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Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

BH #SEMKH416P48 • MFR #MKH416-P48
186 reviews
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Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Key Features
  • For Pro Film, TV & Location Recording
  • Moisture-Resistant for Humid Conditions
  • No Switches, Buttons, or Dials
  • 40 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
Achieve superb audio capture in demanding conditions for your next professional film, TV, or location recording with the Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 moisture-resistant shotgun microphone. Mix-ready sound quality is provided by its sharp directivity, low noise, and strong output. Plus, there are no controls to worry about; the MKH 416-P48U3 delivers the reliability you need for high-pressure gigs.
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Sennheiser MKH-416 Overview

From Manufacturer

Achieve superb audio capture in demanding conditions for your next professional film, TV, or location recording with the Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 moisture-resistant shotgun microphone. Mix-ready sound quality is provided by its sharp directivity, low noise, and strong output. Plus, there are no controls to worry about; the MKH 416-P48U3 delivers the reliability you need for high-pressure gigs.

The microphone exhibits a hypercardioid polar pattern at low to midrange frequencies and transitions to a lobar pattern in high frequencies, allowing it to attenuate 125 Hz to 2 kHz by approximately 10 dB at the 90° off-axis points. Your dialogue, foley, and sound effects can be recorded with full dynamics and clarity, thanks to the MKH 416-P48U3's wide frequency response, enhanced consonant articulation, and high SPL handling.

Performs in Adverse Environmental Conditions
When your work takes you outdoors, you're bound to encounter humidity and condensation, which can cause many mics to fail. The MKH 416-P48U3's RF condenser design makes it highly immune to moisture, allowing you to reliably capture high-quality audio in normal and adverse environmental conditions.
Professional Sound Quality
The MKH 416-P48U3 was engineered with the experienced professional in mind. Its 40 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response incorporates a gentle rise from 5 to 15 kHz to increase intelligibility, and a natural bass roll-off to mitigate rumble. Its low self-noise of 13 dBA and high sensitivity of -32 dB enable studio-worthy signal purity without requiring noise reduction and gain boosting in postproduction.
Phantom Powered
The MKH 416-P48U3 boasts a transformerless and fully floating balanced output for optimal signal integrity. Thanks to its 3-pin XLR output and compliance with 44 to 52 VDC phantom power, the MKH 416-P48U3 is compatible with a variety of handheld audio recorders, field recorders, and mixer adapters, as well as built-in preamps on many camcorders and cinema cameras.
Ideal for Boompole Mounting
The MKH 416-P48U3's metal body features a matte black finish to prevent distracting visual reflections. Mount the MKH 416-P48U3 directly on a stand or boompole using the supplied MZQ 100 clip. Alternatively, place the MKH 416-P48U3 in the separately available Sennheiser MZS 20-1 combination shockmount, pistol grip, and stand adapter to prevent the transfer of vibrations to the microphone.
Windscreen Minimizes Wind Noise
The MKH 416-P48U3 has a foam windscreen to reduce unwanted wind noise from breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners. For maximum reduction of wind noise in indoor or outdoor environments, consider the Sennheiser MZH 60-1 furry windshield (available separately).
UPC: 615104015111

Sennheiser MKH-416 Specs

Key Specs
Microphone Type
Shotgun
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid / Lobar
Element Type
Condenser
Controls
No
Frequency Response
40 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
130 dB
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Microphone
Microphone Type
Shotgun
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid / Lobar
Element Type
Condenser
Sound Field
Mono
Orientation
End Address
Controls
No
Pad
No
Circuitry
Tube
Performance
Frequency Response
40 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
130 dB
Off-Axis Rejection
3 dB at 60°
20 dB at 120°
15 dB at 180°
Sensitivity
-32 dBV/Pa (at 1 kHz)
Equivalent Noise Level
13 dB (A-Weighted)
24 dB (CCIR)
Connectivity
Analog Output Connector
1x XLR 3-Pin
Power
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Operating Voltage
48 V
Physical
Color
Black
Mounting Thread Size
5/8"-27 Female
Dimensions
ø: 0.7 x L: 9.84" / 19 x L: 249.94 mm
Weight
6.2 oz / 175 g (Microphone)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.685 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
13.95 x 5.35 x 2.75"

Sennheiser MKH-416 Reviews

The Ultimate!!

By Noel
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-08-25

I now see why the pros are using it!

Mic is at the Lowest Price I've Seen

By Robby
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-12-14

The mic lives up to its reputation and as a tried and true tool so far. I wasn't really looking to add a mic to our kit ,because the NTG4+ has served us well for what we use it for, which is primarily interviews. However, at $734.00 it seemed like a great opportunity to pick this up, as historically for the last few years the cost is usually $1000. At most, I've seen it gone down to ~$870. We are still doing tests, and comparisons, but I think this mic will be a great value add to our kit!

See any errors on this page?

question

Does this mic come with a protective case?
Asked by: Sophia K.
the Sennheiser MKH416 will ship with a foam lined protective case.
Answered by: Jeff P.
Date published: 2018-08-28

Can I use this with a dbx 286s Microphone Preamp?

Can I use this with a dbx 286s Microphone Preamp?
Asked by: Jaime J
The 286s has saved many of us from editing out background noise, de-essing and compressing a signal that's too dynamic. However, my fav thing about the 416 is that you often don't have to do *anything* to it at all, even if you have a channel strip. I was used to throwing a compressor on every voiceover because even recordings on U87's need to be sweetened or shaped, but the 416 was the first mic I didn't have to do anything to in post.
Answered by: Casey
Date published: 2024-06-06

Is this a condenser mic?

Is this a condenser mic?
Asked by: Erik
Yes.
Answered by: Robert
Date published: 2022-07-16

If you're buying your Mic today would you get the ...

If you're buying your Mic today would you get the NTG3, the MKH 416 or something else?
Asked by: nick
Sennheiser site indicates 416 is “obsolete” and yet you have some stock on them. How current is the manufacture date on the most recent?
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2026-10-07

question

Can I use this with a Canon 7D?
Asked by: Anonymous
This microphone needs phantom power and connects through xlr connections, which the 7D does not have and no DSLR that I know of has it either. You can use a separate phantom power transmitter that connects directly to the microphone in order to use in a situation where your camera does not send phantom power. The best way to use pro audio with consumer video products like DSLRs is to get a digital recorder with phantom power and xlr inputs, like the H4N recorder.
Answered by: Ledion I.
Date published: 2021-01-20

What is the best xlr cable for using this on the ...

What is the best xlr cable for using this on the Sony FX3?
Asked by: troy
The Sony FX3 does not come with an XLR input, so you would need an XLR audio handle or adapter. Assuming this is already taken care of, you can use any 3-pin XLR cable with the Sennheiser MKH416. A right-angle cable such as BH #KOM3001.5R would minimize the footprint of your rig, and a low-profile cable such as BH #CACTLPXR10BL would minimize it further.
Answered by: Calvin M
Date published: 2023-06-01

Can the MKH416 be used with Xvive U3C for ...

Can the MKH416 be used with Xvive U3C for providing phantom power?
Asked by: Uday
Yes, the Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone, can be used with the Xvive Audio U3C Set Wireless Plug-On System for Condenser Microphones (2.4 GHz). The Xvive system can provide phantom power to the microphone.
Answered by: Daniel O
Date published: 2024-08-12

How can I clean it when the sponge particles are ...

How can I clean it when the sponge particles are sticking to the mic?
Asked by: Yifan
Does current 416 have identical sound to a 25 year old 416? I am told new ones are more sensitive in the upper mids. Is this due to ageing or dirt?
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2026-10-07
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