Today at IBC 2023, Sennheiser previewed the MKH 8030 RF condenser microphone with a figure-of-eight pick-up pattern. The MKH 8030 will not only unlock M-S, double M-S, and Blumlein stereo recording options but will also be a great choice wherever the highest attenuation of neighboring sound sources is required, such as a PA system whose sound needs to be eliminated or an adjacent instrument that must not be picked up. The sound signature of the MKH 8030 has been carefully engineered to blend in harmoniously with the sound of the existing MKH 8000 series microphones.
The extremely compact 8030 is ideal for field recording, sports and general broadcasting, theatres, orchestra recordings, and studio music. During the past few months, field tests were successfully performed, and Sennheiser is now using the remaining months until the 8030 becomes available in Q2/2024 to implement some of the suggestions that field testers made.
The MKH 8030 shares the qualities of the MKH 8000 family and its RF condenser principle with the unique push-pull transducer. These include high resistance to moisture, a fully floating, balanced output signal, extended low and high-frequency response of 30 to 50,000 Hz, and extremely low inherent self-noise. These features will enable sound recordists and engineers to capture a sound event in its entirety and with all its intricate detail, with wide dynamics, extremely low distortion, and a frequency-independent polar pattern to avoid coloration.
The MKH 8030 can be used with a special basket windshield and clamp – ready for MS stereo recordings.
The MKH 8030 will join the MKH 8020 (omni-directional), MKH 8090 (wide cardioid), MKH 8040 (cardioid), MKH 8050 (super-cardioid), MKH 8060 (short shotgun, super-cardioid/lobar) and MKH 8070 (long shotgun, lobar) RF condenser microphones. Also part of the family is the MKH 800 TWIN, a dual-capsule microphone whose pick-up pattern can be seamlessly adjusted at the mixing desk during recording or even after the actual recording during post-production.
MKH 8030 Technical Data
- Microphone principle: RF condenser
- Pick-up pattern: figure-of-eight
- Frequency response: 30 – 50,000 Hz
- Equivalent noise level: 13 dB(A)
- Maximum SPL: 139 dB
- Dimensions: Ø 19 mm/21 mm, length: 59 mm (93 mm with XLR module)
- Weight: approx. 86 g with XLR module
The MKH 8030 will become available during Q2 of 2024, and pre-orders will be accepted from the start of the show. Pricing: EUR 1,499 (MSRP) / USD 1,499 (MAP). Included will include an MZW 8030 foam windshield, an MZQ 8000 mic clamp and two Rycote back-to-back clips to create mic pairs.
