Sennheiser MKH 416 Review

P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

1,762 reviews
sennheiser.com
Sennheiser
  • 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.

86%
Value for money
86% of users are satisfied, based on 130 reviews
92%
Sound quality
92% of users are satisfied, based on 130 reviews
Average Rating (1,762 ratings)
98%
B&H Photo Video ( 869 ratings )
99%
Adorama ( 528 ratings )
98%
Amazon.com ( 130 ratings )
96%
Amazon.cn ( 92 ratings )
96%
Thomann ( 46 ratings )
96%
SweetWater ( 38 ratings )
100%
Amazon.ca ( 31 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com.mx ( 11 ratings )
100%
Reverb ( 8 ratings )
98%
Amazon.in ( 5 ratings )
100%
Amazon.co.uk ( 2 ratings )
80%
Amazon.de ( 1 ratings )
80%
Amazon.co.jp ( 1 ratings )
100%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 41 to 60 of 190 Reviews

Beautiful dialogue

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Jan 9, 2017

Reviewed by Jeff on B&H Photo Video

The Mic is used for recording dialogue during interviews and as well studio voice over recordings. It is replacing a Sennheiser MKE 600 and the difference in the sound quality is quite noticeable. I had both of these mics operating and recording recently and my 8 year old put on the headphones and switched between the 2 of them several times and said he loved his voice with the 416. I realize he is not an audio expert but he picked the 416 each time. I will agree with him 100%.

A staple mic for VO talent

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Jan 9, 2017

Reviewed by John McCallmont on B&H Photo Video

Why did I buy this mic? Real simple, B&H had a great sale on it, so this is my third one! YES my third one! They are that good. I am a VO talent and have one in my main everyday booth, my weekend booth and one lives in my backpack for travel and emergency sessions on the road. I have never experienced a problem with the 416. It sounds fantastic even in a hotel room or the back seat of a car! Experience it, you will love it too!

The Standard

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

May 25, 2015

Reviewed by Ledion on B&H Photo Video

This mic is overall perfect for most uses on set. I've even dropped it a couple of times and it still works great and doesn't have any scratches. The sound quality is superb. I'm not a sound guy, and I'm sure there are better mics for specific uses, but if you're looking for a general video mic with a lot of different uses this is truly it. Eveyone says it, and this mic is the standard for any shooter. I'm a DP, and sometimes, I have to do my own audio and this microphone makes it so much easier for me. ... More

A powerful addition to your sound kit

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Dec 8, 2013

Reviewed by Albert on B&H Photo Video

As a videographer with 35+ years experience, I've tried just about every mic designed for professional boom operation, from the Neumann 82i to the Audio-Technica AT-897. For overall sound quality, dependability, affordability and service you just can't beat the MKH-416. The hyper-cardioid pattern is narrow but not too narrow. The noise is virtually non-existent. If you can only buy one mic for boom work, this should be it.

Gold standard shotgun mic

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Sep 16, 2022

Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video

There is a reason this mic is what all other mics are measured against. It's that good. Every side by side test I listen to with other mics confirms that this one is King. After using cheaper shotguns, I finally just broke down and bought this one. No regrets. I use it on a boom, but I've also used it as an on-camera shotgun, enabling run and gun interviews with excellent sound just by walking up close to someone and asking questions. The handling noise is not bad compared to other shotguns I've used such as the NTG-5.

Ads

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
$999
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Location Recording Kit
$1753.64
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Location Recording Kit
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Mic & Auray Windshield Kit
$1083.95
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Mic & Auray Windshield Kit
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone & Rycote Super-Shield Kit
$1398
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone & Rycote Super-Shield Kit
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone and Rycote Blimp Windshield Kit
$1578
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone and Rycote Blimp Windshield Kit
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Ultimate Location Recording Kit
$2438.85
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Ultimate Location Recording Kit
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Deluxe Location Recording Kit
$1818.69
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Deluxe Location Recording Kit
Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Condenser Microphone
$999
SweetWater
Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Condenser Microphone
Sennheiser MKH 416 P48
999€
Thomann
Sennheiser MKH 416 P48
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic with Zoom H6 All Black Recorder
$1099
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic with Zoom H6 All Black Recorder
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone
$999
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic W/Rycote Wind Diffusion/Mount
$999.95
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic W/Rycote Wind Diffusion/Mount
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone with Windscreen
$1998.99
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone with Windscreen
Sennheiser MKH-416 Microphone - Zoom H6 Handy Recorder, Black - XLR Lav Mic
$1349.95
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Microphone - Zoom H6 Handy Recorder, Black - XLR Lav Mic
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic With Zoom F6 Multi-Track Recorder
$1499.96
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic With Zoom F6 Multi-Track Recorder
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone - K&M Mic Stand - 25' XLR
$999
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone - K&M Mic Stand - 25' XLR
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Zoom F8n Field Recorder
$1749.95
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Zoom F8n Field Recorder
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone with Rycote 18cm Softie
$1099.95
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone with Rycote 18cm Softie
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Rycote 18cm Long Hair Softie
$999.99
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Rycote 18cm Long Hair Softie
Sennheiser MKH-416 Shotgun Microphone Pro Pack
$1900
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Shotgun Microphone Pro Pack
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Zoom F4 Field Recorder
$1399.99
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Zoom F4 Field Recorder
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Rycote Super-Softie Kit
$1050
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Rycote Super-Softie Kit
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with M50x Pro Monitor Headphones
$1049
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with M50x Pro Monitor Headphones
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Rycote Windshield Kit
$1199.99
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Rycote Windshield Kit
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic W/Zoom H4n Pro Recorder/R/A Cable
$999.99
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic W/Zoom H4n Pro Recorder/R/A Cable
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone With Accessory Bundle
$1549.94
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone With Accessory Bundle
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone W/Gitzo Mic Boom 15.5'/Cab
$1299.95
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone W/Gitzo Mic Boom 15.5'/Cab
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone With H&A ACC KIT
$1099
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone With H&A ACC KIT
Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Mic
$697.69
Reverb
Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Mic
Sennheiser MKH 416 Short Shotgun Condenser Microphone
$999
Zzounds
Sennheiser MKH 416 Short Shotgun Condenser Microphone

Excellent microphone

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Dec 4, 2013

Reviewed by Kevin on B&H Photo Video

produces crystal clear sound. I use this mic for independent film and video. this microphone has never let me down. I used this in the Pittsburgh 48hr film festival last year and we won the award for best sound design. I run this mic into a Wendt X3 mixer and they make a fantastic combination. Highly recommended microphone.

A great microphone

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Mar 9, 2013

Reviewed by Julian on B&H Photo Video

I frequently add voiceovers to my videos, and the shotgun mic I was using, just didn't sound good. The Sennheiser MKH416 has a great voice response, and makes my voiceovers sound crisp and clean. I was recommended this mic by a friend who is a sound recordist in the TV/movie industry.

Perfect shotgun for interviews

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Aug 12, 2013

Reviewed by George Wiley on B&H Photo Video

We have been using the Rode NTG microphones for the last few years and have finally upgraded to the MKH-416. I've heard great things about this microphone but it wasn't until we shot with it that I was able to fully appreciate the mic. It's beautiful!

A Hollywood standard, buy it!

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Jan 8, 2021

Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video

Short of buying a schopes, this is the standard boom mic used on films everywhere. Sound quality and directionality is amazing. The only thing I don't like about this kit is the muff which could be a bit more like the r0de, but it's an excellent kit.

What else can I say about this mic?

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Sep 18, 2021

Reviewed by Alan on B&H Photo Video

I've used all kinds of mic's since the 80's, but I never had the money for one like this. Now I wish i had saved up and only bought one like this. Now I'm done with any and every other microphone, because if something ever happens to this one, I'm buying another one just like it. If you ever try this mic with a mixPre series 2 mixer, you will instantly put your current mic on eBay. Yeah, it's that good.

Smooth as Butta

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Aug 1, 2012

Reviewed by Sgt. Dan's Bro on B&H Photo Video

I love this microphone. Shot an interview the other night using this with the Rycote Windshield kit. I had the microphone angled to the floor and there was a lot of drilling and construction going on in the background. The background noise was almost non-existent. I was very happy with its performance. So far, I have experienced no negative sides to this microphone.

The Best Mic

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Mar 20, 2014

Reviewed by Tom on B&H Photo Video

I bought a Sennhiser MKH 416 with T Power in 1990 and i am still using it with out any problem after 24 years. None what so ever, it is probably the best Shotgun Mic money can buy.

Standard For a Reason

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Feb 3, 2012

Reviewed by Aston on B&H Photo Video

This mic is just great. It's clear, crisp, and sensitive. Very directional to pick up great dialogue. It is THE standard microphone for film and television for a reason!! Great mic if you can afford. The NTG-3 is similar but nothing compares to this badboy. If you have the money, go for this one instead of the Rode.

Excellent product

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Jul 31, 2014

Reviewed by Shane on B&H Photo Video

I already owned a Sennheiser MKH-400 video mic I used with my DSLR for movies, but I needed something more, and after some research, the MKH-416 was my top choice, a great value for the money, especially the Pro Kit with pistol grip, blimp, and dead cat. All you need in one package, from the same manufacturer. Excellent build quality and sound. It is no wonder this mic is used on most major film productions.

worth the price

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Jul 15, 2012

Reviewed by glenn on B&H Photo Video

Solid full sound can be had from this outstanding microphone. For the price tag it doesn't come with much in the box beside the mic itself however, you'll need a good wind sock as the foam provided won't do any good.

Incredible

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Nov 8, 2016

Reviewed by Robert on B&H Photo Video

I use this mic a lot for interviews in documentary film. I tend to make films on the go, so I love that it fits in a small backpack with my other gear AND captures such a robust and clean sound. I also appreciate that it only uses phantom power, which keeps down battery costs. I mostly use this with a Zoom H4n.

Voiceovers Tool at it's best!!!

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Sep 1, 2016

Reviewed by Katherine on B&H Photo Video

Right now there are too many options that may create confusion but, likely B&H has the convenience of trying out the Seinheiser 416 and that alone took all confusion away. We regularly do voiceovers with a Neumann 103 and we've been happy with it but, when we paired up the 416 with an Avalon M-5 we were very impressed with the way it sounds plus, we save time with the little processing or not processing at all. Best of all, our clients are very happy with our new sound...

Just spend the money.

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Mar 28, 2023

Reviewed by Lee on B&H Photo Video

There's a reason why this is a staple in the industry and holds up to that reputation. The sound is excellent, the build quality is perfect, the pick up pattern is perfect for most applications and it does all the things you need a professional condenser mic to do. Stop wasting your money on cheaper mics, like I have in the past hoping to get the same results because you will not. Just spend the money on this now and you'll have it for over a decade. It's worth it.

Wow, this is an awesome mic!

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Jul 20, 2021

Reviewed by Jeffery on B&H Photo Video

I ordered this mic through a competitor and after 2 weeks of waiting finally cancelled it and ordered it through B&H and got it within a couple of days. Excellent service through B&H. I was also blown away but the quality of the audio in this mic. I produce training videos and this mic from a distance sounds the same as my Shure SM7B mic close up. It is a little pricey but extremely happy with the sound and quality of the mic.

Great Microphone for the Cash

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Sep 29, 2008

Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video

This is a great mic, bought it because i loved using an ME66 and the MKH416 is the next step up. All ive heard is great things about this mic and now I understand why it is the industry standard.

Showing 41 to 60 of 190 Reviews