Sennheiser MKH 8070 HF Microphone Set (Long Shotgun)

Product Overview

The Sennheiser MKH 8070 HF Mic Set is a complete long shotgun RF condenser microphone system comprising the MKH 8070 capsule and MZX 8000 XLR module. The long interference tube delivers maximum directionality for long-throw outdoor recording applications where a shorter shotgun would capture too much ambient sound. RF condenser technology provides the moisture resistance and stability needed for demanding location production environments. This system is the choice for film and wildlife production requiring the greatest directional discrimination available in the MKH 8000 series.

Product Description

The MKH 8070 is the long shotgun capsule in Sennheiser's MKH 8000 series, engineered for professional applications that demand the highest degree of directional isolation — primarily outdoor film production, wildlife and nature recording, and broadcast sports coverage where microphones operate at distance from the source. The longer interference tube of the MKH 8070 compared to the MKH 8060 produces a narrower pickup angle and greater rejection of ambient sound arriving from off-axis positions. This allows recordists to reach across considerable distances and isolate a specific sound source — wildlife, a distant subject, or a specific location in a wide-shot scene — while rejecting the surrounding acoustic environment. RF condenser technology is especially valuable in the field applications where the MKH 8070 is most frequently used: outdoor environments with high humidity, rain, morning dew, or temperature swings that would cause conventional condensers to malfunction. The inherent moisture resistance of the RF condenser design means the MKH 8070 can continue operating in conditions that would sideline a standard microphone. Despite the long interference tube, the MKH 8070 is engineered to maintain a smooth and natural frequency response on-axis, avoiding the coloration and narrow-band resonances that can affect longer interference tube designs from other manufacturers. The MZX 8000 XLR module provides balanced output for standard production audio equipment, and the modular system allows the capsule to share a module with other MKH 8000 capsules in the same kit. The MKH 8070 is the definitive tool for professional location sound when distance and directional control are the primary requirements.

Key Features

• Long Shotgun (Interference Tube) Design — Maximum directionality in the MKH 8000 series for long-throw outdoor and wildlife recording applications.
• RF Condenser Technology — Moisture-resistant and thermally stable for outdoor, wildlife, and humid location environments.
• Superior Off-Axis Rejection — Narrow pickup angle isolates on-axis sources from surrounding ambient noise at distance.
• Modular MKH 8000 System — Interchangeable with all MKH 8000 capsules via the included MZX 8000 XLR module.
• Natural On-Axis Response — Smooth frequency response on-axis despite long tube length avoids coloration found in lesser designs.
• Complete Set — Includes MKH 8070 capsule and MZX 8000 XLR module for immediate use.
• High Dynamic Range — Handles wide SPL variation typical of outdoor and wildlife recording environments.
• Professional Build Quality — Designed for the rigours of extended field and production use.

Typical Applications

• Film and television outdoor long-throw dialogue recording
• Wildlife and nature sound recording at distance
• Broadcast sports coverage and stadium pickup
• Documentary production in outdoor and remote locations
• Nature sound effects recording for post-production libraries
• Surveillance and long-range acoustic monitoring

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the MKH 8070 differ from the MKH 8060?

The MKH 8070 has a longer interference tube, producing a narrower pickup angle and greater off-axis rejection. This makes it better suited to long-throw outdoor recording where maximum directional isolation is required. The MKH 8060 is more maneuverable for close boom work on sets and in confined spaces.

Is the MKH 8070 designed for wildlife recording?

Yes. Its long shotgun directionality and RF condenser moisture resistance make it well-suited to outdoor wildlife and nature recording where microphones are exposed to humidity and must reach across significant distances to the source.

What windscreen system should be used with the MKH 8070 outdoors?

The MZW 20-1 blimp windscreen with MZS 20-1 shockmount grip is the recommended windscreen system for outdoor use with the MKH 8070. A high-quality blimp is essential for effective wind noise rejection with any long shotgun microphone.

Can the MKH 8070 capsule be used on an existing MZX 8000 module?

Yes. The MKH 8070 capsule is interchangeable with the MZX 8000 XLR module. Engineers who already own the module can add the long shotgun capsule without purchasing a complete set.

Is the MKH 8070 appropriate for indoor recording?

The MKH 8070's long tube is optimised for outdoor use where directionality is provided primarily by the interference tube effect. In indoor reverberant spaces, the interference tube effect is less effective and a shorter shotgun or cardioid microphone is generally preferred.