Sennheiser MKH 8040

A Modern Standard in the MKH 8000 Series: Compactness, Modularity, and Precision

The MKH 8040 embodies a decidedly modern approach to studio and location microphones: a miniature size, manufacturing designed for professional environments, and a sound signature focused on fidelity. Its modular design facilitates integration into recording rigs, booms, compact suspensions, or multi-mic configurations, while maintaining valuable consistency when multiplying capture points.

The non-reflective Nextel coating reinforces this field and image-oriented approach: the microphone remains discreet under lighting and on set constraints, while retaining robustness suited for daily use.

What Recording Applications Is the MKH 8040 Designed For?

Thanks to its cardioid directivity, the MKH 8040 is suitable for virtually all situations where a clean and focused capture is desired: spoken voice, acoustic instruments, amps, controlled ambience, or as a spot mic within an ensemble. It is especially useful in reverberant rooms or spaces with imperfect acoustics, as it significantly reduces room pickup and helps maintain a clear source in the mix.

In the studio, it excels as a spot mic (strings, woodwinds, percussion), for close miking, or as a detail microphone to complement a main pair. In audiovisual work, its precision and low self-noise make it a reliable ally for clean recordings, even when dynamics vary or when preserving maximum information for equalization and cleanup in post-production. Finally, its format and consistency make it highly relevant for Surround installations and multi-channel configurations.

Performance-Oriented Design: Low Noise, Low Distortion, Wide Usable Range

Cardioid Directivity: Control of the Sound Scene

The cardioid directivity of the MKH 8040 is designed to be stable and precise. Practically, you get a clear center, better separation between sources, and a reduction of unwanted noise mainly from the rear. This is a major advantage when the room "rings too much," when unwanted reflections appear, or when intelligibility must be maintained without excessive processing afterward.

Symmetrical Transducer with 2 Rear Plates: Extremely Low Distortion

The MKH 8040 uses a symmetrical transducer with two rear plates, an architecture designed to limit distortion and preserve transparency, even on sources rich in transients. The result: cleaner reproduction of attacks, better performance in the high-frequency range, and comfortable headroom for recording without fear of artificial harshness.

Frequency Response up to 50 kHz: Precision and Processing Headroom

With a frequency response rated at 30 Hz to 50 kHz, the MKH 8040 captures a very wide spectrum. Even if your session is at 44.1 or 48 kHz, this extension often translates into a sense of definition, stability, and naturalness, useful for processing (equalization, noise reduction, restoration) and for preserving harmonic content.

Low Self-Noise and High SPL Handling

Its extremely low self-noise favors delicate recordings (controlled ambiences, soft instruments, greater placement distance). Conversely, its high maximum SPL level allows handling stronger sources without premature clipping. This versatility simplifies session preparation: one microphone capable of handling both intimate and powerful sources without changing tools.

Technical specifications

Category	studio microphone	Connection	XLR
Directivity	cardioid	Color	Black

Transducer principle	HF static capsule	Minimum load impedance	1000 ohms
Frequency response	30 - 50000 Hz	Connector	XLR-3M
Sensitivity (free field, open circuit, 1 kHz)	20 mV/Pa (-34 dBV/Pa)	Phantom power	48 V +/- 4 V
Maximum sound pressure level (SPL)	142 dB SPL	Current consumption	3.3 mA
Equivalent noise level	13 dB (A)	Coating	non-reflective Nextel
Equivalent noise level, CCIR weighted	22 dB	Dimensions	19 x 41 mm
Symmetrical transducer, 2 rear plates	extremely low distortion	Weight	25 g
Nominal impedance	25 ohms