Sennheiser

Sennheiser SENNHEISERMK4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Set

4.8 (14 reviews)
Condenser

Sennheiser MK4 studio condenser microphone with 24-karat gold diaphragm and included shockmount for pristine vocal capture.

$429.00*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Sennheiser MK4 is a large-diaphragm side-address condenser microphone designed for studio recording of vocals, voice-over, and acoustic instruments. At its core is a 24-karat gold-plated diaphragm that provides detailed, transparent sound capture while resisting the corrosion and oxidation that can degrade microphone performance over years of use. The cardioid polar pattern focuses pickup on the sound source directly in front of the microphone, naturally attenuating room reflections and background noise — a critical advantage in home studios and untreated recording spaces.

The MK4's all-metal housing serves double duty as both a durable enclosure and an effective shield against electromagnetic interference from nearby electronics. Inside, an integrated capsule shock-mount reduces the transmission of mechanical vibrations to the diaphragm, complementing the external MKS 4 shockmount included in this set. The microphone connects via standard XLR and requires 48V phantom power from an audio interface or mixer. With its focus on build quality and straightforward operation — no switches, no modes, just a clean signal path — the MK4 is aimed at recordists who want a reliable, professional-sounding microphone without the complexity of multi-pattern or feature-heavy alternatives.

Key Features

Large-diaphragm

Side-address microphone

With 24-carat-gold-plated diaphragm

Metal housing and internal capsule shock-mount

Includes MKS 4 Shockmount

Specifications

Brand
Sennheiser
Model
SENNHEISERMK4
Type
Large Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Diaphragm
24-Karat Gold-Plated
Frequency Response
Up to 15 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
78 dB
Connectivity
XLR
Power Requirement
48V Phantom Power
Housing
Metal with Internal Capsule Shock-Mount
Color
Silver
Included Accessories
MKS 4 Shockmount

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 24-karat gold-plated large diaphragm resists corrosion and delivers detailed, natural sound reproduction
  • All-metal housing provides durability and effective shielding against electromagnetic interference
  • Internal capsule shock-mount reduces handling noise and vibration even without the external shockmount
  • Included MKS 4 shockmount adds professional isolation right out of the box
  • Cardioid polar pattern effectively rejects off-axis sound for focused vocal and instrument recording

👎 Cons

  • No built-in pad or high-pass filter switch limits in-microphone adjustment options for loud sources or rumble
  • Fixed cardioid pattern cannot be switched to omnidirectional or figure-8 for different recording scenarios
  • XLR cable is not included and must be purchased separately
  • Signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB is adequate but lower than some competing large-diaphragm condensers
  • Frequency response specification lists only 15 kHz upper limit, which is narrower than many studio condensers

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as a condenser microphone the MK4 requires 48V phantom power, which is supplied by most audio interfaces and mixing consoles via the XLR connection.
Yes, this set includes the Sennheiser MKS 4 shockmount, which isolates the microphone from stand vibrations and handling noise.
Gold plating on the diaphragm resists corrosion and oxidation over time, helping maintain consistent acoustic performance and extending the microphone's lifespan.
No, the MK4 has a fixed cardioid polar pattern and does not include built-in pad or high-pass filter switches. Its design prioritizes simplicity and signal purity.
The MK4 connects via a standard XLR cable, which is not included and must be purchased separately.