Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 RF microphone (supercardioid/directional, condenser) with 48 V phantom power and 3-pin XLR-M - 001511

Product Overview

The Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 is an RF condenser short shotgun microphone with a supercardioid/lobar interference tube pattern—the most widely deployed boom microphone in film and broadcast dialogue production worldwide. Its combination of 13 dB self-noise, 25 mV/Pa sensitivity, excellent interference tube directivity, and weather-resistant RF condenser design has made it the default choice for ENG, EFP, film production, outside broadcast, and documentary location work for decades. It operates on 48 V phantom power via standard XLR-3M.

Product Description

The MKH 416 uses RF condenser transducer technology, which differs from standard electret and true condenser designs by operating with a high-frequency bias oscillator. This design is inherently less sensitive to high humidity and condensation than conventional condenser capsules, providing greater reliability in outdoor locations, tropical climates, and adverse weather conditions that degrade standard condenser microphones. The interference tube in front of the capsule creates the supercardioid/lobar polar pattern by exploiting path-length differences to cancel off-axis sound arriving from the sides, achieving directivity that a bare capsule cannot provide across the mid and high frequency range. The lobar pattern enables dialogue capture at boom arm distances—typically 20–40 cm above the subject's head—with strong rejection of ambient background noise from the sides. The 13 dB(A) self-noise floor is low enough to capture quiet on-location dialogue without audible noise in the signal chain. The transformerless, fully floating balanced output maintains signal quality over long cable runs typical in ENG and broadcast OB workflows. The all-metal, matt-black body is 19 mm in diameter and 250 mm in length, fitting standard pistol grips, zeppelin windscreen systems, and indoor boom pole accessories designed for the MKH series form factor.

Key Features

• RF Condenser Technology — Humidity-resistant design for reliable outdoor and adverse-condition performance.
• Interference Tube Supercardioid/Lobar Pattern — High directivity for strong rejection of ambient noise from the sides.
• 13 dB(A) Self-Noise — Low enough for quiet on-location dialogue without audible noise floor.
• 25 mV/Pa Sensitivity — High output level for clean signal at boom distances.
• Transformerless Fully Floating Balanced Output — Signal integrity on long cable runs in ENG and broadcast workflows.
• All-Metal Matt Black Body — 19 mm x 250 mm; fits standard pistol grips and zeppelin systems.
• 48 V Phantom Power — Standard compatibility with all professional recorders and mixers.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio
• Recording studio

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the MKH 416 so widely used in film and television production?

The MKH 416 combines low noise, high directivity, weather resistance from RF condenser technology, and rugged all-metal construction in a form factor compatible with industry-standard boom accessories. These characteristics have remained consistently relevant across multiple decades of production, which is why it appears on film sets and broadcast trucks as a near-universal standard rather than a trend-driven choice.

Q: What windscreen and mounting accessories are compatible with the MKH 416?

Sennheiser offers the MZW 416 foam windscreen for indoor use and the MZS20-1 elastic suspension mount. The 19 mm x 250 mm body is also listed as compatible in Rycote, Cinela, and other third-party zeppelin windscreen systems commonly used in film production. Always verify dimensional compatibility with the specific windscreen manufacturer.

Q: What does the P48U3 model designation mean?

P48 indicates 48 V phantom power operation per IEC 61938. U3 identifies the connector variant as XLR-3M (3-pin balanced), which is the standard for all professional audio equipment requiring a balanced microphone input.

Q: Can the MKH 416 be used for music recording in a studio?

Yes. The low noise floor and accurate frequency response make it appropriate for instrument recording, room ambience capture, and sound effects work in a studio environment. Its lobar pattern provides good source isolation when recording in multi-source setups. It is widely used for acoustic guitar, orchestral spot miking, and foley recording in post-production facilities.

Q: How does the MKH 416 compare to the MKH 418-S for film production?

The MKH 416 is a mono directional mic optimized for single-source dialogue capture. The MKH 418-S adds a figure-of-eight side capsule to provide M/S stereo capability from the same form factor, which is useful when the production needs adjustable-width stereo or ambient sound recording from a single boom position. For primary dialogue, both mics provide comparable directional performance from the M capsule.