Sennheiser expands the range of studio microphones with the MK 8

Brother to the popular MK 4 large-diaphragm condenser microphone, the MK 8 is a more refined instrument for the recording engineer looking for additional control options.

Sennheiser has just released the sister model to the popular MK 4 large-diaphragm condenser microphone. While the MK 4 has been designed as a simple plug-and-play microphone, the MK 8 is a more refined instrument for the recording engineer looking for additional control options.

The MK 8 dual-diaphragm condenser features five selectable polar patterns (omnidirectional, cardioid, wide cardioid, super-cardioid, figure-of-eight) to optimally adapt to all types of situations, and is equipped with a low-cut filter and attenuator.

Sebastian Schmitz, product manager for microphones, highlighted that "the design of the MK 8 recording microphone is based on Sennheiser's successful series of large diaphragm condensers. This microphone offers a defined bass, a pleasant, very full midrange and open highs. The MK 8 is direct and harmonious, with a perfectly resolved and very musical sound. Professionals will love its versatility – it adapts to practically any recording situation."

The MK 8 has one-inch diaphragms, 24-karat gold plated, very precisely shaped. Its capsule is elastically mounted to reduce the noise produced by the structure. A three-position switchable filter allows the user to eliminate low-frequency noise below 60 Hz (-18 dB/octave, the low-cut position) or introduce a softer roll-off effect from 100 Hz to compensate for proximity effect (-6 dB/octave, the roll-off position). The MK 8 is also equipped with a switchable attenuator (off, -10 dB, -20 dB). A 10 dB signal level reduction in the capsule protects the microphone against excessively loud audio sources, while an additional 10 dB reduction in the microphone electronics prevents saturation of the connected microphone preamp and therefore also of the recording system.

The MK 8's five selectable pickup patterns have relatively consistent characteristics, especially in the bass area. This ensures a better, more defined sound when recording circumstances are not ideal, as the selected pattern is maintained in frequency. For example, the supercardioid pattern does not become diffuse, but remains precise, offering the same high lateral attenuation that the engineer originally wanted to have.

The MK 8 has a sturdy metal casing. It has relatively low sensitivity to humidity, since the impedance conversion is carried out inside the capsule. The MK 8 comes with a clamp and a protective bag. Optional accessories include an elastic suspension, foam windscreen, pop protector and hard case.