Sennheiser MKH 8000 Series Brochure ENG 092014
User Manual: MKH 8000 Series
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MKH 8000 Series Microphones
Discover
the Soul of
Sound.
Sennheiser has taken its sophisticated MKH series of radio-frequency
condenser microphones one step further: the MKH 8020, MKH 8040,
MKH 8050 and MKH 8090 fulfil the most exacting demands on
sound quality and versatility. Extremely low inherent self-noise, an
exceptionally wide frequency response for high sampling rate digital
audio formats and a very compact design make them an ideal choice
for the most demanding classical music recordings, for broadcast use
and for stage and film applications.
Sound with a Soul:
Sennheiser’s MKH 8000 Series Microphones
A Superb Synthesis of Sound Aesthetics and Engineering Perfection.
Contents
04 Features
05 Microphones
06 Broadcast Shotgun Microphones
06 Special Modules
07 Microphones and accessories overview
08 Accessories
10 Technical data
The MKH 8000 series has been designed to capture the soul of
sound, reproducing the music with an unprecedented warmth and
trans parency. Without taking away from the unique clarity that
MKH symmetrical microphones are famous for, the 8000 series has a
natural subtle warmth that has to be heard to be appreciated. Voices
will sound rich and detailed; piano, strings and wind instruments will
have that special ‘character’, while percussive instruments benefit
from a fast attack and a dynamic, powerful reproduction.
MKH 8000 SERIES MICROPHONES 02 03
Features
That Make a Difference
Modular design: Extremely compact and elegant, the MKH 8000 series
microphones have a diameter of just 19 mm and a length of only 74 mm. Yet,
they can become even more unobtrusive. The microphones can be split into the
actual microphone head, which contains all acoustic and electronic components,
and the XLR module. The small microphone head (only 41 mm long) is attached
to one of Sennheiser’s special capsule remote accessories, while the XLR con-
nector module is attached outside the camera angle, making the MKHs virtually
invisible on stage.
Extremely low inherent self-noise: While the inherent
noise in conventional microphones tends to mask quieter sounds and thus
limits the dynamic range, the MKH microphones employ the unique principle of
the radio-frequency condenser microphone, resulting in an outstandingly low
self-noise. The special capsule design reflects the frequency-dependent response
of the human hearing, and provides an excellent signal-to-noise ratio in the
frequency range where the human ear is most sensitive to noise. This results
in small-diaphragm MKH microphones being quieter even than most large-
diaphragm condenser microphones.
Accurate directional patterns: All directional patterns have
been carefully designed for minimal deviation from the ideal patterns over the
entire frequency range. The unique technical design characteristics of the MKH
symmetrical microphone series means that the designer no longer has to make
compromises between frequency response, polar pattern and low noise
—
now
he can have it all: wide frequency response, ultra low noise and a polar response
close to the theoretical ideal.
Intelligent accessories: A wide range of accessories enables the
microphones to be used under many and varied conditions of the most demand-
ing classical music recordings, broadcast use, filming and any stage application.
The accessories are suitable for stereo or dual mono applications and some of
them have been designed to carry the audio signal to enable even more compact
microphone set-ups. The digital module MZD 8000 transmits audio signals
according to the AES 42 standard (24 bit, 192 kHz sampling rate).
Special symmetrical capsule: The MKH capsules incorporate a
symmetrical design with the diaphragm located between the normal back plate
and an additional, identical front plate. This design provides both acoustical and
electrical symmetry and is the most powerful way to eliminate transducer non-
linearity and accompanied harmonic and intermodulation distortion. Their unique
symmetrical construction enables the MKH microphones to pick up subtleties in
the music lost to other microphones
—
for instance, the subtle harmonics in an
unaccompanied choir, the complex sound patterns of a 12-string guitar and
much more.
Extended high-frequency response: The acoustic
properties of the MKH capsule design enable the high-frequency response to
be extended beyond the limits of the standard audio CD format, enabling these
microphones to fully utilise the potential of digital recording formats with higher
sampling rates.
Nextel ® coating: All MKH 8000 Series microphones and accessories
are coated with black Nextel ®, ensuring that there will be no disturbing reflec-
tions even in the brightest of film and television lights.
ideal
MKH 8000 series
front plate
diaphragm
back plate
MKH 8020
The omni-directional MKH 8020 is ideal for recording
large and small sound sources, for a ‘Decca Tree’ or for
use in an OSS ‘Jecklin Disk’ array. As it does not suffer
from a proximity effect, it is also a good choice for close-
miking. If the acoustic ambience is right, this microphone
will provide very impressive recordings. The extra octave
at the bottom end makes the MKH 8020 perfect for
recording pipe organs, grand piano and acoustic double-
bass.
MKH 8040
The cardioid MKH 8040 is suitable for almost any appli-
cation. It considerably reduces pick-up of a reverberant
room. This is very helpful in rooms with poor acoustics or
when disturbing sounds impinge mainly from the rear.
MKH 8050
The super-cardioid MKH 8050 will give higher attenu-
ation of off-axis sound from the side than its cardioid
sister model. It is a good choice for recording soloists,
where the requirements for lateral acoustic separation
are higher.
MKH 8090
The high-end MKH 8090 is the ideal main microphone
when less acoustic impression of space is demanded.
And as a support microphone it excels in capturing larger
groups of instruments. Among the many advantages of
its RF principle are an extremely low inherent self-noise,
the capability to handle high sound pressure levels with-
out distortion, and a high resistance to adverse climatic
conditions.
Omni-directional
pick-up pattern
Frequency response
10 to 60,000 Hz
Ideal for stereo and surround
recordings, as an M micro-
phone and for ambience
Cardioid pick-up pattern
Frequency response
30 to 50,000 Hz
Ideal as a spot microphone
and for surround recordings
Super-cardioid
pick-up pattern
Frequency response
30 to 50,000 Hz
Provides optimum
separation of instruments
Wide cardioid pick-up pattern
Frequency response
30 to 50,000 Hz
Very natural sound
Ideal as instrument-focussed
main microphone or as
support for larger group of
instruments
Microphones
MKH 8000 SERIES MICROPHONES 04 05
Broadcast Shotgun Microphones
Special Modules
MKH 8060
Whether it’s a feature film, a documentary, an outdoor
shoot or a studio production: the MKH 8060 short
shotgun microphone will provide high quality sound to
match your great pictures. Handily compact it shows
its strengths as a professional shotgun microphone:
The MKH 8060 delivers an absolute natural sound and
outstanding off-axis linearity, attenuating sound coming
from the side without coloration.
MZD 8000
The MZD 8000 digital module is optimally matched to
the 8000 series microphones. It is simply screwed onto
the microphone head in place of the XLR module, turning
the analogue audio signal into a digital one. Since the
converting takes place right behind the microphone head
the clear, warm, and vivid sound of the microphones is
completely preserved.
MKH 8070
The long shotgun microphone MKH 8070 was especially
designed for picking up distant sources of sound in best
quality. Its very natural sound makes it the ideal choice
for major broadcast and sporting events. Featuring
extreme directivity and a pronounced lobar pick-up
pattern it will reliably capture that magic moment from
a distance, even under the toughest sonic and climatic
conditions.
MZF 8000
Especially in the broadcast and film industries, this com-
pact filter module effectively blocks interference caused
by infrasound, such as low-frequency noises caused by
wind and handling.
Super-cardioid/lobar
pick-up pattern
Extremely low distortion
Ideal for camera mounting
due to compact design
2-channel 24-bit
A/D converter
Suitable for all MKH 8000
Series microphones
External synchronization via
AES 42, Mode 2
Lobar pick-up pattern
The specialist for far away
sources of sound
Enhanced directivity
Extremely low inherent noise
Complex acoustic details are
preserved
High quality 10 dB pad
protects against overdriving
Very compact design
Microphones and Accessories Overview
MZH 8020
MZT 8000 MZT 8001
MZQ 8001MZH 8000
MZG 8000
MZL 8003
MZS 31
MZL 8010
MZE 8120
MZE 8120 MZE 8120
MZE 8060
MZEF 8120
MZE 8030
MZEF 8060
MZE 8015
MZEF 8030
MZFS 8000
MZH 8040 MZH 8050
MZF 8000 *
Screw filter module MZF 8000 at
suitable place between microphone
head and XLR module.
*
MZF 8000MZD 8000
MZX 8000 *MZQ 8000MZS 8000
MZH 8090
MZW 8000
audio signal
mounting accessories
MKH 8000 SERIES MICROPHONES 06 07
Table Stands
MZT 8000
Classic metal table stand, sturdy and robust.
MZT 8001
Elegant table stand with acrylic base.
Accessories
MZE 8120
120 cm
MZE 8060
60 cm
MZEF 8030
30 cm
MZEF 8060
60 cm
MZEF 8120
120 cm
MZE 8030
30 cm
MZE 8015
15 cm
Floor Stand Components
MZE 8015, MZE 8030 MZE 8060, MZE 8120
extension tubes
Special bar that carries the audio signal. The microphone head
is attached to the front, the XLR module to the end. Available in
lengths of 15, 30, 60 and 120 cm.
MZGE 8000, MZGE 8002 bar connectors
Joins vertical bars with one or two extension tubes.
MZEF 8030, MZEF 8060, MZEF 8120
vertical bars
Available in lengths of 30, 60 or 120 cm; standard 3/8" thread.
MZFS 8000 floor stand
Heavy design; insensitive to structure-borne noise.
Mounting Accessories
Remote Cables
MZS 8000 shock mount
Flexible suspension in a very compact design. Effectively suppresses
the transmission of structure-borne noise.
MZQ 8000 microphone clip
Standard clip (included in the delivery of the MKH 8000 micro-
phones).
MZQ 8001 mini clip
Miniature clamp. Ideal if the microphone is used with a remote cable.
3/8” standard thread.
MZH 8000 ceiling mount
With cable guide. Adjustable for optimum alignment of the
microphone with the sound source.
MZG 8000 Swivel joint with
MZS 31 elastic suspension
Designed for desktop mounting. Carries the audio signal and
provides the connector for the XLR module.
MZL 8003, MZL 8010
Connects between the microphone head and the XLR module to
make the microphone extremely unobtrusive (ideal for almost
in visible use hanging from the ceiling). Available in lengths of 3 and
10 meters.
MKH 8000 SERIES MICROPHONES 08 09
90 °
0 °
125 Hz 125 Hz125 Hz
250 Hz 250 Hz250 Hz
500 Hz 500 Hz500 Hz
1,000 Hz 1,000 Hz1,000 Hz
2,000 Hz 2,000 Hz2,000 Hz
8,000 Hz 8,000 Hz8,000 Hz
4,000 Hz 4,000 Hz4,000 Hz
16,000 Hz 16,000 Hz16,000 Hz
32,000 Hz 32,000 Hz32,000 Hz
30° 30°
30°
0° 0°0°
180° 180°
180°
150° 150°
150°
120° 120°
120°
60° 60°
60°
90° 90°
90°
00
0
55
5
10 10
10
15 15
15
20 20
20
25 25
25
dB dB
dB
30° 30°
30°
0° 0°0°
180° 180°
180°
150° 150°
150°
120° 120°
120°
60° 60°
60°
90° 90°
90°
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
dBv
10
100
1,000
10,000
20,000
50,000
100,000
Hz
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
dBv
10
100
1,000
10,000
20,000
50,000
100,000
Hz
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
dBv
10
100
1,000
10,000
20,000
50,000
100,000
Hz
Pick-up pattern omni-directional cardioid super-cardioid
Frequency response 10 – 60,000 Hz 30 – 50,000 Hz 30 – 50,000 Hz
Sensitivity in free field,
no load (1kHz)
–30 dBV/Pa (31 mV/Pa) –34 dBV/Pa (20 mV/PA) –34 dBV/Pa (20 mV/PA)
Sound pressure level 138 dB 142 dB 142 dB
Equivalent noise level 10 dB (A) (A-weighted, DIN 651),
21 dB (CCIR-weighted, CCIR 268-3)
13 dB (A) (A-weighted, DIN 651),
22 dB (CCIR-weighted, CCIR 268-3)
13 dB (A) (A-weighted, DIN 651),
22 dB (CCIR-weighted, CCIR 268-3)
Output signal balanced, transformerless, floating balanced, transformerless, floating balanced, transformerless, floating
Output impedance 25 Ω25 Ω25 Ω
Min. terminating impedance 1,000 Ω1,000 Ω1,000 Ω
Phantom power supply 48 V ± 4 V 48 V ± 4 V 48 V ± 4 V
Supply current 3.3 mA 3.3 mA 3.3 mA
Diameter 19 mm 19 mm 19 mm
Length of microphone module 41 mm
(74 mm including XLR module)
41 mm
(74 mm including XLR module)
41 mm
(74 mm including XLR module)
Weight 25 g
(55 g including XLR module)
25 g
(55 g including XLR module)
25 g
(55 g including XLR module)
Nominal frequency response
at 1 m distance
Technical Data
MKH 8020 MKH 8050MKH 8040Product
90 °
0 °
125 Hz125 Hz
250 Hz250 Hz
500 Hz500 Hz
1,000 Hz1,000 Hz
2,000 Hz2,000 Hz
8,000 Hz8,000 Hz
4,000 Hz4,000 Hz
16,000 Hz16,000 Hz
32,000 Hz
30°30° 0°0°
180°180° 150°150°
120°120°
60°60°
90°90°
00
55
1010
1515
2020
2525 dBdB
30°30° 0°0°
180°180° 150°150°
120°120°
60°60°
90°90°
–10 –10
–20 –20
–30 –30
–40 –40
–50 –50
–60 –60
dBv dBv
50
50
100
100
200
200
500
500
1,000
1,000
2,000
2,000
5,000
5,000
10,000
10,000
20,000
20,000
Hz
Hz
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
dBv
10
100
1,000
10,000
20,000
50,000
100,000
Hz
125 Hz
250 Hz
500 Hz
1,000 Hz
2,000 Hz
8,000 Hz
4,000 Hz
16,000 Hz
30°
0°
180° 150°
120°
60°
90°
0
5
10
15
20
25
dB
30° 0°
180°
150°
120°
60°
90°
MKH 8090MKH 8070MKH 8060Product
Pick-up pattern super-cardioid/lobar lobar wide cardioid
Frequency response 50 – 25,000 Hz 45 – 20,000 Hz 30 – 50,000 Hz
Sensitivity in free field,
no load (1kHz)
–24 dBV/Pa (63 mV/PA) –19 dBV/Pa (112 mV/PA) –34 dBV/Pa (20 mV/PA)
Sound pressure level 129 dB 124 dB 142 dB
Equivalent noise level 11 dB (A) (A-weighted, DIN 651),
23 dB (CCIR-weighted, CCIR 268-3)
8 dB (A) (A-weighted, DIN 651),
21 dB (CCIR-weighted, CCIR 268-3)
13 dB (A) (A-weighted, DIN 651),
23 dB (CCIR-weighted, CCIR 268-3)
Output signal balanced, transformerless, floating balanced, transformerless, floating balanced, transformerless, floating
Output impedance 25 Ω25 Ω25 Ω
Min. terminating impedance 2,000 Ω2,000 Ω2,000 Ω
Phantom power supply 48 V ± 4 V 48 V ± 4 V 48 V ± 4 V
Supply current 3.3 mA 3.3 mA 3.3 mA
Diameter 19 mm 19 mm 19 mm
Length of microphone module 145 mm
(178 mm including XLR module)
432 mm
(465 mm including XLR module)
41 mm
(74 mm including XLR module)
Weight 80 g
(112 g including XLR module)
300 g
(332 g including XLR module)
25 g
(55 g including XLR module)
Nominal frequency response
at 1 m distance
MKH 8000 SERIES MICROPHONES 10 11
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
Am Labor 1, 30900 Wedemark, Germany
www.sennheiser.com
521472 09/14 Printed in Germany. Sennheiser and evolution are registered Trademarks of Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG. www.sennheiser.com
