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CardioidSennheiser Electronics Corporation MKH 40

Cardioid Pencil Condenser Microphone

The MKH 40 is an end-address rf-condenser with a Cardioid polar pattern.

This is a popular mic for field and SFX recording, often used as the “mid” mic in a mid-side coincident stereo configuration, usually with an MKH 30 for the “side” channel.

Nathan Moody aka NoiseJockey - 2010
The MKH40 and MKH30 is the de-facto standard for nature recordists and those who record stereo ambiences.

The published polar graph shows a pure Cardioid pattern, with a deep null at 180°, below 2kHz. Above 4kHz, the pattern narrows slightly, becoming Supercardioid (with nulls at &#plusmn;120°) above 16kHz.

The frequency response graph is ruler-flat from 40Hz to 20kHz. With the optional HPF enabled, frequencies below 500Hz are mildly attenuated, 0-4dB.

The mic uses Sennheiser’s RF Condenser technology, which uses a low polarization voltage and loose diaphragm tension to produce a very low self-noise (12dBA), high-sensitivity (25 mV/Pa) transducer.

Like the other mics in the MKH 20/30/40/50 series, the MKH 40 uses a 20mm capsule with a 15.5mm diaphragm made of 3.5-micron Mylar.

The mic ships with the MZS 40 shockmount, and MZW 41 foam windscreen.

The Sennheiser Electronics Corporation MKH 40 is also known as: MKH40.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (25 mV/Pa; 40 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -10 dB (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF: -1dB/octave @ 500Hz (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 15.5mm
Capsule diameter: 20mm
Diaphragm gauge: 3.5 microns
150 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 142 dB
Self-noise: 12.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
100g (3.53oz) 153mm (6.02'') 25mm (0.98'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48±4v

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