Stereo Shotgun Microphone

Sennheiser Mkh418s - Stereo Shotgun Microphone

Product Code: ga5520
Availability: In Stock

$4,947.00 $7,272.09

Qty

16 reviews Write a review

Description
Reviews (16)

The Sennheiser MKH 418S professional stereo shotgun microphone incorporates the Mid / Side (M/S) technique, yielding a high degree of directivity and focus while reproducing signals with extreme accuracy to their perspective placement, within the Left / Right Stereo field.

The MKH 418S features 2 independent acoustic systems for generating the mid and side signals. The mid (M), or mono signal is generated using an internal shotgun microphone. With its frequency range of 40 Hz to 20 kHz, the shotgun accurately reproduces audio with extreme focus, emphasizing pick up of signals at the direct-axis section (front). The shotgun also rejects signal at the off-axis sections (sides) of the microphone, minimizing noise and further strengthening the pick up area. The Side (S), or stereo signal is generated using a separate, internal microphone system that features a figure-of-eight polar pattern. This system is responsible for reproducing the spacial character needed for accurate placement of signal within the stereo field. It can also handle 130 dB of SPL.

The output features a 5-pin XLR male connection, capable of sending the separate signals of each internal microphone system to discrete channels of a console, field mixer, recorder or matrixing system. Each internal microphone requires +48V phantom power, supplied via two Sennheiser MZA 14 P48 battery power supply units, or any mixer capable of supplying at least 2 discrete channels of phantom power.

Shotgun Mic Ideal for Stereo Recordings Dual-Capsule Design for Recording in M/S 40 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response 130 dB SPL Dual-Channel Output via 5-Pin XLR 48V Phantom Power

Key Specs
Polar Pattern	Figure-8 / Supercardioid / Lobar
Element Type	2x Condenser
Frequency Response	40 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL	130 dB
Analog Output	1x XLR 5-Pin Male
Power Sources	Phantom Power
Microphone
Polar Pattern	Figure-8 / Supercardioid / Lobar
Element Type	2x Condenser
Sound Field	Mono / Stereo
Orientation	End Address
Pad	No
Circuitry	Solid-State
Performance
Frequency Response	40 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL	130 dB
Sensitivity	25 mV/Pa 10 mV/Pa (1 kHz)
Equivalent Noise Level	14 dB (Supercardioid, A-Weighted) 22 dB (Figure-8, A-Weighted)
Connectivity
Analog Output	1x XLR 5-Pin Male
Power
Power Sources	Phantom Power
Operating Voltage	48 V
Physical
Color	Black
Mounting Thread Size	No Mount Included
Dimensions	ø: 0.7 x L: 11" / ø: 19 x L: 280 mm
Weight	0.5 lb / 220 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight	1.65 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	13.9 x 5.4 x 2.9"

The MKH 418S incorporates the Mid / Side (M/S) technique, yielding a high degree of directivity and focus while reproducing signals with extreme accuracy to their perspective placement.

An internal shotgun microphone is used to capture the "mid" signal, a separate element with a figure-of-eight polar pattern is integrated for the "side" signal.

5-pin XLR male output is capable of sending signals of each internal microphone system to two discrete channels of a console, field mixer, recorder or matrixing system.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I need to shout live music performances in varying stage and acoustics. Want hi quality sound using a Sony XHR-NX80, Best Mic?

A: You can use the Sennheiser MKH418S Stereo Shotgun Microphone with your camera if you want an on-camera mic to record live music.

Q: 2. Is it compatible with Sony a1 camera?

A: Yes, the Sennheiser MKE 440 Stereo Shotgun Microphone is compatible with the Sony A1 Mirrorless Camera.

Q: 3. Is there a way to convert this 1/8 stereo plug to (2) XLR plugs to run into a Zoom f3?

A: BH #AL130 can be used to adapt the Sennheiser MKE 440's output to dual XLR.

Q: 4. Can this mic work with Leica q2 ? How to setup it ? Thanks

A: No, the Sennheiser MKE 440 Compact Stereo Shotgun Microphone is not compatible for use with the Leica Q2 Digital Camera. The Q2 does not have an input connection for an external microphone.

Q: 5. Use as a dual purpose field mic: I shoot a considerable amount of interviews/news where a normal mono mic (416) is all that is required. Every so often however, I find myself needing to record a musical performances or needing a audience mic (ENG style, not for critical listening) where having a stero mic would help. How well does this mic work in mono mode? Does it work/sound as good as the 416 when just utilizing the center element? I have a 552 field mixer, so dual phantom power isn't an issue. I guess I would need to find a boom cabled for 5 pin XLR, any suggestions?

A: Yes, this mic will sould as good as the 416 when in mono mode. The specifications are nearly identical, and the tonal quality will be the same. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/308955-REG/Remote_Audio_CAXSTE25_5_Pin_Stereo_XLR_Female.html

Q: 6. Please confirm, is the MZH 440 Fur included or not? thanks

A: MZH 440 Windshield is not included. It is available separately.

Q: 7. can I record sound only, by connecting the MKE 440 to my iPhone?

A: Since the iPhone and similar smartphones only support a single channel (mono) mic input, using a stereo mic connected to the headset jack is not recommended and will not operate correctly. In addition an adapter is required for compatibility. Standard mics are not able to be directly connected. A solution would be a mono mic such as the Sennheiser MKE 400 along with the Rode SC4 adapter for connection. There are also several mics designed for smartphone use such as the Rode VideoMic Me.

Q: 8. Is the effective range on this new mic farther than the MEK 600 ( 12') ?

A: The MKE-440 is a mini sized stereo mic unlike the MKE-600 which is a mono shotgun. As such it offers a wider and less directional pickup The MKE-440 is sized closer to the MKE-400.

Q: 9. Does it include the y cable?

A: No, the Sennheiser MKH418S does not include the Sennheiser ACS5 5-pin XLR Female to Dual XLR Male Y Cable (BH #SEACS5).

Q: 10. Can i plug the Sennheiser MKE 440 into my Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder ?

A: Yes Tuscam DR-05 has 3.5mm mic/line sterio input (unbalanced)For professional work I suggest Tuscam DR-100mkiii which has XLR inputs and Senheiser MKE 440 using Alzo Stereo Microphone XLR Adapter Cord for Pro Camcoders (B&H#AL130). It will produce excellent broadcast quality sound.

Kevin	26/09/2024
Obviously this hasn't been out long, so still gathering opinions, but it's pro quality for nat sound, scratch track, or backup audio. Its housing is metal and has quality feel. I wish they included a drawstring bag or something with it though. Great options on it, and a step above Rode being stereo and still directional like a shotgun. 5

Kaleigh	12/09/2024
Recently got to use this mic for a Christmas video. We brought kids in from our children's church to ask them questions about the Christmas story. The kids were obviously adorable and the mic performed so well! It's so much lighter than expected, as well! I'm all about having a light but professional rig. I currently own a GH4 and a few Panasonic ASPH lenses and when I mount this mic, it's as if .5oz were added to the camera. So in love with this thing and ready to use it for future projects! 5

Bruce	06/09/2024
Using a Canon C100 MkII for travel and hand held video. The built-in mic works well, but wanted something with more stereo separation. The MKE 440 with the fur windscreen works very well. Stereo separation is surprisingly good, and the pickup pattern is effective at suppressing out of picture sound. The fur windscreen and LF rolloff filter are quite effective at suppressing wind noise. The mic is very sensitive, so it picks up mechanical focus noise from some of the L Series lenses, but not from an 18-135 f?3.5-5.6 STM. Turns out this little lens is as sharp as the L Series 24-105 f/4.0 except at the outermost edges of the image in FHD that this camera produces. The MKE 440 is very well made with high quality materials. Very happy with it. 5

RobM	27/08/2024
I use the 440 for interviews primarily. I try to keep the mic within 4 feet of the subject. The stereo ability creates a fully sound, by picking up just enough ambient sound, while clearly capturing the voice(s). Build quality is outstanding, better than similarly priced products from the other major brands. 5

Bobby Digital	22/08/2024
Love the sound quality and compact design. 5

Keith	15/08/2024
I wanted a microphone for run & gun videos using my Canon 7Dii DSLR. After some research, I selected Sennheiser MKE 440, but the pro audio guy at B&H thought Rode VideoMic Pro would be better suited for my use. There were no 3rd party comparisons of these two mics, so I bought both. The B&H rep said that I could return the one I did not prefer. I conducted a very subjective comparison test. With assistance of 3 friends, I took 12 short videos with audio sound tracks. One person in front of camera at distances of 20, 40, 70 & 100 ft. Other 2 were on right & left of camera at distances of 5, 10, 15, & 20 ft. Each person was reciting a memorized poem for 15 seconds. One set of 5 recordings was done using Sennheiser MKE 440 mic One set of 5 recordings was done using Rode mic One set of 5 recordings was done using on-board Canon camera mic The results were mixed. At some distances the MKE was better. At other distances, the Rode was better. In some cases, the 4 people had mixed results or no difference noted. Overall, the audio quality of the Rode was slightly, but not significantly, better. Both Rode & Sennheiser mics were significantly better than on-camera mic. However, I chose the Sennheiser MKE 440 to purchase, because of the following: 1) MKE is significantly smaller, although slightly heavier (180 gms) 2) MKE fits much easier into my camera bag 3) MKE Battery access & replacement is MUCH easier. I thought the plastic tabs on the Rode battery cover would break before I could return the unit 4) MKE unit feels much more stable & secure when mounted on camera 5) MKE Dead Cat windscreen is much easier to attach & remove 6) MKE microphone cord is more out of the way when plugged into camera 7) MKE battery life is listed at 100 hours vs. 70 hours for Rode 8) MKE power-on LED changes from Green to Red when battery life 4 hours 9) MKE costs $130 more, but not significant considering the amount of money already spent on Canon camera body & lenses. 5

Tim	26/07/2024
My experience after using other shotgun mics and seeing this advertised as stereo shotgun was intriguing, and after a few test videos with my D3200 Nikon, I was impressed by the lack of wind noise, turning the freq down (construction zone), and with music in a noisy conversational room (winery), I heard none on the playback, yet getting the music from 15 feet yet surrounded by people at three to five feet. 5

William	19/07/2024
This mic fits a unique niche as an excellent audio quality mic that is both stereo and shotgun. I use it for high quality music videos all the time, though few reviews mention it for this use. Love the gain settings and the build quality. Could have put the power LED in the back where it's visible, but that's certainly not a deal breaker. 5

Kaleigh	27/06/2024
I convinced my work to buy this bad little dude and I absolutely love it! Incredible quality. Now I can't wait to get my own. 5

Chan A.	26/06/2024
I used this on my Nikon D500. The effect is perfect, much much better than the on camera mic. I used this to record a Christmas part, I tried both the normal sound level and the reduced sound level on this mic. When use normal (put switch in the mid), the sound is very natural, and can pick up the speech of the person in focus very easily and clearly. When using the reduced level (put the switch to left), it makes the unwanted sound almost disappear. There only remains the music from the band which make the party video more focused and clear. 5