Sennheiser MKH 8018 Stereo shotgun mic. Includes MKH 8018 Microphone, MZW 8018 Foam Windshield, MZQ 100 Mic Clamp and MZR 8000 Camera Adapter

Product Overview

The Sennheiser MKH 8018 (SKU 700252) is a compact stereo shotgun RF condenser microphone designed for professional film production, broadcast, sports, wildlife, and field recording applications requiring accurate stereo imaging and high audio fidelity. Three switchable stereo modes — MS (Mid-Side), XY-narrow, and XY-wide — provide flexible stereo recording options from a single compact microphone. Includes MKH 8018 microphone, MZW 8018 foam windshield, MZQ 100 mic clamp, and MZR 8000 camera adapter.

Product Description

The MKH 8018 is the first stereo shotgun in Sennheiser’s MKH 8000 RF condenser series, using a push-pull transducer design with a low-tension diaphragm that delivers remarkable sensitivity and a 40 Hz–20 kHz frequency response with low self-noise. Three stereo recording modes provide maximum production flexibility: MS mode captures separate mid and side signals for post-production stereo width adjustment; XY-narrow provides tighter stereo pickup with enhanced off-axis rejection; XY-wide extends the stereo field for ambient and environmental sound capture. A switchable low-cut filter (-3 dB at 70 Hz) reduces wind and handling noise. A -10 dB pad switch accommodates high-SPL sources. The aluminium housing is lightweight for camera and boom pole mounting. Climate-resistant construction suits outdoor production in humid, hot, and cold environments. The Nextel non-reflecting paint finish prevents stage light reflections in live and TV production. Phantom power via standard 48V.

Key Features

• Three Switchable Stereo Modes — MS, XY-narrow, and XY-wide for flexible stereo recording across production environments.
• RF Condenser Push-Pull Transducer — 40 Hz–20 kHz frequency response with low self-noise and low nonlinear distortion.
• MS Mode — Separate mid and side signals for post-production stereo width control with a matrix mixer.
• Switchable Low-Cut Filter — -3 dB at 70 Hz reduces wind and handling noise in outdoor environments.
• -10 dB Pad Switch — Accommodates high-SPL sources without distortion.
• Climate-Resistant Construction — Reliable in humid, hot, and cold outdoor production environments.
• Lightweight Aluminium Housing — Easy camera and boom pole mounting.
• Nextel Non-Reflecting Finish — Visually unobtrusive in live and TV production environments.
• Includes MZW 8018, MZQ 100, MZR 8000 — Foam windshield, mic clamp, and camera adapter included.

Typical Applications

• Film and video production stereo dialogue and ambient recording
• Broadcast and sports production stereo field recording
• Wildlife and nature documentary recording
• Auditorium and conference room stereo microphone installation
• Broadcast studio overhead and ambience capture

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the MKH 8018 require a matrix decoder for MS mode?

MS mode outputs separate mid and side signals, which require an MS matrix decoder (hardware or software) to convert to standard left-right stereo. The XY-narrow and XY-wide modes output premixed left-right stereo signals without requiring external decoding.

What phantom power does the MKH 8018 require?

Standard 48V phantom power via the XLR connector.

Is the MKH 8018 part of the MKH 8000 modular system?

The MKH 8018 is non-modular — it uses a fixed non-interchangeable stereo capsule configuration, unlike other MKH 8000 series microphones which accept interchangeable MZX modules.

What optional accessories are available?

Optional accessories include the MZS 20-1 suspension/pistol grip, MZW 60-1 basket windshield, and MZH 60-1 hairy cover for outdoor use. Compatible accessories are available at creationnetworks.net/collections/sennheiser.

What is the warranty?

Standard 2-year Sennheiser warranty.