Sennheiser
Sennheiser MKH8040
Best professional tool for critical audio recording.
The Sennheiser MKH8040 is a versatile cardioid condenser microphone renowned for its precise and accurate recording quality, making it a standard in film, theatre, and studio applications. Its modular design and compact size, measuring just 19mm in diameter and 74mm in length with its XLR module, allow for exceptional placement flexibility, especially in tight spaces or with low ceilings. The microphone boasts a wide frequency response from 30 to 50,000 Hz, extremely low inherent self-noise, and resistance to humid conditions and RF interference, ensuring reliable performance in various environments. It is ideal as a spot microphone and for surround recordings, and is also available in stereo pairs.
$1499.00
More MKH Options
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Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
269
/ 3337
#269 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+195%
Above average
Frequency response
3050000
/ – , Hz
Who it's for
- Audio engineers and musicians seeking uncolored, high-fidelity recordings.
- Recording professionals working with subtle dynamics or quiet acoustic instruments.
- Field recordists and live sound engineers needing consistent performance outdoors.
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home studio owners or aspiring audio professionals.
- Beginners with basic equipment or mobile content creators without dedicated preamps.
- Engineers requiring versatile polar patterns for diverse recording scenarios.
Performance breakdown
Frequency Range
Captures ultrasonic detail far beyond the standard human hearing range.
Placement Versatility
Compact modular design fits effortlessly into the tightest recording environments.
Self-Noise Floor
Extremely quiet operation ensures pristine recordings for delicate acoustic sources.
Environmental Durability
Resists humidity and RF interference for reliable performance in challenging locations.
SPL Handling
Easily manages high sound pressure levels without compromising signal integrity.
Build Quality
Rugged construction with a non-reflective coating built for professional field use.
Key Specs
Frequency response
30 – 50,000 Hz
Weight
25 g (55 g with XLR module)
Audio Output
XLR-3M balanced, transformerless, floating
Sensitivity
20 mV/Pa (-34 dBV/Pa)
Nominal impedance
25 Ω
Min. terminating impedance
1000 Ω
Phantom powering
48 V +/- 4 V
Equivalent noise level
13 dB
Features
- Modular design for versatile use
- Compact size for easy placement
- Wide frequency response for detailed audio
- Low self-noise for clean recordings
- Resistant to humidity and RF interference
- Accurate directional pattern
- Non-reflective Nextel coating
What customers say
Customers consistently praise this microphone for its exceptional sound quality and remarkable reliability. Users frequently highlight its incredibly transparent and accurate audio capture, making it a top choice for critical recording applications. The microphone's low self noise and detailed transient response are often cited as standout features, contributing to its pristine sonic character. Furthermore, its robust build and consistent performance across various environments instill significant confidence, affirming its status as a dependable professional tool. This microphone is celebrated for delivering a truly high fidelity recording experience.
Know before you buy
Its compact size and modular design allow for discreet placement in tight spaces or low-ceiling environments where traditional microphones might be too bulky. Additionally, its high resistance to RF interference and humidity ensures consistent, reliable performance in challenging production settings.
Yes, the MKH 8040 has a maximum sound pressure level of 142 dB SPL, making it capable of capturing loud sound sources without distortion.
Yes, the MKH 8040 is part of the Sennheiser 8000 series, meaning the microphone head can be detached from the MZX 8000 XLR module. This allows you to use the capsule with other accessories like remote cables or different mounting options.
While it is designed to be resistant to humidity, it is a condenser microphone and should be protected from direct rain or extreme weather. The included foam windshield provides basic protection, but you may need a dedicated blimp or furry windscreen for significant outdoor wind noise.
The extended frequency response ensures that the microphone captures high-frequency transients and harmonic details with extreme accuracy. This provides a very natural, open sound that is particularly beneficial for high-resolution studio recordings.
No, the MKH 8040 operates on standard 48V phantom power, which is provided by almost all professional audio interfaces, mixers, and field recorders.
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