Sennheiser MKH 800 P48 Condenser Microphone, With Five Pickup Patterns

Sennheiser MKH 800 P48 Universal Multi-Pattern RF Condenser Studio Microphone

The Sennheiser MKH 800 P48 (Article Number: 004927) is a world-class, reference-grade large-diaphragm RF condenser microphone designed for critical studio recording, high-resolution archiving, scoring stages, and acoustic instrument tracking. Built on Sennheiser’s unique radio frequency (RF) condenser design, it stands as one of the few studio microphones in existence capable of capturing an ultra-wide frequency response that extends fully into the ultrasonic spectrum.

Equipped with a symmetrical dual-diaphragm capsule and specialized onboard mechanical rotary switches, the MKH 800 P48 provides five switchable polar patterns. It delivers exceptional linearity, vanishingly low self-noise, and extreme stability under challenging climate conditions.

Key Acoustic and Engineering Attributes

• The RF Condenser Principle: Unlike traditional AF (audio frequency) condenser microphones that use high-voltage polarization on a highly tensioned, stiff diaphragm, the MKH 800 uses a low-tension diaphragm acting as a tuning element for a low-impedance RF circuit. This architecture delivers incredible transient response, massive output levels, and completely eliminates the capsule crackling or sputtering caused by high humidity.

• Extended 50 kHz Extended Audio Bandwidth: Engineered specifically to meet the high-resolution requirements of advanced digital sample rates (96 kHz, 192 kHz) and DSD formats. The microphone tracks linearly from 30 Hz all the way up to 50,000 Hz, capturing delicate acoustic air, overtones, and room reflections that standard studio microphones cut off.

• Five Native Polar Patterns: A front-facing rotary switch allows immediate hardware switching between five distinct acoustic profiles: Omnidirectional, Wide Cardioid (Subcardioid), Cardioid, Supercardioid (Hypercardioid), and Figure-of-Eight.

• Comprehensive Acoustic Tailoring Switches: Outfitted with four discrete micro-rotary controls on the front chassis to fine-tune your tracking parameters:

  • Polar Pattern Selector: Switches between the 5 baseline pickup shapes.

  • Pre-Attenuation Pad: Switchable 0 dB, -6 dB, or -12 dB to prevent capsule overload from high-SPL sound sources.

  • Roll-Off Low-Cut Filter: Switchable 0 dB, -3 dB, or -6 dB at 50 Hz to counter proximity bass buildup or low-end rumble.

  • Treble Emphasis Switch: Switchable 0 dB, +3 dB, or +6 dB at 8 kHz to enhance high-end presence or compensate for diffuse-field high-frequency loss.

• Integrated Aiming LED: Features a deeply recessed, low-visibility red orientation LED embedded just below the capsule head. It serves as a visual alignment tool on dim studio stages, allowing engineers to confirm the exact on-axis angle of the side-address capsule.

Technical Specifications Matrix

In the Box: Production Package Inventory

• 1 x Sennheiser MKH 800 P48 Multi-Pattern Studio Microphone

• 1 x MZS 80 Elastic Shock Mount

• 1 x MZQ 80 Hard Microphone Stand Mount Clip

• 1 x Rugged Customized Aluminium Flight Case

• 1 x Individualized Factory Frequency Response Plot Sheet

Advanced Studio Placement and Engineering Advice

Precise Ultrasonic Off-Axis Aiming: Because the MKH 800 tracks frequencies up to 50 kHz, be aware that its polar pickup patterns narrow considerably in the ultrasonic range. When recording high-transient acoustic sources like master acoustic violins, hand percussion, cymbals, or acoustic guitars, use the recessed front red LED to guide your angle. Misaligning the axis by even a few degrees will cause the highest overtones to drift out of focus, coloring the upper-harmonic track.

Managing High Sensitivity and Low Preamp Gain: The MKH 800 is exceptionally sensitive, outputting roughly 40 mV/Pa—making it nearly 15 dB hotter than standard studio condenser microphones. It can easily overload the input stage of vintage or budget microphone preamplifiers. Always start your session with your microphone preamp gain turned completely down, or engage the built-in -6 dB or -12 dB mechanical pad switch on the front of the microphone barrel to protect your gain-staging structure.