Sennheiser MK 8 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Whether you’re looking for a does-everything mic for home recording or a pro in need of a versatile workhorse condenser for your collection, you’ll be totally satisfied with the Sennheiser MK 8. This internally shockmounted multi-pattern condenser microphone is based on a tried-and-true dual diaphragm design, providing you with warmth and clarity for any recording application. Musiekwereld recording engineers were impressed by the MK 8’s 3-mode attenuation filtering, which makes it particularly useful for combating the low-end muddiness of proximity effect when you close mic vocals.

Sennheiser MK 8 Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone at a Glance:

• Five polar patterns cover virtually any recording situation
• Three filter options allow you to eliminate unwanted lows
• Three pad settings accommodate a wide range of signal

Five polar patterns cover virtually any recording situation

With its pair of gold-sputtered diaphragms, the Sennheiser MK 8 offers you the full flexibility of a classic condenser microphone. Three different cardioid patterns provide varying degrees of directional isolation, which is great if you’re trying to block out instruments or room reflections. At either extreme, the MK 8 offers the open sound of its omnidirectional configuration and a figure 8 pattern. Any way you set it up, you’ll appreciate the depth and warmth this traditional condenser microphone has to offer.

Three filter options allow you to eliminate unwanted lows

One of the best thing about a workhorse microphone like the MK 8 is that you can use it on anything, and Sennheiser made the MK 8 even more versatile by equipping it with three filter setting. With the filters bypassed, the MK 8 delivers a wide open sound with excellent bass response, but sometimes, too much low end can really muddy your sound. If you’re afraid the low-frequency rumble of passing trucks or footsteps vibrating up through your mic stand might mess up your mix, flip on the 18dB cut at 60Hz. However, if you’re just trying to get a less boomy vocal sound from a singer who likes to choke up on the grille, then the gentler 6dB rolloff at 100Hz will serve you better.

Three pad settings accommodate a wide range of signal

Did we mention you can use the MK 8 on just about anything? That includes super-loud sources, such as thunderous drums and dimed tube guitar amps. Part of what makes this possible is the 3-mode pad switch. Most of the time, you’ll be okay leaving the pad switch set to off, but when things start to get too loud, the MK 8’s -10dB and -20dB settings sure come in handy. So, whether you’re recording spoken words or screaming trumpets, your MK 8 has you covered.