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An introduction to Sennheiser MKH 416, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Short shotgun interference tube mic for film, radio, and television, especially for outside applications.
— Sennheiser official site
What is MKH 416?
The MKH 416 is a Sennheiser shotgun microphone, a long tube-shaped design aimed at sound in front. With a short interference tube, Sennheiser describes it as suited to film, radio and television, especially outdoors.
It is an RF condenser, which is resistant to humidity, with a pressure-gradient capsule and a supercardioid/lobar pickup pattern. At low and mid frequencies it behaves like hypercardioid, and above about 2 kHz the pattern becomes more lobar.
Sennheiser highlights strong feedback rejection, consonant clarity and low self-noise. Equivalent noise is 13 dB(A) and maximum SPL is 130 dB. It is also used for capturing crowd noise at large sporting events.
It needs 48 V phantom power (P48) and connects by 3-pin XLR. The body is 19 mm in diameter, 250 mm long and weighs 175 g, in black. An MZW 415 windscreen, MZQ 100 clip and carrying pouch are included, with a 2-year warranty.
Official data: frequency response 40 Hz to 20 kHz, sensitivity 25 mV/Pa ±1 dB (free field, 1 kHz), nominal impedance 25 Ohm and minimum terminating impedance 800 Ohm. Equivalent noise is 13 dB(A) (24 dB CCIR-weighted) and maximum SPL is 130 dB.
The transducer is a pressure-gradient condenser in a matte black finish. Operating temperature is -10 to 70 C, no battery is included, and P48 phantom power draws 2 mA. The page describes it as suited to demanding outdoor filming and reporting.
Short interference tube
The tube helps cancel off-axis sound so the mic favors what is in front. It is shorter than long shotguns and easier to handle.
RF condenser design
It works with a radio-frequency circuit and is described as humidity-resistant, relevant for outdoor recording.
Supercardioid/lobar pattern
Hypercardioid at low and mid frequencies and more lobar above about 2 kHz, designed to favor the target direction.
Low self-noise
Equivalent noise is 13 dB(A) (24 dB CCIR-weighted). That helps keep the mic's own noise out of the way on quiet sources.
High maximum SPL
Maximum SPL is 130 dB, and Sennheiser notes use for crowd noise at large sports events.
Useful accessories
A windscreen, clip, pouch and manual are included, so you can start outdoors right away.
Wide operating temperature
It is specified for -10 to 70 C, giving a stated range for cold or hot locations.
Accessory options
Compatible accessories such as MZH 60-1, MZH 20-1, MZS 20-1, MZW 60-1 and MZW 20-1 are listed.
Documentation downloads
Manuals in six languages, spec sheets and DWG/DXF outline drawings are available from Sennheiser.
Large-venue example
Sennheiser cites a production placing up to 8 units around an arena to capture crowd sound.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Transducer | Condenser (RF) |
| Frequency response | 40 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Pickup pattern | Supercardioid, lobar |
| Sensitivity | 25 mV/Pa +/-1 dB (1 kHz, free field, no load) |
| Max SPL | 130 dB SPL |
| Equivalent noise | 13 dB(A) / 24 dB CCIR |
| Nominal impedance | 25 ohm |
| Min. terminating impedance | 800 ohm |
| Connection | 3-pin XLR |
| Power | 48 V phantom (P48) |
| Operating temperature | -10 to 70 C |
| Dimensions | 19 mm dia. x 250 mm |
| Weight | 175 g |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Phantom power | P48, 2 mA |
| Model | MKH 416-P48U3 (article 001511) |
What is included and system requirements
- MKH 416-P48U3 shotgun microphone
- MZW 415 windscreen
- MZQ 100 microphone clip
- Carrying pouch
- Instruction manual
- Power: 48 V phantom (no battery included)
- Instruction manual
How to use it
- Mount the mic in the MZQ 100 clip.
- Fix the clip on a boom pole or mic stand.
- Fit the MZW 415 windscreen when recording in wind.
- Connect an XLR cable between the mic and a recorder or mixer input.
- Turn on 48 V phantom power at the input.
- Point the tip toward the sound you want to capture.
- Monitor on headphones and set the input gain.
- Store it in the pouch afterward, away from moisture and dust.
Film and TV location sound
This is the use Sennheiser has in mind. Mounted on a boom pole it can aim at actors' voices.
Outdoor interviews and reporting
The RF design is described as humidity-resistant, so it may suit outdoor reporting.
Voice recording for video
On a stand, it may also be used for voice recording where you want less room sound.
Crowd and ambience capture
Sennheiser notes its use for crowd noise at large sports events.
Outdoor reporting and location sound
The humidity-resistant RF design and narrow pattern may make it a candidate for aiming at a speaker outdoors.
Who it may suit
- People who record targeted sound on video and reporting jobs
- Those recording outdoors in humid or changing weather
- People starting boom-pole location recording
- Users who value low self-noise
Good to know before you buy
- It runs on 48 V phantom power only, so devices without phantom power cannot drive it directly.
- No battery is included.
- Interference-tube designs can lose directivity in reflective rooms.
- The official page lists no price; check with retailers.
- It requires 48 V phantom power and no battery is included.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
No price on the official page, only links to retailers.
See MKH 416 on the product page
Sources: sennheiser.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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