Description

Sennheiser MKH 8020 Overview

The Sennheiser MKH 8020 Omnidirectional Microphone is a high-quality, professional condenser microphone designed for crucial ambiance or close-microphone recording. This low-profile microphone is part of Sennheiser’s modular MKH 8000 series and is known for its pristine audio quality and exceptional detail.

Key Features

Omnidirectional Pickup Pattern

The MKH 8020 features an omnidirectional polar pattern, providing a generous pickup area around the microphone. This makes it ideal for capturing the full ambiance of a recording environment and is also useful as a “mid” microphone in M/S stereo recording configurations.

Modular Design

The MKH 8020 consists of two main components:

• MKHC 8020 Capsule: The omnidirectional capsule that captures sound with exceptional detail and transparency.
• MZX 8000 XLR Module: The output stage that connects the capsule to standard XLR inputs, providing a professional-grade signal path.

Symmetrical Transducer

The capsule of the MKH 8020 features a symmetrical transducer with two back-plates, which results in extremely low distortion. This design ensures that the microphone captures audio with high fidelity and minimal coloration.

Wide Frequency Response

The MKH 8020 boasts an impressive frequency response range of 10 Hz to 60 kHz. This wide range ensures accurate reproduction of instruments, ambiance, vocals, and other sound sources, capturing every nuance and detail.

Applications

Orchestral Recordings

The MKH 8020 is ideal for capturing the full range and depth of orchestral performances. Its wide frequency response and omnidirectional pattern ensure that all instruments are captured with clarity and precision.

Instrument Capturing

For close-miking instruments, the MKH 8020 provides a transparent and detailed sound, making it a great choice for recording acoustic instruments, pianos, and more.

Stereo Recordings

The MKH 8020 can be used in stereo recording setups, particularly as a mid microphone in M/S configurations, to capture a wide and natural soundstage.

Ambiance Recording

With its omnidirectional pattern, the MKH 8020 excels in capturing the ambiance of a recording environment, making it perfect for field recording and capturing natural soundscapes.

Summary

The Sennheiser MKH 8020 is a versatile and high-performing omnidirectional condenser microphone designed for professional recording applications. Its modular design, featuring the MKHC 8020 capsule and MZX 8000 XLR module, ensures flexibility and high-quality audio capture. The symmetrical transducer and wide frequency response provide exceptional detail and transparency, making the MKH 8020 a reliable choice for orchestral recordings, instrument capturing, stereo recordings, and ambiance recording. Whether in the studio or in the field, the MKH 8020 delivers pristine audio quality and unparalleled performance.