The MKH 8018, a great novelty from Sennheiser at NAB 2025

Created for broadcast and cinematographic applications, and characterized by its weather resistance and robustness, the new MKH 8018 stereo shotgun microphone becomes one of the main attractions of the stand. Sennheiser in NAB 2025 (April 6 – 9, Las Vegas).

The new short shotgun microphone MKH 8018 complete the range MKH 8000 of RF condenser microphones from the company, which stand out in the field thanks to their robustness against the elements and their natural sound capture. For added audio engineer flexibility, the compact and lightweight MKH 8018 features three switchable stereo modes: MS stereo, XY Wide stereo, and XY Narrow stereo. MS mode allows the engineer to adjust the space image continuously in the mixer, while the XY modes are pre-mixed in the MKH 8018, with fine adjustments after extensive testing.

To make the MKH 8018 as easy to handle as possible, Sennheiser engineers have incorporated a aluminum casing so that it weighs less in a camera or pole. Additionally, the microphone, unlike most other 8000 series microphones, is not modular, it has one output XLR-5M fixed and a integrated -10 dB pad against saturation, filters to adapt the frequency response and an additional switchable low cut filter of -3 dB at 70 Hz.

Since the MKH 8018 has been designed to broadcast and film applications, the extremely wide frequency response typical of MKH microphones has been limited to 40-20,000 Hz. This prevents overloading the mixer with inaudible distortion below 40 Hz and above 20 kHz, where ultrasonic camera lens metering systems are used.

Likewise, Sennheiser's latest development highlights its homogeneous sound image and can emit MS stereo for further processing in the studio or on a mixer, or, using an internal matrix, XY stereo in wide or narrow mode without the need for an external mixer. At XY-w (wide), the microphone emphasizes the side signal more, thus capturing more ambience. In XY-n (narrow), the focus is on the mid signal, giving the sound engineer greater directionality.

The MKH 8018 is delivered with a microphone clip MZQ 100, a foam windbreaker MZW 8018 and a threaded plastic transport tube. Additionally, the company offers the camera adapter MZR 8000, which surrounds the body of the microphone for a secure fit with other microphone clips and cameras, and other optional accessories such as the barrel grip/suspension MZS 20-1, the basket windbreaker MZW 60-1 and the cover MZH 60-1 for outdoor use.

Focus on ST 2110

Another of the main attractions of Sennheiser's presence at NAB 2025 are the ecosystem demonstrations Spectera of bi-directional broadband, which leverages the company's decade-long research in wireless multi-channel audio systems (WMAS). The company also exhibits narrowband digital solutions Digital 6000 y EW-DX with the new four-channel Dante receiver; the entire range of Sennheiser broadcast microphones, and the new all-in-one microphone Profile Wireless, aimed at content creators.

Sennheiser also takes advantage of its presence in Las Vegas to publicize the latest news from Neumann, among which stands out RIME, a DAW plugin (VST3, AU, AAX) that allows users to monitor immersive formats such as Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 through headphones using the innovative AMBEO algorithms. Additionally, Neumann is showing off its acclaimed KH line of studio speakers and NDH line of headphones, as well as the MT 48 audio interface for Mac and PC, now Dante compatible.

From the perspective of Merging Technologies, all eyes are on version 11 of Ovation, Merging's flagship audio media player and event sequencer. Supporting intelligent workflows within an ST 2110 environment, it integrates with both traditional and modern remote control protocols. Likewise, its intuitive user interface offers easy operation for demanding productions, including all immersive audio formats and virtual machine environments.