Press

13.01.2011 - Wedemark/Anaheim

MK 4 – Large-diaphragm studio microphone from Sennheiser

At the NAMM Show in Anaheim, audio specialist Sennheiser is presenting the new MK 4, a large-diaphragm true condenser microphone. This cardioid microphone, which is manufactured in Germany, is Sennheiser’s first large-diaphragm side-address microphone and focuses on giving the best possible sound quality rather than technical extravagance. It provides a powerful yet warm sound that is both direct and tight with fine treble resolution.
 

The MK 4 large-diaphragm microphone was developed for project studios, but is also affordable for home recordists and musicians

The MK 4 with its nickel-coloured finish was developed for professional users in project studios, but is equally well suited for other recording environments and is tough enough for use on stage. It is also a microphone that is affordable for home recordists and musicians. “In the development of the MK 4, we invested every euro in getting the best possible sound,” explained Product Manager Sebastian Schmitz, “and we focused on the key elements of a good studio microphone to ensure that we can offer the MK 4 to our customers at an attractive price.” The finest sound structures are well resolved, and sound coming from the sides is picked up without colouration and so does not change  the overall sound quality. The microphone has a very harmonious presence; it has vivid mids and is also very detailed in the bass range. At the same time, typical cardioid cancellation is relatively frequency-independent.

Sturdy large-diaphragm model
The MK 4 has a large 1-inch diaphragm precisely spattered with 24-carat gold. The sturdy metal housing and the elastically mounted capsule make the microphone tough enough for even the most energetic recording situations. The excellent suppression of handling noise offered by the internal capsule mount can be even further improved by the use of an elastic suspension, which is available as an accessory. The open front of the suspension mount enables the MK 4 to be positioned close to the sound source. The microphone has a maximum sound pressure level of 140 dB, and its self-noise of 10 dB(A) is extremely low. “The MK 4 is highly versatile for vocals, acoustic guitars and grand pianos as well as for strings and wind instruments,” Sebastian Schmitz explained. “What is more, in numerous field trials it has proven to be an excellent microphone with guitar amplifiers, drums and percussion. To sum up: it is an unpretentious microphone with outstanding sound.”
 

The MK 4 will be available after NAMM and comes complete with a microphone clip and a protective pouch. Optional accessories include an elastic suspension, a foam windshield and a popshield.

Visit Sennheiser at the NAMM Show, Hall A, Stand 6579.
  

The Sennheiser Group, with its headquarters in Wedemark near Hanover, Germany, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of microphones, headphones and wireless transmission systems. The family-owned company, which was established in 1945, recorded sales of around €390 million in 2009. Sennheiser employs more than 2,100 people worldwide, and has manufacturing plants in Germany, Ireland and the USA. The company is represented worldwide by subsidiaries in France, Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark (Nordic), Russia, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Japan, China, Canada, Mexico and the USA, as well as by long-term trading partners in many other countries. Also part of the Sennheiser Group are Georg Neumann GmbH, Berlin (studio microphones and monitor loudspeakers), and the joint venture Sennheiser Communications A/S (headsets for PCs, offices and call centres).

Download press release:
press_release_130111_en.zip (1,3 MB)
   

You can find all the latest information on Sennheiser by visiting our website at www.sennheiser.com.
 

Technical data of the MK 4
Transducer principle:  externally polarised condenser microphone
Diaphragm diameter:  1” (25.4 mm)
Pick-up pattern:  cardioid
Frequency response:  20 – 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity:  25 mV/Pa
Maximum sound pressure level:  140 dB
Equivalent noise level:  10 dB(A) / 20 dB(CCIR)
Dynamic range:  130 dB
Power supply:  48 V phantom power (P48)
Current consumption:  3.1 mA
Diameter:  57 mm (maximum)
Length:  160 mm
Weight:  485 g

Optional accessories
MKW 4 Windshield
MZP 40 Popshield
MKS 40 Elastic suspension