Industry juggernaut Sennheiser has an illustrious history of developing high-quality microphones, and the highly versatile MK 8 is another excellent option in a very crowded market.
The Sennheiser MK 8 offers exceptional sound quality and an extensive list of inclusions that solidify its status as a workhorse microphone capable of handling various studio recording tasks.
While we have reviewed dozens of microphones over the years, we always approach each new review with the same scrutiny to ensure a balanced assessment of each microphone’s offerings.
Rigorous testing is a foundation stone, but we also gather feedback from our network of industry experts and the broader music scene to refine our reviews further. With that said, let’s dive into the detailed review of this high-quality microphone from one of the world’s most respected audio brands.
Features
There is plenty to like about this highly versatile microphone. But can a jack of all trades really shine? The answer is a resounding yes; let’s check out the details!
Sound Quality
There have been times that we’ve reviewed versatile microphones that sacrifice overall quality to achieve respectable performance across multiple studio application settings. The Sennheiser MK 8 breaks this common occurrence and retains high-quality sound across its entire range of options.
As a large condenser microphone, it offers excellent vocal recording capabilities and a pleasant and well-balanced sound profile. It retains accuracy and high clarity without excessive harshness at the top end and doesn’t inject copious amounts of color.
The MK 8 is a highly versatile microphone.
I’ll admit I like this approach. While I appreciate microphones that instill a certain character into vocal recordings, I prefer to work with clean and accurate recordings that stay as true to the source as possible.
This high clarity and precision also extend wonderfully to recording instruments. We tested a range of instruments in our studio, and in each instance, we comfortably achieved crisp and clear recordings. Not only that, but we also had our network give the microphone a run across even more instruments, and all reports highlighted how clean and precise the MK 8 is.
The MK 8 has become a staple in the Sennheiser microphone lineup.
The Sennheiser MK 8 was also a solid option for drums, with its high SPL handling capability ensuring highly workable results. I would still prefer dedicated mics for drums, but I will not hesitate to use the MK 8 as a supplementary microphone if required.
I’ll admit I had high expectations for the MK 8, considering my experience with other Sennheiser microphones. The MK 8 did not let me down. It is a fantastic microphone with high-quality sound. Perhaps too clinical for some, but for my tastes, it’s fantastic.
Specifications
The Sennheiser MK 8 also delivers an impressive list of specifications. Like most large condenser microphones, it offers a solid 20Hz-20kHz frequency response. The response is flat, with a nominal bump from 10kHz onwards before a smooth roll-off. Likewise, the roll-off on the lower end is smooth and consistent.
Another impressive spec is the MK 8’s high SPL handling. At 142dB, it can comfortably handle loud sources, without distortion or trouble with amplified instruments or aggressive drums.
Low self noise and high SPL handling.
Another highlight is the low self-noise. At 10dB, the Sennheiser MK 8 is a solid choice for softer recordings that demand ultimate clarity with minimal noise bleed. Some microphones offer even lower self-noise levels, but for the vast majority of potential recording applications, 10dB is more than sufficient to ensure clean recordings.
As expected from a studio condenser microphone, you’ll need +48V phantom power to drive this little beauty.
Design
The Sennheiser MK 8 offers a clean and professional aesthetic design that will comfortably fit into any studio space. The combination of silver and black works well, and the cylindrical shape provides a curved separation between the grille and the body.
However, more important is the amount of features that this versatile microphone offers. Sennheiser has pulled out all the stops to deliver a microphone that can adapt to any situation.
A series of switches is located at the microphone’s rear. The first set gives you access to three filter settings for maximum control over captured frequencies: OFF, 100Hz, and 60Hz. The 100Hz setting is a roll-off, while the 60Hz setting is a more aggressive low cut.
Comprehensive technical design to give you maximum flexibility.
Next is the vast range of available polar patterns. You’ll have five to choose from. Omni-directional, wide cardioid, cardioid, super cardioid, and figure-of-eight. This opens up complete flexibility to use the microphone as you see fit and makes it an excellent vocal microphone for duos and groups.
Finally, you’ll also have access to attenuation options with 0dB, -10dB, and -20dB available—high flexibility to prevent overloading the microphone when dealing with loud sources.
Between all these options and the modern and attractive design, there is little the Sennheiser MK 8 can’t do. It is feature-rich and highly versatile, a testament to the high-quality German engineering at the heart of this studio microphone.
Build Quality
I’ll cut right to the chase: the Sennheiser MK 8 is a robust and dependable microphone from one of the industry leaders. I had full confidence that it would meet my high expectations before it even arrived. Sennheiser never lets me down, and the MK 8 is no exception.
Excellent quality from a well-respected brand.
Every aspect of this microphone oozes high quality, from the shock-mounted 1-inch 24-carat-gold-plated diaphragms that make up this classic dual-diaphragm configuration to the ultra-durable housing and tough metal grille.
It can be a cliché to say you get what you pay for, but that is certainly the case here. While the price is slightly higher than the alternatives, the quality is undeniable. The MK 8 is a superb choice if you demand reliability and longevity.
Dimensions
The Sennheiser MK 8 offers an excellent balance in size. It might not be the slimmest or shortest on the market, but it isn’t overly large. As with any large diaphragm microphone, the large 1-inch diaphragms demand adequate space.
The MK 8 is a bit heavier than other large diaphragm microphones.
The MK 8 is a bit hefty compared to other microphones I’ve tested. This higher weight rating is a good thing. If anything, it adds to the MK 8’s ooze of dependability. But you’ll need a stable stand or boom arm to handle it.
Value
The Sennheiser MK 8 is a near-flawless microphone, but there are some notable things to discuss in this area. The first is the lack of included accessories. Within the package, you’ll have access to a simple pouch and a microphone clamp.
If you want a shock mount, you’ll need to spend some more money and buy it separately. Likewise, other microphones come with a dedicated box, while here, you’ll have to make do with the basic pouch.
The MK 8 comes with a basic assortment of accessories.
Price-wise, it’s perfectly positioned to compete with other popular options. It offers a staggering amount of features at a reasonable price point. However, you can get cheaper microphones that sound great and offer a few extra accessories.
On the flip side, when you compare it to something like the popular Neumann TLM107, which features a similar set of features, the MK 8 is a bargain. Is it as good? Not quite, but very close. When you also factor in the versatility and build quality, there is no denying that the MK 8 is an excellent investment that will comfortably find a role in both professional and home studio settings.
Customer Reviews
The Sennheiser MK 8 is a popular microphone with consistently high customer and industry insider scores. Its balance between sound quality, versatility, and price makes it one of the leading choices at this price point.
Polar Pattern Flexibility
One of the standout features of the Sennheiser MK 8 is the ability to switch between different polar patterns. Each pattern offers greater flexibility. Below, I quickly touch on the most common use cases for different polar patterns.
Access to multiple polar patterns gives you more flexibility.
A cardioid polar pattern focuses on sounds from the front, reducing background noise and feedback, making it ideal for vocals and solo instruments.
An omnidirectional polar pattern captures the sound equally from all directions, making it perfect for ambient recordings or group performances.
A figure-8 polar pattern picks up sound from the front and back while rejecting the sides. It is ideal for duet recordings and a decent choice for capturing room ambiance.
Access to all of these on one microphone grants you a lot of flexibility to tackle different recording situations without having a locker full of microphones that you need to switch between constantly.
Alternatives
If you are exploring microphones at this price point, there are ample alternatives available, with each offering its own pros and cons. Below, I take a quick peek at other options you might want to consider.
Neumann TLM 102
Sennheiser’s sister company, Neumann, is another superb brand, and the TLM 102 is a popular vocal microphone that delivers exceptional recording quality.
- Excellent sound profile that is highly versatile.
- Top-shelf build quality and attractive design.
- Doesn’t offer pads, filters, or polar pattern flexibility.
Neumann TLM 102
Soyuz 1973 FET
Some people prefer a more dynamic and tonally rich sound profile. In that case, the Soyuz 1973 FET is a worthy candidate thanks to its lush and character-rich sound profile.
- Fantastic tonality that is ideal for voiceovers and vocal performers.
- Ultra-tough construction and a vintage appearance.
- Higher self-noise and it lacks included accessories.
Soyuz 1973 FET
Telefunken TF11
The TF11 from Telefunken is another superb microphone that offers high clarity and precision with ultra-low self-noise, making it an excellent choice for softer recordings.
- Super crisp and accurate sound profile.
- Versatile microphone for vocals and instruments.
- The top end can be too bright for some applications.
Telefunken TF11
Our Verdict
I was very eager to test out the Sennheiser MK 8 after seeing so many positive reviews. After completing all our standard tests, I can see why it has become a staple for many studios and one that will become a staple in my studio as well. It ticks all the boxes I want from a workhorse microphone.
The build quality is outstanding, the sound profile is crisp and accurate, and the feature set is extensive. Add to this a very reasonable price point and there is little to fault. I would have loved a shock mount and box, but I can’t complain about the exclusion at this price.
If you demand accuracy, reliability, and flexibility, the Sennheiser MK 8 is an excellent choice worth every dollar of its price tag. It is another smash hit from a company that rarely slips up.
