your wad on acoustic treatments. Good voice-overs can be done on a budget. This may not seem like a budget solution but I can get good, reliable, professional results right now. So I can save, budget and plan for my next upgrade (a real V/O booth!) But since I’m already spending less time on edits and re-takes, I consider that money in my pocket.
Do42 –
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I changed my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars after listening to the test multiple times. The extra bass does sound better after you listen for awhile. I could EQ the AT-8035 but I am going to keep the 416 and use it. A lot more expensive but as I listened more there is a richness in the mic that does make things sound better. My review below was BEFORE I decided to keep the mic.
I just received this mic a few days and just finished testing it. I use a shotgun mic for recording Coach Bronner episodes. The 416 is a great mic BUT {and the important info in most situations always comes after the BUT}, I have an Audio Technica AT8035 which is the original mic that I’ve been using and when I A/B’d them both, I couldn’t tell the difference!
The 416 seemed to be a little more bassy but the 8035 seemed to be clearer with the slightly less bass. They were really so close that you can barely tell the difference and even if you can tell a difference it’s hard to prefer one over the other. The big issue is the AT 8035 is $270 and the 416 is $1,000.00. You can buy almost four 8035’s for the price of one 416 and I just cannot tell the difference. They both look the same and are the same dimensions and housing design. I am returning the 416 and buying another 8035.
Maybe there are some other advantages to the 416 that I just couldn’t hear or that my environment did not test for. Perhaps the 416 has better off axis noise rejection but if you are recording in a studio setting (I am) and want a shotgun mic to record the subject a few feet away, the 8035 is great and virtually indistinguishable from the MKH416.
I have attached the video test file of both the Sennheiser and Audio Technica mics. The first test is the expensive $1,000.00 Sennheiser MKH416-P48U3. The second mic tested is the Audio Technica AT-8035 currently priced at $269.00. I called it the original mic because I couldn’t remember the model number (or brand either for that matter) as I was making the video. i really was only testing it for myself and hadn’t thought of posting it on Amazon. I am approximately two feet away from the mics. You be the judge.
Morgan Evans –
There’s a reason this microphone is one of the most popular shotguns on the market. Pricey, but worth the spend IMHO.
David Schloss –
Love this mic. I’ve been using these for 10 years with great quality coming out.