Sennheiser
Sennheiser SEMKH416 Shotgun Microphone & Windshield Kit
★★★★★
An industry-standard short shotgun microphone with RF condenser technology for humidity-resistant outdoor recording.
$1,049.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
Pressure gradient receiver with short interference tube
Employs RF-technology to control residual microphone noise. Optimizing the transducer's acoustic impedance results in a further improvement in low noise performance
The RF-design yields low noise levels and high immunity to humidity and moisture
The comparatively low RF-voltage across the elements of the transducer also eliminates arcing and DC-bias creeping currents
Hypercardioid at low and medium frequency, above 2 kHz approaches lobar pattern
Specifications
Brand
Sennheiser
Model
MKH 416-P48 (Kit: SEMKH416)
Microphone Type
Short Shotgun Interference Tube
Polar Pattern
Hypercardioid / Lobar (above 2 kHz)
Transducer Technology
RF Condenser
Power Requirement
48V Phantom Power (P48)
Kit Includes
MKH 416-P48 Microphone, Windshield
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- RF condenser technology provides exceptional resistance to humidity, moisture, and condensation that would disrupt conventional condenser microphones.
- Extremely low self-noise floor makes it suitable for quiet dialogue recording and critical audio capture.
- Tight directional pattern above 2 kHz delivers strong off-axis rejection for isolating sound sources in noisy environments.
- Included windshield allows immediate use in outdoor shooting scenarios without purchasing accessories separately.
- Proven industry-standard microphone trusted across decades of film, television, and broadcast production.
👎 Cons
- Premium price point places it well above entry-level and mid-range shotgun microphone options.
- Short interference tube design offers less reach and narrower rejection than longer shotgun microphones for distant sound sources.
- Requires 48V phantom power, which is not available from all portable recorders or camera preamps without an adapter.
- The hypercardioid-to-lobar pattern transition can produce coloration on off-axis sounds if the mic is not carefully aimed.
- Heavier and more robust build than some competitors, which adds weight to boom pole setups over long shooting days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Sennheiser MKH 416 different from standard condenser shotgun microphones?
The MKH 416 uses RF (radio frequency) condenser technology instead of a conventional DC-biased condenser design. This dramatically reduces self-noise and makes the microphone highly resistant to humidity and moisture, which is why it remains a standard for outdoor film and broadcast work.
What polar pattern does the MKH 416 use?
It has a hypercardioid pattern at low and medium frequencies, which transitions to a lobar (more narrowly focused) pattern above 2 kHz. This provides excellent off-axis rejection while capturing a natural, focused sound from the front.
Does this kit include a windshield?
Yes, the SEMKH416 package is a microphone and windshield kit, providing both the MKH 416-P48 shotgun microphone and a windshield for outdoor wind noise reduction.
What type of power does the MKH 416 require?
It requires standard 48V phantom power (P48), which is supplied by most professional audio mixers, recorders, and preamps.
Is the MKH 416 suitable for indoor studio use as well as outdoor production?
Yes, its low self-noise and excellent directional control make it effective in both controlled studio environments and challenging outdoor locations.
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