- For Pro Film, TV & Location Recording
- Moisture-Resistant for Humid Conditions
- No Switches, Buttons, or Dials
- 40 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
- Hypercardioid at Low & Mid Frequencies
- Lobar Pattern at High Frequencies
- Low 13 dBA Self-Noise
- High Sensitivity of -32 dB
- Windscreen Reduces Wind Noise
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 1,762 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sennheiser MKH 416. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Sennheiser MKH 416. For example, 86% of 130 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Sennheiser MKH 416 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 190 Reviews
THIS IS THE BEST QUALITY SHOTGUN MIC - PERIOD
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Anonymous on B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH-416 (P48) Super-Cardioid Short Shotgun MicLet me give a little back-story on this one. I have been working in post production at Warner Bros Studios as a supervisor in post production for almost 10 years now. I have been in charge of overseeing dailies coming into the studio. I have worked with all the best sound mixers in the industry. Not only have I had equipment and spec meetings with every sound mixer coming into the studio, but I have also had the opportunity to talk to the dub stage mixers during the mix of our features. Back in 2006 I was looking for a great microphone to do ADR recording for a professional trailer. One of the older experienced mixers said there is only one mic that has the most dynamic yet clean recording for dialogue - both on set and in the ADR studio. The Sennheiser-MKH 416. He gave it such a stellar review I didn't even think twice about considering a different microphone.Now after a full year putting it to use in the ADR studio as well as (mostly) on a boom pole I am still amazed each and every time I use it. Just last month I was doing an indie shoot using free crew and I only gave our boom operators 10 minutes of instruction before handling the boom for the shoot. This is obviously not enough time to learn but the mic saved me like you wouldn't believe. The on-camera backup mic picked up nothing but echo even for the close up shots where the subject was 2' in front of camera. We were shooting using a prosumer HD camera in a standard living room with hardwood floors. The Sennheiser on the boom (more than 5' away) had absolutely no echo and recorded perfectly clean feature quality dialogue on the separate channel. The sound mixers at Warner Bros use it. I use it. There is no better microphone. Period. Expertise: Worked at Sony, Universal and now Warner Bros Studios in post production. I have been in charge of dailies coming in from production for all of my now 17 year career. Problems Encountered: Phantom power required to use this mic. Previous Equivalent Item Owned: I only use the Sennheiser MKH-416 Items I Recommend: Boom Pole ... More
THIS IS THE BEST MICROPHONE FOR ON SET RECORDING - PERIOD
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Travis Dultz on B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH-416 (P48) Super-Cardioid Short Shotgun MicLet me give a little back-story on this one. I have been working at Warner Bros Studios as a supervisor in post production for almost 10 years now. I have been in charge of overseeing dailies coming into the studio. I have worked with all the best sound mixers in the industry. Not only have I had equipment and spec meetings with every sound mixer coming into the studio, but I have also had the opportunity to talk to the dub stage mixers during the mix of our features. Back in 2006 I was looking for a great microphone to do ADR recording for a professional trailer. One of the older experienced mixers said there is only one mic that has the most dynamic yet clean recording for dialogue - both on set and in the ADR studio. The Sennheiser-MKH 416. He gave it such a stellar review I didn't even think twice about considering a different microphone.Now after a full year putting it to use in the ADR studio as well as (mostly) on a boom pole I am still amazed each and every time I use it. Just last month I was doing an indie shoot using free crew and I only gave our boom operators 10 minutes of instruction before handling the boom for the shoot. This is obviously not enough time to learn but the mic saved me like you wouldn't believe. The on-camera backup mic picked up nothing but echo even for the close up shots where the subject was 2' in front of camera. We were shooting using a prosumer HD camera in a standard living room with hardwood floors. The Sennheiser on the boom (more than 5' away) had absolutely no echo and recorded perfectly clean feature quality dialogue on the separate channel. The sound mixers at Warner Bros use it. I use it. There is no better microphone. Period. Expertise: Worked at Sony, Universal and now Warner Bros Studios in post production. I have been in charge of dailies coming in from production for all of my now 17 year career. Problems Encountered: Phantom power required for this microphone Previous Equivalent Item Owned: I only use the Sennheiser MKH-416 Items I Recommend: Boom Pole ... More
THIS IS THE BEST MICROPHONE FOR ON SET RECORDING - PERIOD
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Travis Dultz on B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH-416 (P48) Super-Cardioid Short Shotgun MicLet me give a little back-story on this one. I have been working at Warner Bros Studios as a supervisor in post production for almost 10 years now. I have been in charge of overseeing dailies coming into the studio. I have worked with all the best sound mixers in the industry. Not only have I had equipment and spec meetings with every sound mixer coming into the studio, but I have also had the opportunity to talk to the dub stage mixers during the mix of our features. Back in 2006 I was looking for a great microphone to do ADR recording for a professional trailer. One of the older experienced mixers said there is only one mic that has the most dynamic yet clean recording for dialogue - both on set and in the ADR studio. The Sennheiser-MKH 416. He gave it such a stellar review I didn't even think twice about considering a different microphone.Now after a full year putting it to use in the ADR studio as well as (mostly) on a boom pole I am still amazed each and every time I use it. Just last month I was doing an indie shoot using free crew and I only gave our boom operators 10 minutes of instruction before handling the boom for the shoot. This is obviously not enough time to learn but the mic saved me like you wouldn't believe. The on-camera backup mic picked up nothing but echo even for the close up shots where the subject was 2' in front of camera. We were shooting using a prosumer HD camera in a standard living room with hardwood floors. The Sennheiser on the boom (more than 5' away) had absolutely no echo and recorded perfectly clean feature quality dialogue on the separate channel. The sound mixers at Warner Bros use it. I use it. There is no better microphone. Period. Expertise: Worked at Sony, Universal and now Warner Bros Studios in post production. I have been in charge of dailies coming in from production for all of my now 17 year career. Problems Encountered: Phantom power required for this microphone Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Sennheiser MKH-416 Items I Recommend: Boom Operator required. If you purchase the mic only, then buy a boom pole. ... More
What a difference
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Dangerous Dan on B&H Photo Video
We typically use a Lav mic for interviews, mainly because you can set it and forget it. If the subject moves around, great, just don't hit the mic. The sound quality is great. THEN, I bought this mic. We now use a boom stand or if the subject is moving, a boom pole. The tones are rich and true. Deep bass, clean highs and the mids are exactly where they should be. We plug this directly into an FS700. I know a PreMixer is optimal and maybe someday soon we'll step it up. The direction on this mic, if you're not used to a true shotgun mic, as I wasn't, is very narrow. You have to aim the mic in the exact direction of the voice source. Over the head or off to the side and you'll notice fair to poor quality. Hit the mouth, throat or chest region and it sounds simply amazing. We've used this indoors about a dozen times now and the quality was awesome, but just a little better than the lav mics we were using. Today we shot outside and it was windy. Cars whipping by in the background and ambient noise of lawnmowers, etc.. not a great scenario. The result was jaw dropping, as we properly positioned the shotgun, everything was pushed WAY back on the audio track and the voice came thru clean and rich. This was all with the stock windscreen that came with the mic. I know it'll sound even better with a dead cat.Strongly recommend this mic, it's built strong, has a flawless history and once you get used to positioning it, delivers the same sound you hear in TV shows and movies. I can't wait to see what it can do once I get a mixer. ... More
Very good mic
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by deborah on B&H Photo Video
I bit the bullet and purchased this mic as a result of rave reviews to use for several days of filming events that I cannot mic the participants. My hope was that I could be far enough away in case I could not set up close, to capture decent audio. Well, my plan was sound but I think I expected this mic to be able to work miracles. I found that about 6 feet away is the limit you can capture excellent sound (closer is better), and from there audio quality diminished in a linear fashion. About 15 feet is the maximum for acceptable audio, after that you might as well go with your camcorder's audio. That said, the audio captured in its range is truly awesome as promised. It is forgiving in its bore aim, being a short shotgun mic, which I find best for my uses. I am looking forward to improving the audio quality in my video productions with this mic for many years to come. ... More
Ads
Five stars for the mic, zero stars for the case
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Paul on B&H Photo Video
Enough has been said about the mic, but what about the included case? I appreciate that Sennheiser includes it with the MKH-416, though we expect that from a microphone that costs a grand. But it's classic corporate bean-counting on display, when you find that the Sennheiser Corporation could have spent just a few pennies more to make minimally durable latches and hinges. As it is, this thing is just a single cheap piece of molded plastic with thin latch-tabs that crease into a hinge -- same for its cheap latches that barely hold on, just plastic flaps waiting for your hundredth flip to just break off and make the whole thing unusable. How are manufacturers not deeply ashamed by skimping like this? Customer relationships suffer, and it does them no good, making the whole buying experience cynical. ... More
Excellent pickup, insufficient rejection
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Dan on B&H Photo Video
Audio has been a problem for me for years, so we bit the bullet and bought the big mcdaddy. The Sennheiser 416. First I want to say this, The pickup on this mic in INCREDIBLE. Like almost surveillance level good. Point it across a parking lot, listen to the conversation. Bird in a tree? Just point it towards it. Sounds are crisp and beautiful. Now the problem. The pickup on this mic gets EVERYTHING. We are shooting about a mile away from a freeway, houses and forests between, doesn't matter. I picks up traffic even when pointed at the ground. Yes it does less but still does. I would call it a cardioid mic or super cardioid not a hyper cardioid. Sadly the noise rejection was just insignificant for the level of pickup this mic has. We are not on a sound set, but indoors we did also pickup echo. Others have not had that problem but as a one man band on our set I just cant fight everything. So sadly this mic will be returned. If this mic had a shotgun pickup pattern it would be excellent. but for EFP work like im doing it just wont work. Four stars because of excellent pickup, and because if it gave it 3 the community would tar and feather me. Also, yes the box it comes in is chintzy. ... More
I pet it every time I open the case...
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Eric R. on B&H Photo Video
I am in love with this mic! I use this with a Tuscam DR-100mkII. It is a great combo but the mic isn't hot enough (which is fine) for the recorder. I'll just need a good preamp to use the mic to the fullest of its abilities (or get a nicer recorder, like sound devices, whichever comes first). The build quality is amazing and, of course, the sound is worth drooling over. But if you don't know what you're doing, the sound won't work out for you. Money can buy many things but it can't buy technique (unless you hire someone to help you...but I digress). The case is a little quirky for this gem but it has worked thus far. When you hold this in your hands, you can say to yourself that you own an industry standard piece of equipment. Not only is the mic amazing but it makes you feel amazing and ready to record all sorts of things :) Of course there are many cheaper alternatives out there that sound fine, but the sound projection, sound quality, build quality, sound rejection, etc. are wonderful. The off axis sound is a little thin like many have claimed but if you're having to battle a larger recording field, then I suggest finding the right tool, or tools, to supply that need. And lastly, please, don't buy this beauty and plug it into your DSLR... Use a separate recorder for goodness sake. ... More
Will blow you away
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by That Guy on B&H Photo Video
I just shot a water scene with two actors 4 feet from a boat in choppy water. The idea was to show that the two characters were hopelessly lost at sea and we were all worried about the splashing noises coming from the our 30 foot boat... lots of LOUD splunk sounds when waves hit the side of the boat. Well let me just tell you I showed the footage with the audio matched to a friend and he couldn't figure out how we got the sound so clear. He thought I was swimming with them holding a boom... NO IDEA there was a boat 4 feet away. That is how directional it is. And the audio clarity is perfect. Mix and record this sucker right and it will sound like any hollywood movie. ... More
Still great
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Ivan on B&H Photo Video
Still great for boom work and for voice overs as well. The only situation when some other models perform better is in extremely reverberant rooms and when the rear end of 416 is very close to reflective ceiling.
Best mic I've purchased so far!
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Ousa on B&H Photo Video
I've been a film maker for over 10 years plus now and I just finally got my hands on one of these 416s. It's clean, good response, high quality. I was a little surprised on how small it was but remember it's not the size that matters. This mic works great. I've been using it for foley, ADR, Voice overs and even using it as a vocal mic. Great all around mic but remember to use it under the right conditions. I did also learn this does not work well with cheap gear for instance running it through a cheap mixer or compressor. I recommend you combined this wonderful mic with wonderful gear. It's like driving a lambo with a cheap $20 tires. It wont work right. Anyway, I can go on and on about this mic. It's worth the price and if you can't afford this, try looking into the Rode NT3. For anything always do your research. Bottom line, I'm a happy customer. ... More
THE ONE
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video
This mic has been a staple in the industry since the mid 1070s'. I remember my first days on the job (motion picture sound recordist0 in 1981 and the chief cameraman handed me my nagra, a bag of cables a boompole som lavs a hand mike and then like it was GOLD he hends over the 416, this is your best friend he told me. It was for 7 years until our shop went beta and 1 man bands ruled yje newsworld. Now retired and doing sound on a freelance basis and the 416 is still THE ONE, a great sounding never let you down mic. If you are being paid to gather sound INVEST in this mic. ... More
The Voiceover Mic
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Ed on B&H Photo Video
OK..so this is THE mic that all the Voiceover folks talk about and like to have in their microphone collections. Is it better than all other microphones? Nah. But, it's a good one and it's has a well developed rounded sound that most have come to love. (or expect) That's why, when B&H had a special sale price I jumped on it. Even though I ALREADY had a used one I had purchased on Ebay. It's that old new must be better than old syndrome, I suppose. But, you know, I can't tell much difference between them. Just don't' expect it to make you suddenly sound like a million. But, it's a step in the right direction. JUST make sure you have a good area to record in while using this Mic. It's very sesitive AND directional and if your room has bare walls or if sound bounces around you're going to hear it. ... More
Outstanding Boom Mic
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Mic & Auray Windshield Kit
Reviewed by Theodore on B&H Photo Video
I'm a television/video producer/editor with 30+ years of experience. I produce everything from retail commercials to a high-end travel show. Audio production has always been my weakest skill. I have traditionally relied on lavs but I wanted to up my game in field audio and as a usable and functional lav backup. I have only had moderate success using traditional shotgun mics as an audio source, usually only good for nat sound. The Sennheiser MKH416 is a game-changer! It can easily serve as the only audio source if needed. The clarity is cinema quality and the pick-up is outstanding. It is very directional, which means it will pick up dialogue very nicely and ignore the surrounding noise at the same time. Likewise, it picks up action sounds like car doors closing or footsteps so you don't have to Foley. I wanted a real boom mic and the 416 is it. $1k is hefty, but it profoundly increases the quality of your production. I also understand V/O pros use it. I can see why. ... More
The Best!
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by lahhtims on B&H Photo Video
One of the most natural sounding mikes you're ever going to hear...and a shotgun to boot! The first time I used one was on a no-money short on which I volunteered as a production sound mixer to help out a friend. I used my personal AKG K271 headphones and was blown away by the quality of the 416 on dialogue. My recording background is mostly classical music with good condensers like Schoeps Colettes. Until I heard a 416 in action I thought all shotguns were lacking, not any more as long as it's a 416. I now own one for personal projects. ... More
Sennheiser MKH 416
Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Mic
Reviewed by Jose T. on Reverb
Being the spas that I am and getting in my head about counterfeit microphones I called Sennheiser to verify the serial number, that checked out. I called the first retailer to purchase the microphone to give me a little bit history on the microphone such as date of purchase. I messaged Rex via Reverb and he was very prompt to respond and I’m sure I was the rock in his shoe, but this was my first purchase on Reverb and I wanted to be as informed on the microphone. The serial number on the inside of the xlr connector matches, the top doesn’t unscrew off, and below the CE sticker I have the black flathead Philips that I’m supposed to have. I was very satisfied with the purchase, the two accessories Rex threw on there, and how helpful he was. He went as far as offering to answer general questions on its use. So all in all I can say that I definitely trust Rex and would be willing to make a purchase from him again. ... More
Great mic -- not perfect
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Sound Chaser on B&H Photo Video
Great mic for the price but, with a few short commings. This mic more than any other I know of has the unique ability to make the subject sound closer than they are. This is partially accomplished by a 'rising' frequency response. While the sound of the mic is excellent, this response also results in undue sibilance in some vocals. Anther peculiarity is the unevenness of side pickup. So end result, you really need to be on axis to get the proper sound.
Outstanding Sound!
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Jeff on B&H Photo Video
I have to say that this is by far the best microphone I have ever owned...not that I have owned many but I am very impressed with the sound quality. Be careful when buying though becuase it only works on phantom power...no batteries...I almost made that mistake and I bought a mixer to power it. Mixpre works well for this. Great buy! I bought it with the lower end kit and I am happy with it.
416 is what you're looking for
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I use the 416 mainly for voice recording in documentaries and fiction films. It has a tight pick-up pattern so you have to pay close attention to mic placement, but once you've found the sweet spot this mic sound amazing. I've used it on all my big budget shoots and have found it to be a film industry standard with other sound mixers. Yes it is expensive but it sounds beautiful and is built like a tank. There is no such thing as a good movie without great sound. Questionable audio is the first thing someone will pick-up on. If you're getting paid to record sound you need a mic of this calibre, and the 416 is built to last. ... More
Beautiful sound
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I have always wanted a more professional microphone, and thanks to the recent 24 hour flash deal on this microphone at B&H, it finally fit into my budget. As I hoped, it has a beautiful sound that is full but not muddy, live but not overly bright. The Sennheiser has a smoothness and subtlety that puts it in a class above my other mics. I plan to use it for boom work but also for voiceover. When I read about other mics, it's often the standard they are compared to, as in a great mic that is almost as good as the 416 but costs less. Well, with the recent sale I got the real thing for no more money than the close competitors. This is exactly the kind of thing that has me always quick to check the B&H flash deal email when it comes in just after midnight on weeknights. ... More
