Sennheiser MKH 8060 HF Microphone Set (Short Shotgun)

Product Overview

The Sennheiser MKH 8060 HF Mic Set is a complete short shotgun RF condenser microphone system comprising the MKH 8060 miniature capsule and MZX 8000 XLR module. The interference-tube shotgun design delivers a highly directional pickup pattern at a compact form factor, making the MKH 8060 an ideal boom microphone for film and television production. RF condenser technology provides the moisture resistance and thermal stability demanded by location sound professionals. The system integrates fully with the MKH 8000 modular platform.

Product Description

The MKH 8060 is a short shotgun microphone in Sennheiser's MKH 8000 series, designed specifically for professional location sound, film, and broadcast production where a compact but highly directional microphone is required. The interference-tube principle gives the MKH 8060 its characteristic directionality: sound arriving from the front is reinforced while off-axis sound is rejected, allowing the recordist to isolate a specific source — an actor's dialogue, an instrument, a presenter — from the surrounding acoustic environment. As a short shotgun, the MKH 8060 balances directionality with a form factor that is manageable on a boom pole in close proximity to talent, where a full-length shotgun would be impractical. RF condenser technology is a particular advantage in film production: the capsule resists humidity, condensation, and temperature swings that occur on location shoots outdoors, in kitchens, near water, or in other challenging environments where conventional condensers might fail mid-production. The ultra-low self-noise of the MKH 8060 ensures that dialogue recorded in quiet interior locations is captured with full detail and minimal background noise. The MZX 8000 XLR module provides the balanced output stage for standard audio equipment compatibility. As part of the MKH 8000 modular system, the MKH 8060 capsule can be used with a shared MZX 8000 module across multiple capsule heads, making it cost-effective to maintain a multi-capsule kit for different shooting conditions. The MKH 8060 is widely regarded as one of the finest short shotgun microphones available for professional film and broadcast production.

Key Features

• Short Shotgun (Interference Tube) Design — Highly directional pickup in a compact form factor suited to boom operation on film and television sets.
• RF Condenser Technology — Moisture-resistant and thermally stable for demanding outdoor and location production environments.
• Ultra-Low Self-Noise — Captures clean, detailed dialogue and effects even in acoustically quiet interior locations.
• Modular MKH 8000 System — Interchangeable with all MKH 8000 capsules via the included MZX 8000 XLR module.
• Compact Form Factor — Shorter tube length than the MKH 8070 for closer placement in tighter shooting conditions.
• High Off-Axis Rejection — Interference tube design rejects ambient noise and room reflections for clean on-axis recording.
• High SPL Handling — Wide dynamic range suits both quiet dialogue and loud on-set sound effects.
• Complete Set — Includes MKH 8060 capsule and MZX 8000 XLR module for immediate use.

Typical Applications

• Boom microphone for film and television dialogue recording
• Electronic news gathering (ENG) and documentary production
• Broadcast on-location and studio floor microphone
• Nature and wildlife recording requiring directional isolation
• Live event sound reinforcement and broadcast commentary
• Acoustic instrument recording in live and ambient environments

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the MKH 8060 short shotgun and the MKH 8070 long shotgun?

The MKH 8060 has a shorter interference tube and is less directional but more maneuverable on a boom pole in close proximity to talent. The MKH 8070 provides greater directional discrimination over longer distances. The 8060 is preferred for interior dialogue; the 8070 is preferred for outdoor wide shots and longer throw distances.

Is the MKH 8060 suitable for boom operation on a film set?

Yes, this is one of its primary design applications. The compact form factor and precise directional pattern make it an effective boom microphone, and its RF condenser design provides the reliability that location sound professionals require.

Does the MKH 8060 require any special windscreen for outdoor use?

For outdoor production use, a blimp-style windscreen is strongly recommended. The MZW 20-1 blimp windscreen and MZS 20-1 shockmount grip are compatible accessories for the MKH 8060.

Can the MKH 8060 capsule be used on an existing MZX 8000 module?

Yes. The MKH 8060 capsule is interchangeable with the MZX 8000 XLR module, allowing engineers who already own the module to add the shotgun capsule without purchasing a second module.

How does the MKH 8060 compare to conventional shotgun microphones in humid conditions?

The RF condenser design makes the MKH 8060 significantly more resistant to humidity and condensation than conventional DC-biased condenser shotguns. This is a major practical advantage on location shoots where condensation can cause other microphones to fail.