Sennheiser MKH 8040 Review
Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- Cardioid Pattern
- Includes Capsule and XLR Module
- Modular Design
- Ideal for General Recordings
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 9 of 9 Reviews
Packs A Punch
Sennheiser MKH 8040 Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Single Microphone)
Reviewed by Steve on B&H Photo Video
There really isn't a whole lot to say here, so I'm going to keep it pretty brief. This is an outstanding-sounding mic. The response is rich and incredibly transparent. For somple people it may sound too clinical, but to my ears it's a great match. It certainly packs a punch with regard to low frequency pickup, one can really feel the street resonance from tailpipes and trucks driving by during ambience recording. If going handheld, you will certainly need to mitigate the low end content with the MZF8000, otherwise if used in a shockmount windjammer system a, Rycote connbox will be necessary. I personally use this mic paired with an MKH 30 Side for M/S. A very slight warning is that when boosted a lot (as in, 50dB or more), there will be light hiss extending into the upper harmonics, which if the recording is pitched down (since it captures up to 50kHz) will be noticeable. Again, this is ONLY if you boost the signal by such an obscene amount deemed criminal by proper signal flow recording practices, and ONLY in the extreme upper harmonics. Aside from that this mic is for all practical purposes noise-free. Such a small mic which packs such a punch. I would gladly invest in more mics from the 8000 series. You certainly get what you pay for. ... More
A great mic but with possible reliability issues
Sennheiser MKH 8040 Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Stereo Set)
Reviewed by Nicholas on B&H Photo Video
I've used a pair of MKH8040's and a pair of MKH8020's for several years for classical music recording. They are uncolored and have very low distortion, low noise and exceptionally-wide bandwidth. The mics I own have been very carefully handled and never have been exposed to high humidity or any temperature extremes. They have only been used with high-end mic pres (Grace Design) and have always had phantom power turned off when connecting or disconnecting. However, ALL four of the mics have developed intermittent noise bursts which were traced to defective internal grounding of the mic capsules and internal FM modulation electronics. All were eventually repaired under warranty by Sennheiser-Germany, but this experience has not inspired confidence in their reliability. Now, whenever I uses these on-location, I make sure that I have another set of back-up mics. If you use these for any mission-critical applications, I'd recommend bringing along a pair of Schoeps, just in case. That's what I do. I personally know of at least three other audio engineers who have experienced the same issues as I have. ... More
Crisp and Clear
Sennheiser MKH 8040 Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Stereo Set)
Reviewed by Dwight on B&H Photo Video
My purchase was for the intention of outdoor Nature recordings, These are near perfect matched pair with very good ambient pick up when configured in an ORTF stereo between 90 & 110 degree axis. The recordings are as near perfect to what you hear on site while recording, with almost no coloration added by the microphones. Being an RF type Cardioid design they can handle the great outdoor environment with little worry. The pair also performs extremely well with indoor setups, for instruments or voice microphones with low self noise, non-intrusive coatings, about 3 inches in length you can fit them in to almost any situation. Set comes with foam covers, Mic Holders, and a nice lockable carry case, and of course Sennheiser's Top Quality performance guarantee. ... More
Superb transparent precision
Sennheiser MKH 8040 Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Stereo Set)
Reviewed by JustinJames on B&H Photo Video
These are exquisite gems. Their finish, numbered, solidity promote them to pride of place in my microphone cabinet. They are small and, in conjunction with their purpose-made mic stands, look divine when they actually get in shot. In action they are so true that I am at a loss where to or how to equalise or improve the recording - they are so true and transparent. They are enormously versatile having used them for the clash, ride and high hat in a drum kit. My favourite use for them is above an open grand piano where hardly any post-production was later necessary. Quite incredible mics. ... More
Nearly Perfect
Sennheiser MKH 8040 Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Stereo Set)
Reviewed by Matt on B&H Photo Video
These mics have remarkable clarity and response, and are well worth the price. My chief complaint is the self-noise at higher frequencies; while they do indeed capture sources up to 50kHz, it is bathed in noise that, when pitched down, is an audible wash around anything that was recorded. It's countered well enough with some heavy noise reduction, but the extra steps involved easily knock off a star in this rating.
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natural uncolored detail
Sennheiser MKH 8040 Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Stereo Set)
Reviewed by Steven on B&H Photo Video
I am a classical trumpeter and former member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The BSO currently uses the Sennheiser 8040 for recording the brass section and the were recommended by a friend who is one of the recording engineers for the orchestra so I tried a pair. For my purpose in my space and set up in the ORTF configuration they give me the most accurate clean sound of any mics I have tested and are perfect for my purpose.
Highly recommend these microphones
Sennheiser MKH 8040 Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Stereo Set)
Reviewed by Mark on B&H Photo Video
Absolutely love these little microphones! I use them for recording sound effect and I couldn't be happier with the quality of the sound. They are crisp but yet amazing on what they pick up in the bass frequency. They were actually a little smaller than I realized they would be but that is actually good. Very happy with these microphones.
This is an amazing mic!
Sennheiser MKH 8040 Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Single Microphone)
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I'm using it for sound design and it's great. super low noise and a high SPL. this mic has many uses.
Excellent for choral recording
Sennheiser MKH 8040 Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Stereo Set)
Reviewed by Rick on B&H Photo Video
I use the MKH-8040ST set with Korg MR-1000 recorder for organ and choral concerts. Small size, and extended frequency response on both ends of audio spectrum results in very accurate recordings. No negatives come to mind.
