Sennheiser MKH 8040 – Compact Professional-Grade RF Cardioid Condenser Microphone

OVERVIEW

The Sennheiser MKH 8040 is a compact professional-grade RF condenser microphone with a precise cardioid pickup pattern, making it an exceptionally versatile choice for a wide range of recording applications. Its directional design considerably reduces the pickup of reverberant room sound, making it particularly useful in spaces with less-than-ideal acoustics or when unwanted sounds are coming predominantly from behind the microphone. A balanced frequency response, extremely low inherent self-noise and exceptionally low distortion ensure detailed, natural and accurate sound capture.

Designed with a modular construction and symmetrical transducer featuring two backplates, the MKH 8040 delivers outstanding performance across an impressive 30 Hz to 50 kHz frequency range. Its accurate directional pattern makes it well suited to spot-miking and surround recording, while its compact dimensions make it easy to position where larger microphones may be impractical. The non-reflective Nextel coating provides a discreet, professional finish, and the microphone can also be used as part of a stereo pair for precise, spacious recording applications.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Precise Cardioid Pickup

The cardioid polar pattern focuses on the desired sound source while significantly reducing pickup from the rear and minimising the influence of room reflections.

Wide 30 Hz–50 kHz Frequency Response

An exceptionally wide frequency response captures detailed, natural audio across the audible spectrum while extending well beyond it for high-resolution recording.

Extremely Low Distortion

The symmetrical transducer with two backplates provides exceptionally low distortion, helping preserve the natural character and fine detail of the recorded source.

Ultra-Low Self-Noise

With an equivalent noise level of just 13 dB(A), the MKH 8040 provides a remarkably quiet recording platform for capturing subtle details and dynamic performances.

Accurate Directionality

Its carefully controlled directional characteristics provide consistent off-axis response, making the microphone highly effective for focused recording and critical placement.

Modular Design

The modular construction allows the microphone head and XLR module to be separated, providing flexibility for different recording configurations and applications.

Ideal for Spot & Surround Recording

Its compact form factor and precise cardioid response make it particularly well suited to spot-miking instruments, as well as surround and other multi-microphone recording techniques.

Compact & Lightweight

Measuring just 41 mm in length for the microphone head and weighing only 25 g, the MKH 8040 is easy to position discreetly without compromising professional recording performance.

Professional Balanced Output

The transformerless, floating XLR-3M balanced output provides reliable connection to professional recording equipment, with 48 V phantom power required for operation.

FEATURES

• Cardioid pickup pattern
• Modular design
• Wide frequency response 30 to 50,000 Hz
• Symmetrical transducer with 2 backplates providing extremely low distortion
• Extremely low inherent self-noise
• Accurate directional pattern
• Non-reflective Nextel coating
• Ideal as a spot microphone and for surround recordings
• Also available as a stereo pair

TECHNICAL SPECS

Microphone Type: Condenser

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Diaphragm Size: Small

Connection: Wireless

Audio Output (Connector): XLR-3M Balanced, Transformerless, Floating

Operating Temperature (C): -10 °C to 60 °C (14 °F to 140 °F)

Battery: Not Included

Phantom Power Required: Yes (48 V)

Charging Current (mA): 3.3 mA

Frequency Response: 30 – 50,000 Hz

Equivalent Noise Level (dB): A-Weighted 13 dB(A), CCIR-Weighted 22 dB

Max. Sound Pressure Level: 142 dB SPL

Sensitivity: -34 dBV/Pa

Nominal Impedance: 25 Ω

Min. Terminating Impedance: 1,000 Ω

Dimensions: Ø 19 mm, L 41 mm (74 mm with XLR module)

Weight: 25 g

Warranty: 2 Years

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

• 1 x MKH 8040 Microphone Head
• 1 x MZX 8000 XLR Module
• 1 x MZQ 8000 Microphone Clip
• 1 x MZW 8000 Windscreen (Windsock)
• 1 x Protective Case
• 1 x Instruction Manual