Sennheiser MK4

Presentation of the Sennheiser MK4

Sennheiser MK4, a high-performance microphone

The Sennheiser MK4 is a pro condenser mic for home studio engineers, recording studios, PA and more. It features a large diaphragm transducer, wide frequency response and low noise.

The element is mounted shockproof to eliminate noise and vibrations carried by the structure. Its sensitivity and frequency response make it well suited for general vocals, recording, instruments, amplifier cabinets, etc.

It has a one-inch gold-plated diaphragm and a cardioid pickup polar pattern. It's the ideal mic for capturing vocal performances , whether singing or reading a script for a voiceover.

Technical specifications :

• Capsule: 1-inch 24-karat gold-plated diaphragm
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Power supply: 48 V phantom power (P48)
• Current consumption: 3.1 mA
• Dynamic range: 130 dB

• Sensitivity: -32 dB
• Maximum sound pressure level: 140 dB
• Own noise: 10 dBA
• Impedance: 50 Ω
• Minimum termination impedance: 1000 Ω
• Weight: 485g
• Dimensions: 160 x 57 mm (L x D)

In addition, also discover the AKG C314 studio microphone . This guide provides you with a complete test and review of this condenser microphone.

Sound characteristics of Sennheiser MK4

Sensitive to sounds

Condenser microphones are incredibly sensitive . They are best suited for use in a studio or acoustically treated space. Acoustic treatment can be something as simple as a room draped with blankets and comforters. It also operates in a professionally designed sound booth with acoustic foam tiles on the walls.

On the other hand, if you want to make a podcast or record interviews on site, choose a dynamic microphone instead. The latter has lower sensitivity and an increased ability to filter out background sounds. Also, it will probably be a better choice than a condenser microphone .

The Sennheiser MK4 phantom power supply

Usefulness of phantom power

Unlike dynamic microphones, phantom power is required . Indeed, condenser capsules require a little juice for them to work properly. A USB audio interface can provide phantom power and then transform the signal from the MK4 into a digital audio stream .

This can then be saved on a computer. With a microphone like the Sennheiser MK4 , it's best to invest in a quieter mic preamp that can capture every drop of character of a good condenser microphone.

Avoid power surge

• Isolated voltage boost technology effectively prevents ground signal interference .
• Built-in low-pass filter circuit design completely filters interference noise from outside.
• The soft start function to avoid the impulsive “puff” sound when starting the device.
• Balanced power supply assemblies give balance to the input and output signals. This is so that the voltage is balanced and stable, and inhibits common mode interference.

• The brand-new USB-5V surge circuit and low-voltage power technology can avoid harm to the human body. It is also essential to resolve mismatch issues between different regional power supplies, voltages and transformers.

A stylish microphone

The Sennheiser MK4 is beautifully designed and manufactured in Germany. It has an all-metal housing. Its weight and construction quality are the same as those of a pro Neumann studio microphone .

The finish is in a silver-gold tone and the grille protecting the capsule is colored matte black. It is possible to see the gold-plated capsule through the grille. Incidentally, the capsule is not made of 24-karat gold for practical reasons. Gold has an impact on the sound wave, because it is also a good conductor .

The capsule is shock-mounted to protect it from unwanted vibrations. Sennheiser also sells an MKS4 shock mount for microphone mounting. This mount can then attach to a boom arm or microphone stand. The manufacturers have also taken care of the MKS4 shock mount to perfectly match the appearance of the microphone.

The Sennheiser MK4 can handle sound pressures up to 140 dB and it has a very low self-noise of just 10 dB. Which means it doesn't generate any noticeable hiss or interference while in use. It's a sturdy microphone. But, like most condenser microphones, it remains a delicate mechanism and deserves to be handled with care.

Advantages of the Sennheiser MK4

The first thing I noticed about the Sennheiser MK4 is the sensitivity level of the mic . It is amazing compared to most dynamic or USB-based condenser microphones. It is the best rap microphone to choose . The MK4 can capture the smallest of sounds , and maybe even background noise. For example, it could easily pick up the faint murmur of the hard drive spinning in my iMac across the room.

Like I said, this is a microphone worth using in an acoustically treated environment because it can and will pick up everything.

The cardioid polar pickup pattern is effective even when approached directly.

The capsule is very forgiving with plosives, those popping noises created when near a microphone. I was able to record vocal work fairly close together without needing a foam windshield or even a pop filter.

The MK4's performance is undeniable ; he can really shine and capture every nuance of a voice. Proximity effect is a phenomenon where the bass response of a mic increases as you get closer to the sound source. This works wonderfully with the Sennheiser MK4. Close-mic recording can really bring out the depth and richness of a voice .

If you've ever thought that your voice sounds thin or weak when recording, try using an MK4 up close. The sensitivity of the microphone might surprise you.

This microphone can be of service to almost everyone.

Great device for recording

Ideal for beginners

There are a lot of people who are new to home recording, or podcasting for YouTube. As beginners, they would like to record sound without having to handle many devices.

They do not need to master all recording techniques . Connecting a microphone to a PC and using recording software should be enough to achieve a result that meets their expectations.

In this case, a simple USB microphone will allow them to work in a recording studio or in a home studio. It actually only needs a few materials to operate. Just plug it into a computer, Mac or even an iPhone and it will work as it should.

Well beyond the expected result, you will have a professional recording . You'll get incredible audio quality with little equipment. Operation is extremely simplified, as you would expect from audio equipment suitable for beginners.

Easy registration

Besides the quality condenser capsule, the Sennheiser MK4 Digital has the added benefits of A/D conversion like that offered by Apogee . With 24-bit/96kHz you get plenty of headroom and amazing detail in the recorded signal.

This is exactly what the MK4 capsule wants to ensure that everything it captures makes it into the recording.

What I liked about the original is also very similar to the new digital version. In this sense, you don't need to do many things to properly capture the sound source .

Once it is correctly oriented towards the microphone , the latter will work perfectly. And, with the Apogée conversion, everything shines through in your recordings.

Whether you use it to work on spoken dialogue, in podcasts , in a small room, or to capture classical guitar in a large room, you'll hear the details of the sound source as you record. You can edit them as you wish from there.

My Verdict

There is nothing to complain about about the Sennheiser MK4 condenser microphone . It works for the benefit of its users, beginners or professionals, with a higher profile in the studio microphone .

Sennheiser's build quality is exemplary, while its mic pattern is forgiving and versatile . The sound produced is rich and warm, but without ever sounding cloying or woolly.

The smooth richness of the bass drifts gently into a neutral, open midrange. High frequency performance also remains impeccable.

Compared to a microphone from a prestigious brand like Neumann, the Sennheiser MK4 USB microphone displays excellent performance that is almost as comparable . Although it doesn't perform as well, the quality might even surprise you.

This microphone is versatile and therefore suitable for studio podcasts , acoustic music recording or voiceovers. The Sennheiser MK4 also offers exceptional value for money . And given its robustness, it should provide years of good and loyal service.

The MK4 is a very sensitive microphone. Also, I wouldn't suggest it as the best mic for recording loud instruments like electric guitars and basses. I think it's much too sophisticated a microphone for that. However, this professional microphone is perfect for recording vocals .

Our review of the Sennheiser MK4

The Sennheiser MK4 is a practical microphone for professionals. Featuring high sensitivity, this USB microphone is ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments.

Sennheiser MK4 demo

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