“The sound design of the MK 8 is based on Sennheiser’s successful series of large-diaphragm condensers,” said Sebastian Schmitz, microphone product manager. “This mic offers a defined bass, beautifully rounded-out mids and open treble. The MK 8 is direct and harmonious, with a finely resolved and very musical sound. Professional users will like its versatility – it can cater to basically any recording situation.”

The MK 8 has one-inch diaphragms precisely spattered with 24-carat gold. Its capsule is elastically mounted to reduce structure-borne noise. A three-position switchable filter allows the user to either eliminate any remaining low-frequency noise below 60 Hz (-18 dB/octave, low-cut position) or introduce a softer roll-off effect from 100 Hz down to compensate for the proximity effect in close miking (-6 dB/octave, roll-off position).

The MK 8 is also fitted with a switchable pad (off, -10 dB, -20 dB). A signal level reduction of -10 dB in the capsule protects the mic against excessively loud audio sources, while an additional -10 dB reduction in the mic’s electronics avoids an overload of the connected mic pre-amp and subsequent recording equipment.

The MK 8’s five switchable pick-up patterns exhibit relatively constant characteristics, especially in the low end. This ensures better, more defined sound wherever recording circumstances are less than ideal, as the selected pattern is maintained over frequency. For example, the super-cardioid pattern will not “blur” but remain precise, providing the same high attenuation of lateral sound sources that the engineer wanted to have in the first place.

The MK 8 has a sturdy metal housing. It has relatively low sensitivity to humidity as the impedance conversion is done within the capsule.

The MK 8 comes complete with a microphone clip and a protective pouch. Optional accessories include an elastic suspension, a foam windshield, a popshield and a hardcase.

The microphone will be available from late summer 2014.

Warranty

This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Returns

This item is not eligible for the Try-Before-You-Buy 48-hour audition. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.