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.
| 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) |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:
Have had it for about 3 weeks and no problems yet.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:
Low hiss. Voices are crisp and clear. Excellent low end
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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.
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Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:
Man on the street interview. Very good sound quality. Long handle particularly helpful.
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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.
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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
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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.