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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)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone
 
4.7

(based on 21 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (15)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Good audio (18)
  • Easy to use (12)
  • Versatile (8)
  • Durable (5)
  • Compact (4)

Cons

  • Bulky/heavy (5)

Best Uses

  • Professional recording (16)
  • Outdoor events / games (7)
  • Professional (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Experienced (17)
    • 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.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 21 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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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.

    Comment on 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.

      Comment on this review

       
      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.

        Comment on 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.

          Comment on this review

           
          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.

          Comment on 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.

            Comment on 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.

              Comment on 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.

              Comment on 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

              Comment on 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.

                Comment on 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

                  Comment on 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.

                    Comment on 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.

                    Comment on 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.

                    Comment on 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

                      Comment on 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.

                      Comment on this review

                       
                      5.0

                      A great microphone

                      By Jeff

                      from Las Vegas

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Built like a tank
                      • Clear Sound
                      • Compact
                      • Easy To Use
                      • Versatile

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Interviews

                        Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                        I bought this microphone to do interviews with. Its heavy and built like a tank! It inhanced my interviews ten fold. Get one you won't regret it!

                        Comment on this review

                         
                        4.0

                        GREAT SOUND!

                        By MOA RAMALHO

                        from BRAZIL, SP

                        About Me Experienced

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Clear Sound
                        • Compact
                        • Versatile

                        Cons

                        • Bulky/Heavy

                        Best Uses

                        • Events
                        • Home Studio
                        • Professional Recording

                        Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                        PROFESSIONAL!

                        Comment on this review

                         
                        4.0

                        Very pleased with this purchase

                        By Patrick

                        from Seattle, WA

                        About Me Tech Savvy

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Durable
                        • Quiet
                        • Simple Use

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Productivity
                          • Professional

                          Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                          I use this mic to gather postgame interviews following baseball games, mostly in the clubhouses and connected to a Marantz PMD620 recorder.

                          Overall the audio quality comes out great for broadcast - there is a bit more handling noise than I prefer, but I suspect this will go away as I learn to handle it properly.

                          I also like that it's a bit longer than standard mics, although there is a bit of a trade-off if you have to hold it out to gather audio at arm's reach.

                          It seems to have good rejection of ambient noise while being able to collect quality audio when focused on the subject.

                          But overall - a really nice mic that works great for a broadcast application.

                          • Primary use:
                          • Business

                          Comment on this review

                           
                          4.0

                          Amazing...

                          By ZRoberts

                          from NYC

                          About Me Tech Savvy

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Durable
                          • Simple Use

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Professional

                            Comments about Sennheiser MD46 - Dynamic ENG Microphone:

                            Amazing quality mic for cheap- great for conferences and conventions one on on interviews. Low budget, easy to use

                            • Primary use:
                            • Business

                            Comment on this review

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                            Cables

                            Pearstone -  3-Pin XLR Male to 3-Pin XLR Female Audio Cable (6')
                              • Original: $15.99
                              • Save: $1.60
                            • Price: $14.39
                             

                            Adapters

                            Pearstone -  LMT100 - Low to High Impedance Matching Transformer (1.5')
                              • Original: $19.95
                              • Save: $1.99
                            • Price: $17.96
                             

                            Wind Protection

                            Sennheiser -  MZW-1 Foam Windscreen
                            • Price: $15.95
                             
                            Pearstone -  Foam Windscreen for 1-3/8" Diameter Microphones (Black)
                              • Original: $5.50
                              • Save: $0.55
                            • Price: $4.95
                             

                            Stands & Support

                            Ultimate Support -  JS-DMS50 Table-Top Mic Stand
                            • Price: $8.15
                             

                            Cases & Protection

                            Porta Brace -  MH-2 10" Microphone Holster
                            • Price: $42.53
                             
                            View all Accessories

                            What's in the Box

                            Sennheiser MD46 - Cardioid Handheld Dynamic ENG Microphone
                            • 1 Year Warranty
                             
                             
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