Sennheiser MKH 50-P48 Super-cardioid microphone (Black) - 003109

Product Overview

The Sennheiser MKH 50-P48 is a professional RF condenser super-cardioid microphone in matte black finish, phantom-powered at P48 and built for applications demanding precise directional control and transparent audio capture. Drawing on Sennheiser's MKH series RF condenser technology, the MKH 50 delivers exceptionally low self-noise, high sensitivity, and frequency-independent directional characteristics that remain consistent across the entire audio bandwidth. Its side-address form factor and tight super-cardioid pattern make it the standard reference for mid-microphone use in M/S stereo recording, as well as a preferred choice for dialog, spot miking, and broadcast applications where lateral rejection is critical. The black finish suits film and television production environments where low visual profile is required.

Product Description

RF condenser technology, first developed by Sennheiser for the MKH series, uses a radio-frequency oscillator circuit rather than a DC-biased capsule, which produces a dramatically lower noise floor and greater immunity to humidity compared to conventional back-electret or externally polarized condensers. The MKH 50-P48 benefits from this lineage: the capsule maintains its super-cardioid polar pattern with a consistency across frequency that conventional condenser designs cannot match, making off-axis coloration predictable and minimalist. This frequency-independent directivity is particularly valuable when the microphone must reject nearby instruments, background noise, or monitor loudspeakers without introducing tonal changes in the null zones. A switchable pre-attenuation pad and a switchable low-frequency roll-off filter compensate for proximity effect at close distances of approximately 0.5 m, keeping the low end controlled when talent works close to the capsule.

The high sensitivity of the MKH 50 means it performs well in quiet acoustic environments where capturing fine detail — string overtones, breath, room ambience — is essential. Its flat frequency response from 40 Hz to 20 kHz ensures that the microphone is capturing the source accurately, without the presence peaks or low-end sculpting built into many vocal condensers. In M/S stereo configurations, the MKH 50 serves as the mid capsule in combination with a figure-8 microphone such as the MKH 30; together they are one of the most respected M/S pairs in the industry. The microphone accepts standard P48 phantom power from any professional mixing console, audio interface, or microphone preamplifier, with no battery required. Its robust metal body and all-metal capsule housing are built for demanding production environments, including field recording and location sound work.

Key Features

• RF Condenser Technology — Low-noise RF oscillator circuit provides superior humidity resistance and lower self-noise than DC-biased condenser designs.
• Super-Cardioid Polar Pattern — Tight directional pickup with strong lateral rejection, minimizing off-axis bleed from surrounding sound sources.
• Frequency-Independent Directivity — Polar pattern remains consistent across the full frequency range, ensuring predictable and uniform rejection at all frequencies.
• Exceptionally Low Self-Noise — Very low inherent noise floor suits quiet acoustic environments and critical high-resolution recordings.
• High Sensitivity — Captures fine detail and low-level sound sources with clarity and accuracy.
• Flat Frequency Response (40 Hz–20 kHz) — Linear response captures the source without coloration or engineered presence peaks.
• Switchable Roll-Off Filter — Low-frequency filter compensates for proximity effect at approximately 0.5 m, controlling low-end buildup at close working distances.
• Switchable Pre-Attenuation Pad — Prevents capsule overload when placed in front of high-SPL sources.
• P48 Phantom Power — Operates on standard 48V phantom power from any professional preamp or console; no battery required.
• Side-Address Form Factor — Accepts sound from the side of the body, compatible with standard side-address boom pole rigging and stereo array configurations.
• Black Finish — Low-profile matte black housing suited to on-camera, film, and television production environments.
• All-Metal Construction — Durable metal body withstands production use in studio and field environments.

Typical Applications

• M/S stereo recording as the mid capsule (paired with MKH 30 or equivalent figure-8)
• Dialog recording for film and television production
• Broadcast and radio voiceover in acoustically treated environments
• Orchestral and ensemble spot miking requiring strong lateral rejection
• Classical music recording where flat response and low self-noise are paramount
• Field recording and location sound where humidity resistance is an advantage
• Theater sound design and live reinforcement spot miking
• Acoustic instrument close-miking in recording studio sessions

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes the MKH 50-P48 different from a conventional condenser microphone?

The MKH 50 uses Sennheiser's RF condenser technology — an RF oscillator circuit rather than a DC-biased capsule — which produces a lower noise floor, greater immunity to high humidity, and more consistent polar pattern behavior across the frequency range compared to standard condenser designs.

Q: Is the MKH 50 suitable as the mid microphone in an M/S stereo pair?

Yes. The MKH 50's super-cardioid pattern, flat frequency response, and frequency-independent directivity make it the standard mid capsule in M/S arrays. It is most commonly paired with the Sennheiser MKH 30 (figure-8) for this purpose.

Q: What phantom power voltage does the MKH 50-P48 require?

The microphone requires standard P48 phantom power (48V). It does not operate on P12 or T-power and does not include or require a battery.

Q: What is the purpose of the switchable roll-off filter?

The low-frequency roll-off filter compensates for proximity effect — the bass boost that occurs when a microphone is placed very close to a sound source. Engaging the filter at a working distance of approximately 0.5 m keeps the low-frequency response flat and controlled.

Q: Can the MKH 50-P48 handle high sound pressure levels?

The switchable pre-attenuation pad extends the microphone's maximum SPL capability, preventing capsule overload in front of loud acoustic instruments or close-miked sources.

Q: Why is the black finish significant?

The matte black finish reduces visual reflectivity, making the microphone less obtrusive on camera in film, television, and broadcast applications where microphone visibility needs to be minimized.

Q: Is the MKH 50-P48 suitable for outdoor or field recording?

The RF condenser technology offers inherent resistance to high humidity, giving the MKH 50 an advantage over conventional condensers in demanding environmental conditions. A proper windscreen or blimp is still required for outdoor use to protect against wind noise.

Q: What is the difference between the MKH 50 and the MKH 40?

The MKH 40 uses a cardioid polar pattern with a wider pickup angle, making it better suited to solo instrument or vocal applications where more of the room is desired. The MKH 50's super-cardioid pattern provides tighter directional control and stronger lateral rejection, prioritizing isolation over ambience capture.