Sennheiser MKH 8020

A reference omni in the MKH 8000 range, designed for demanding recording

The MKH 8020 fits within the spirit of the MKH 8000 series: offering studio and classical recording microphones capable of reproducing a scene with precision, without flattering coloration. Where many omnidirectionals settle for a "comfortable" response, the MKH 8020 aims for a very extended reproduction, with particular attention to low-end coherence and detail clarity. The result: a microphone that highlights the acoustics of a room, the size of an instrument, and the breathing of an ensemble, while remaining practical for daily use.

Its "extra octave in the bass" especially enhances the credibility of large acoustic sources (church organ, grand piano, double bass) by capturing the foundation and the air around the instrument. And thanks to its omnidirectional directivity, off-axis response remains homogeneous, which helps maintain a stable image when musicians move slightly or when the scene is wide.

For whom and for what uses: classical music, ensembles, and close miking without surprises

The Sennheiser MKH 8020 is a natural choice for recording ensembles, from string quartets to orchestras, provided the venue's acoustics are up to par. In a Decca Tree configuration, it contributes to a wide, deep image with firm bass and very realistic depth. In a Jecklin Disk OSS setup, it helps create coherent stereo with a particularly convincing sense of space, ideal for acoustic music.

Its absence of proximity effect is also an advantage for close miking: you can approach a source without the low end artificially swelling. This is very useful for capturing a grand piano in a controlled manner, a double bass with clear lows, or spot miking on music stands, all while maintaining a natural sonic signature. However, beware: an omnidirectional "hears everything." If the room is noisy or overly reverberant, the MKH 8020 will reveal it immediately.

Thanks to its high SPL handling (138 dB SPL), it can also handle dynamic sources (percussion, brass, sharp attacks) without premature distortion. This allows working calmly, even on very loud passages, while keeping a safety margin when setting gain.

Features that make the difference: extreme bandwidth and very credible spatial rendering

A rare frequency response to capture both substance and air

With a specified frequency response of 10 to 60,000 Hz, the MKH 8020 stands out by its unusual extension at both ends of the spectrum. In the bass, this extra margin helps reproduce the depth of an organ, the body of a double bass, or the fundamental of a grand piano without giving a "cut-off" low-end sensation. In the treble, the extension contributes to a fine perception of transients and space, which can translate into more readable reverberations and an increased impression of realism, especially in main stereo pair recordings.

Omnidirectional: flexible placement and stable soundstage

The omnidirectional pattern simplifies certain placements: you seek less the "perfect axis" than with a cardioid, and you often achieve a more natural balance between instrument and room. In practice, this makes the microphone very relevant for ambient recording techniques and pairs intended to reconstruct a scene. It is also an effective approach when you want to avoid overly marked directivity effects and maintain tonal coherence across the entire sound field.

A microphone that enhances acoustics, thus an excellent decision-making tool

The MKH 8020 is particularly rewarding when the room is beautiful: it captures the size of the space, depth of field, and the "halo" around instruments. For the sound engineer, it is a tool that helps quickly judge the quality of a placement, a stereo pair, or the balance of an ensemble. If the acoustic ambiance is appropriate, it can deliver very impressive recordings with solid lows and a very credible sense of space.

Technical specifications