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Sennheiser MD46 - Cardioid Handheld Dynamic ENG Microphone

  • Price: $199.95
  • B&H # SEMD46
  • Mfr# MD46
 

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The MD46 handheld cardioid ENG microphone includes features found in today's interview mics, but with studio quality sound, according to the company. The MD46 has a traditional long handle, wind attenuation and off-axis rejection and is designed to possess an extended high-frequency response, warm lows, and a clean midrange. The company developed the new microphone in response to the needs of NBC and the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Omni microphones pick up everything equally, including background noise. The MD46 cardioid interview mic focuses on the subject, increasing clarity. Designed to have low handling and wind noise, and to eliminate vocal popping, this microphone gives the ENG team an ideal interview tool.

Rugged all metal body
Extremely low sensitivity to handling noise
Very insensitive to pop and wind noise
Uniform frequency response
Excellent sound quality
Integral microphone clamp thread
Double layer grille basket
Cardioid dynamic capsule
Low handling noise
Long handle with excellent balance
Transducer Pressure Gradient Dynamic
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 40 Hz - 18 kHz
Maximum Input Sound Level not specified by manufacturer
Power Requirements None Dynamic, Requires No Phantom or Battery Power
Output Impedance 350 Ohms (@ 1 kHz)
Output Connectors XLR-3M Type
Dimensions 9.84 x 1.92" (249.9 x 48.8mm) LxDiameter
Weight 12.7 oz. (359.9 g)
Sennheiser MD46 - Cardioid Handheld Dynamic ENG Microphone
  • 1 Year Warranty
  • REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

    by PowerReviews
    SennheiserMD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone
     
    4.6

    (based on 25 reviews)

    Ratings Distribution

    • 5 Stars

       

      (18)

    • 4 Stars

       

      (5)

    • 3 Stars

       

      (2)

    • 2 Stars

       

      (0)

    • 1 Stars

       

      (0)

    100%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

    Pros

    • Good audio (22)
    • Easy to use (14)
    • Versatile (8)
    • Durable (7)
    • Compact (4)

    Cons

    • Bulky/heavy (6)

    Best Uses

    • Professional recording (17)
    • Outdoor events / games (9)
    • ENG (3)
    • Performances (3)
    • Professional (3)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Experienced (19)
      • Primary use:
      • Business (3)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    The best ENG mic there is

    I teach at a journalism school and this is downright the best ENG microphone in the industry. This thing is like a rock.

    We had a student drop one in water duri...Read complete review

    I teach at a journalism school and this is downright the best ENG microphone in the industry. This thing is like a rock.

    We had a student drop one in water during a flood while filming her documentary in India. After returning, we let it dry out for about a week and the thing still works beautifully.

    Omni-directional microphones capture way too much ambient sound, especially in noisy situations. This has just enough cardioid to make it directional, but allow flexibility if the interviewee turns their head or the sound trails off.

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Nice sound, reliable. But...

    Once the "cable lock" (little metal piece in the button edge of the XLR connection wears off a little bit, the cable (or transmitter piece) does not "lock&qu...Read complete review

    Once the "cable lock" (little metal piece in the button edge of the XLR connection wears off a little bit, the cable (or transmitter piece) does not "lock" anymore. That is a big problem.

    Reviewed by 25 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-20

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    5.0

    AWESOME!

    By Red Dog Records

    from Cameron Park

    About Me Professional Musician

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Clear Sound
    • Well Made

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • ENG
      • Events
      • On Location Interviews
      • Professional Recording

      Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

      We love this mic. Currently we are using it for public comment, sitting on a stand with a Sony Wireless plug in the end. The wireless plug 'clicks' in and remains secure (not like other microphones) and the mic sounds great. There is a bit of low-end handling noise but that was because we had the general public using it. You probably won't notice with a professional holding it. No worries about feedback since the off-axis rejection is really good. We plan on using it for ENG as well and already know it will be a top performer.

      Share this review

      (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Perfect

      By DGDC

      from Washington, DC

      About Me Experienced

      See all my reviews

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Clear Sound
      • Durable
      • Easy To Use

      Cons

      • Bulky/Heavy

      Best Uses

        Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

        Perfect for use with the Evolution G3 100 Series Wireless Microphone Combo System. The wireless adapter is a bit tricky to put on and get off the mic. Once you get used to it there is no problem. I've used the mic for on camera interviews with the subjects holding the mic just out of shot at wait level- it sounds perfect. I've also simply laid the mic down out of sight to record ambient sound- perfect for that too, even picked up conversations well.

        Share this review

        (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        3.0

        Lots of handling noise from this mic

        By Randy

        from Oakland, California

        Pros

        • Clear Sound
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

            I like this mic except for unwanted noise created when fingers are shifted against the body of the mic. It's as if the pickup is not isolated from the body. I have a tech support request pending now.

            Share this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            works like a charm

            By lisa the videographer

            from boston mass

            About Me Experienced

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Clear Sound
            • Durable
            • Easy To Use
            • Quiet handle
            • Very directional

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Events
              • Performances
              • Sporting Events

              Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

              Performed as promised. I was looking for a mike to connect with my Sennheiser wireless G4 with quiet handle, to capture interviews in crowded noisy arenas. This mike did the job.

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Bought it before, would buy it again

              By KB

              from Portland, OR

              About Me Experienced

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Clear Sound
              • Durable
              • Easy To Use

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Professional Recording

                Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                Used for professional TV and web productions. Works well with our wireless systems and looks good on screen.

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Eliminates ambient noise

                By chiricano

                from Panama

                About Me Experienced

                Pros

                • Clear Sound
                • Durable
                • Easy To Use

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Performances
                  • Professional Recording

                  Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                  We produce television. Some of our recording is at live events where the background noise is deafening. I am always stunned that interviews come through with crisp clear audio and just a low hum of background noise.We depend on this microphone to give us sharp clear sound and it delivers.

                  Share this review

                  (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  All Around Great ENG Mic

                  By Dickson

                  from St. Louis, MO

                  About Me Experienced

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Clear Sound

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Professional Recording

                    Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                    I use the mic in typical ENG fashion, on locations that are often noisy in the background. This mic, however, only picks up a low ambient background that add color to the recording. The handling noise that is common to many microphones is thankfully missing, even when persons handling the mic aren't careful about hand movements. The mic feels great in the hand, sounds great for many types of voices and has many useful applications.

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Solid Performance

                    By Kinetopod

                    from DFW, Texas

                    About Me Experienced

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Clear Sound

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Events
                      • Professional Recording

                      Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                      Used in loud crowds to gather interviews. Did a great job of isolating just the interviewer or interviewee. Loud music or noisy crowds were not much of an issue using this microphone. Solid build.

                      Share this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      3.0

                      Nice sound, reliable. But...

                      By ger

                      from los angeles, ca

                      About Me Experienced

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Clear Sound
                      • Easy To Use
                      • Versatile

                      Cons

                      • Breaks Easily

                      Best Uses

                      • Events
                      • Professional Recording

                      Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                      Once the "cable lock" (little metal piece in the button edge of the XLR connection wears off a little bit, the cable (or transmitter piece) does not "lock" anymore. That is a big problem.

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Good

                      By Mark

                      from El Paso Tx

                      About Me Experienced

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Clear Sound
                      • Compact
                      • Easy To Use

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Events
                        • Professional Recording

                        Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                        Have had it for about 3 weeks and no problems yet.

                        Share this review

                        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        THE choice for reporters!

                        By buggy

                        from Sacramento / San Francisco / Portland

                        About Me Experienced

                        Verified Reviewer

                        Pros

                        • Clear Sound

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Professional Recording

                          Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                          I am a radio news reporter in a major U.S. market. I have used many different microphones in the field. Hands down, the Sennheiser MD46 is the best. At this point, I wouldn't take anything else out. It sounds clearer than other mics, rejects surrounding noise better, accommodates a mic flag nicely, has a great balanced feel in the hand and is the perfect size and weight if I had to defend myself behind police lines. That hasn't happened yet but you never know when what will happen when you report live from crime scenes. Watch your local news at night, chances are the reporters in the field are using the wireless version. Almost all reporters use the Sennheiser. There is a reason for that. If you are going to interview in a noisy area and want pro sounding audio...use what the pros use. Go with the cardioid pick up pattern, NOT the omni directional. Last week, I interviewed patrons in a noisy pub, Led Zeppelin was blaring in the background. When I cut up the audio for the story, it was barely there. The audio came out fantastic. I just bought my own just in case the station's were all checked out so I'll never be without my MD 46.

                          Share this review

                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Great Pro mic

                          By Night Stringers

                          from Portland Oergon

                          About Me Experienced

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Clear Sound
                          • Easy To Use
                          • Lightweight
                          • Versatile

                          Cons

                          • Are there any

                          Best Uses

                          • Amateur Recording
                          • Events
                          • Home Studio
                          • Interviews
                          • Mobile DJ
                          • Performances
                          • Professional Recording

                          Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                          This is a great mic has excellent sound .. A great mic for interviews ...... I'm a television news stringer I have to have a perfect mic well I found it in this mic.

                          I use it with a wireless transmitter I just plug the transmitter in the bottom and presto its a wireless mic. No cords to deal with.

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          an interviewers friend

                          By B&H Guy

                          from Austin, Texas

                          About Me Experienced

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Clear Sound
                          • Easy To Use

                          Cons

                          • Bulky/Heavy

                          Best Uses

                          • Professional Recording

                          Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                          affordable high quality mic offers supreme rejection from background noises and most side noises. absolutely no power (phantom or PIP) is required for this mic to work efficiently.
                          The microphone is a little on the heavy side so get comfortable holding it before interviewing and get accustom to wearing headphones since there is handling noise but that would be the case for any microphone.

                          HIGHLY recommended

                          Share this review

                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Must buy for noisy places

                          By Josh

                          from New York

                          About Me Experienced

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Clear Sound
                          • Easy To Use

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • ENG
                            • Events
                            • Professional Recording

                            Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                            I use this mic for noisy gyms and stadiums. I have no problems getting clear audio. It has a long handle so my mic flag fit and can hold it comfortably. It comes with a nice hard plastic case to store the mic in. It has a nice weight to it for holding for a long period of time. My only complaint is that it scratches easily.

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Great Interview Mic

                            By DSPhoto

                            from Phoenix

                            About Me Experienced

                            Verified Reviewer

                            Pros

                            • Clear Sound
                            • Compact
                            • Easy To Use
                            • Lightweight
                            • Versatile

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Professional Recording

                              Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                              Low hiss. Voices are crisp and clear. Excellent low end

                              Share this review

                               
                              5.0

                              Good Mic

                              By Nazgull

                              from Switzerland

                              About Me Experienced

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Clear Sound
                              • Easy To Use

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • ENG
                                • Professional Recording

                                Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                                Nice to work with, long enough to hand it well and good sound for itw in poor quality environment.

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                Very good sound quality!

                                By Leon

                                from Vancouver, BC

                                About Me Experienced

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Clear Sound
                                • Versatile

                                Cons

                                • Bulky/Heavy

                                Best Uses

                                • Professional Recording

                                Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                                Man on the street interview. Very good sound quality. Long handle particularly helpful.

                                Share this review

                                 
                                4.0

                                Great for stadium or arena environments

                                By Drew

                                from Miami, FL

                                About Me Experienced

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Clear Sound
                                • Easy To Use
                                • Versatile

                                Cons

                                • Bulky/Heavy

                                Best Uses

                                • Professional Recording

                                Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                                Pros: This is a great directional dynamic talent hand mic for stadium, arena or even auto racing environments. It was designed in cooperation with NBC Sports for the Olympics. We've used it in NFL pre-game shows on the field with great results. The talent must be instructed that this is a directional vs. omni mic so it has to be pointed properly at the person speaking.

                                The cons are the handle is a little too long compared to an RE-50. Its a little bit heavy and I wish the Sennheiser logo was not so prominent. I don't want a logo to distract from what a viewer is watching on the air.

                                Share this review

                                 
                                4.0

                                Great Mic, does the trick

                                By xkaliburr

                                from Fort Wright, Ky

                                About Me Experienced

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Clear Sound
                                • Easy To Use
                                • Lightweight
                                • Versatile

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Amateur Recording
                                  • Events

                                  Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                                  I am a videographer, and purchased this microphone to capture audio for interviews at weddings. When using it, I noticed its very directional sound, as the audio came out clearly even though the DJ next door had very loud music. I have also, due to it's slim size, hidden it in a scene, and used it to capture audio for a short film. I would definitely recommend this product

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Excellent ENG mic field interviews

                                  By Max Hodges

                                  from Tokyo, Japan

                                  About Me Experienced

                                  Verified Reviewer

                                  Pros

                                  • Clear Sound

                                  Cons

                                  • Bulky/Heavy

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Professional Recording

                                  Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                                  I've been using this microphone, either connected to a Sound Devices 702 or MixPre (to camera) for recording interviews outside the studio. Sounds very good and has good rejection of ambiance. Handling noise is something you need to be careful about, but I think that applies to any microphone.

                                  I do wish is wasn't so heavy sometimes because it makes it harder to hold out for long periods.

                                  Share this review

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