Sennheiser MKH 8018 Stereo Shotgun Microphone  From Sennheiser

The hunt for audio authenticity

For many audio professionals, the mission is singular: to capture sound as purely and authentically as possible. The recording environment is ever-changing: on set, on location, in the streets, or in the wild. Audio recording professionals need microphones that are reliable, durable, and above all, accurate. Unfortunately, instead of flexibility, typical condenser microphone capsules feature a rigid diaphragm that inhibits sonic sensitivity. Instead of durability, typical condenser microphones are susceptible to harsh environments. 

This is why Sennheiser created the MKH 8000 series — RF condenser microphones with a remarkably different design that’s more reliable, durable, and accurate than traditional AF condenser microphones.

Capture what other microphones can’t.

With remarkable sonic sensitivity and low noise, the MKH 8018 stereo shotgun RF condenser microphone allows recording professionals to capture pristine sound. With its dual capsules, MKH 8018 provide coincidense stereo signal resulting in an immersive sense of directionality and spatial realism. Like all Sennheiser MKH 8000 series microphones, both MKH 8018 capsules feature a symmetrical, push-pull transducer that is acoustically open. This remarkable design keeps the sound flow as unrestricted and undistorted as possible, providing a precise polar pattern with minimal off-axis colorations. In combination with a low-tension diaphragm, this design delivers remarkable sensitivity and wide frequency response, so you can capture sound as authentically as possible. The MKH 8018 also features a switchable XY matrix for full recording flexibility.

The compact size of the MKH 8018 makes it ideal for camera mounting — a great choice for many applications, including broadcast and film, and as a stereo base for recording indoor and outdoor sports events even in environments with high levels of ambient noise. 

Recording Flexibility via Switchable Modes

With its switchable modes, MKH 8018 allows sound recordists the choice of selecting a left-right stereo output (wide or narrow) via the microphone’s internal matrixing system or choosing discrete mid-side signals for later manipulation. MKH 8018 requires P48 phantom power for operation and features a five-pin XLR M-type connector. A switch permits the choice of flat response or low-frequency roll-off (via an integral 70 Hz high-pass filter) to help control undesired ambient noise. 

 Mid-side Operation: In M-S mode, MKH 8018 provides independent mid and side signals. This allows the width of the stereo image to be adjusted in post-production or in the field with a matrix mixer.

 XY-Matrixed Stereo: MKH 8018 offers two internally matrixed modes that provide traditional “left-right” stereo without the need for external mixers. To accommodate varying acoustic environments, the user may select between a “wide” pattern (LR-W) with increased ambient pickup, and a “narrow” pattern (LR-N) which offers more rejection and less ambiance.

The Secret Behind Sennheiser Sensitivity

MKH 8000 microphones achieve their remarkable sensitivity and extended frequency range with the RF condenser principle. With conventional AF condenser microphones, the diaphragm is stiff and pre-tensioned to a single electrode by the polarization voltage. But with MKH 8000 microphones, a high-frequency (8 MHz) AC current flows permanently through the capsule, and the low-tension diaphragm can freely vibrate from the middle between two symmetrical electrodes.

The RF voltage is amplitude-modulated by the incoming audio. After demodulation, a truly symmetrical audio signal is present at the transformerless, fully floating output. The benefits are numerous, including low self-noise, extended frequency response, minimal nonlinear distortion, and the absence of off-axis coloration. Plus, the low-impedance capsule design as well as the evaporation of moisture by the permanent RF current flow keeps these MKH 8000 perfectly functional in hot and humid as well as extremely cold climates.

Only Sennheiser’s MKH series offers the unique combination of all these features:

Extended frequency response: The low-tension diaphragm in the MKH 8020, MKH 8030, MKH 8090, MKH 8040, and MKH 8050 responds to low frequencies much better than conventional stiff diaphragms, allowing for a wide response range down to the lowest frequencies. Each also features extended treble range of up to 50 kHz, capturing sound in fine detail and with exact transient response.          

Tailored frequency response curve for broadcast models: To avoid picking up handling noise, footfall noise, or noise from ultrasonic camera measurement systems, the MKH 8018, MKH 8060, and MKH 8070 broadcast shotgun microphones have been designed to specifically eliminate the low and high ends of the frequency range.

High efficiency and low self-noise: With conventional condenser mics that have stiff diaphragms, the mid frequencies need to be acoustically dampened to get a linearized frequency response, and efficiency is lost. However, the freely vibrating diaphragm of Sennheiser’s symmetrical RF condenser microphones does not require such damping. It can directly reproduce all frequencies across the full range of its audio response, resulting in a very natural sound and high sound efficiency.

Clear consistent sound with no off-axis colorations: With conventional condenser mics, frequency response equalization is carried out using acoustical filters, which cause off-axis sound coloration. MKH 8000 mics, however, no such filters are needed, allowing for a coherent and natural sound image.

Low non-linear distortion — avoids adding new frequency spectrum, thus maintaining sonic clarity.

A legacy you can trust

Based on the renowned dual-capsule technology of Sennheiser’s MKH 800 Twin microphone, the MKH 8000 series includes all the microphones audio professionals need for various recording applications, including the MKH 8018 stereo shotgun microphone, MKH 8020 omni-directional, MKH 8030 figure-8, MKH 8090 wide cardioid, MKH 8040 cardioid, MKH 8050 super-cardioid, MKH 8060 super-cardioid/lobar, and the MKH 8070 lobar. Without taking away from the unique clarity that MKH RF condenser microphones are famous for, the 8000 series has a natural, subtle warmth that benefits broadcast and field recording applications as well as musical and orchestral recordings. Voices will sound rich and detailed; piano, strings and wind instruments will have that special "character", while percussive instruments benefit from a fast attack and a dynamic, powerful reproduction.

Durable in harsh environments

Each MKH 8000 microphone features signature Sennheiser build quality with a robust metal housing and rugged construction. With MKH 8000 microphones, you can explore the outdoors and record with confidence. The permanent RF current flow at the microphone capsule naturally evaporates moisture, making it ideal for use in humid environments. Additionally, the capsule's impedance is much lower than that of moisture, giving MKH 8000 microphones inherent durability and moisture resistance. Plus, each microphone’s compact size means easy transport.

Hear the difference

Backed by decades of Sennheiser expertise, MKH 8000 RF condenser microphones are engineered to capture every detail. Wide frequency ensures you capture sound with precise transient response. Each mic’s optimal polar pattern naturally avoids off-axis coloration, allowing for coherent sound image. Low self-noise means greater detail in the audio, as well. With MKH 8000 series microphones, the difference is in the details that allow you to capture audio intricacies like never before.

Features

• Stereo shotgun capsule configuration captures sound with an immersive sense of directionality and spatial realism

• Ideal mic choice for capturing film and video production with a sense of directionality; stereo soundscapes during screenplay scenes, sporting events, and spatially accurate environmental sounds, wildlife, and more 

• Three switchable stereo-modes: MS, XY-narrow, and XY-wide

• Switchable low-cut filter (-3 dB at 70 Hz) reduces wind- and handling noise 

• High-quality -10 dB pad protects against overdriving 

• Ideal for camera mounting due to compact design

• Identical timbre as other 8000 series microphones for optimum aural compatibility

• Fully floating balanced output allows for non-critical connection technology with minimal distortion

• A low-tension diaphragm and symmetrical, acoustically open push-pull transducer design keep the sound flow as unrestricted and undistorted as possible

• Extended bass response enables capturing sound in its full frequency extent and gives more freedom for microphone positioning

• Part of a complete series of condenser microphones; MKH 8000 series includes all standard polar patterns that audio recording professionals need for various applications

• German-engineered with durable metal housing and rugged construction means superior reliability

• Moisture-resistant design ideal for use in humid, hot, and cold environments where other mics fail

• Optimal polar pattern avoids off-axis colorations, allows for coherent sound image, especially for larger sound sources

• Low self-noise for greater detail in audio; retains the softness of quiet sounds and increases dynamics

• Low nonlinear distortion avoids adding new frequency spectrum, thus maintaining sonic clarity

• Compact size means easy transport; it is visually unobtrusive in live shows or TV

• Nextel® non-reflecting paint ensures no reflection from stage lights, keeping the mic visually unobtrusive in live shows or TV 

• Non-modular design; fixed XLR 5M-Out​