Sennheiser MK4 Review

Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

3,523 reviews
sennheiser.com
Sennheiser
  • For Vocals, Instruments & Live Stage
  • Cardioid Pattern Reduces Ambient Noise
  • Low Self-Noise of 10 dBA
  • Internally Shock-Mounted Capsule
  • Compact Stand Mount
  • 24kt Gold-Plated 1" Diaphragm
  • Handles High SPLs up to 140 dB
  • Rugged Metal Housing
  • XLR Output for Hookup to Mic Preamp
  • Operates on 48V Phantom Power

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 3,523 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sennheiser MK4. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the Sennheiser MK4. For example, 80% of 168 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Sennheiser MK4 have given positive feedback.

80%
Value for money
80% of users are satisfied, based on 168 reviews
89%
Sound quality
89% of users are satisfied, based on 168 reviews
90%
Sheerness
90% of users are satisfied, based on 103 reviews
100%
Quality of material
100% of users are satisfied, based on 103 reviews
Average Rating (3,523 ratings)
88%
Amazon.com ( 191 ratings )
87%
Amazon.sa ( 184 ratings )
87%
Amazon.ae ( 184 ratings )
87%
Amazon.de ( 182 ratings )
87%
Amazon.co.uk ( 181 ratings )
87%
Amazon.es ( 181 ratings )
87%
Amazon.in ( 181 ratings )
86%
Amazon.it ( 180 ratings )
87%
Amazon.com.tr ( 180 ratings )
87%
Amazon.fr ( 180 ratings )
87%
Amazon.co.jp ( 180 ratings )
87%
Amazon.com.au ( 180 ratings )
87%
Amazon.se ( 179 ratings )
87%
Amazon.ca ( 160 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com.mx ( 158 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com.br ( 158 ratings )
90%
Amazon.sg ( 158 ratings )
90%
Thomann ( 148 ratings )
96%
Amazon.nl ( 86 ratings )
81%
Amazon.pl ( 86 ratings )
81%
Amazon.cn ( 75 ratings )
94%
Amazon.eg ( 68 ratings )
88%
SweetWater ( 23 ratings )
92%
B&H Photo Video ( 16 ratings )
100%
Musicians Friend ( 9 ratings )
100%
Reverb ( 9 ratings )
91%
Guitar Center ( 5 ratings )
100%
Zzounds ( 1 ratings )
90%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 1 to 20 of 22 Reviews

Very neutral

Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

Jan 3, 2015

Reviewed by Tom on Guitar Center

I purchased a pair of these mics at Guitar Center. It is my understanding that they are made in the same German factory as Neumann mics and share capsules with that brand. I compared these to Audio Technical AT4050a mics, and Shure SM81s. The Sennheiser Mk4 mics have very low self noise, lower than the reference mics. The sound is very open and neutral, a bit different but, on par with the Shure and Audio Technica mics. The Sennheiser mics look very well made and the optional shock mounts I purchased look like a work of art, the castings and machining is top tier. I will note that these mics are all about performance but simply are featureless. There is no attenuator pad, no low frequency contour, no pattern selection. Frankly, I almost never use these features so I don't miss them. If you are interested in a pair of very neutral, quiet well made German mics, these will likely give you the best bang for the buck out there. ... More

Great Value

Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

Jun 13, 2016

Reviewed by JC on Guitar Center

I have had C414's and TLM model mics. I sold everything some years back and just had a AKG Perception 120. I wanted to get back into recording some original songs, I am mostly into Indie Rock, Pop and Folk and some progressive Rock and Blues. I Recorded a couple tests with my AKG P120 and felt the set up was ok but lacking. After some research I decided to try a Sennheiser MK4. I checked reviews, comparisons and price, the Mic is currently on clearance and I felt at the lower price I would go for it. Compared directly to the AKG P120 the MK4 is more sensitive, detailed and clear. The P120 might make a good back up mic but does not have the clarity of the Sennheiser MK4. The difference on vocals was noticeable but when I try an acoustic guitar I was able to hear a huge difference. I am happy with the mic and the deal I got. This Mic is not as good as a AKG c414 or TLM but at barley over $200 on clearance it comes in at a 1/3 of the price of one of those mics used. ... More

Great budget studio mic

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Jul 20, 2020

Reviewed by Bobbo B. on Reverb

I liked this mic so much I went out and got a second one. I have used this on vocals, acoustic guitar and as a snare mic (when played with brushes) I've even used it for a lot of live streaming shows. Now I don't know how accurate this is but I was really liking the sound of this mic and thinking about upgrading to a Neuman 102 or 103. I started doing some research and read somewhere that this mic is essentially the same thing as either the 102 or 103 and made in the same factory and that Sennheiser now owns Neumann ~ and a studio guy couldn't hear the difference between the two mics. Now, I can't verify that for sure but I have used both mics and haven't heard a difference between them beyond the price tag. I really feel that this is one of those under the radar mics that is absolutely fantastic. It has a clarity to it and works great at a price that doesn't sting when you click "complete purchase". ... More

Bang for the Buck

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Apr 1, 2019

Reviewed by Peter B. on Reverb

I tried a few inexpensive condensers and they worked adequately. This one, for a few more dollars, blows the others away. Well made, good presence, good tone. I use them for a drum set at about head level and it captures everything very well, especially the toms, which need a bit of lower end. It also is very nice at capturing a non wired acoustic guitar. I'm not much of a singer but it does capture a full and real voice input, as well. Germans know how to make stuff like this better than most.

Excellent Mic

Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount

Apr 24, 2018

Reviewed by Richard on B&H Photo Video

Very detailed and precise, but not cold or harsh. I use this for voice-over work (character & narration), and it really delivers. An excellent mic, very sensitive and articulate. Made in Germany in the same factory as Neumann mics (Sennheiser owns Neumann), so you know it's quality, and it sounds like it.

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Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount
$399.95
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount
Sennheiser MK 4 Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
$299.95
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MK 4 Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
Sennheiser MK4
288€
Thomann
Sennheiser MK4
Sennheiser MK4 Set
379€
Thomann
Sennheiser MK4 Set
Sennheiser MK 4 Set with Shockmount
$399.95
SweetWater
Sennheiser MK 4 Set with Shockmount
Sennheiser MK 4 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
$299.95
SweetWater
Sennheiser MK 4 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
$349
Guitar Center
Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Broadcast Bundle
$399.95
Adorama
Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Broadcast Bundle
Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone
$299.95
Adorama
Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone
Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Recording Setup Kit
$429.94
Adorama
Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Recording Setup Kit
Sennheiser Studio Condenser Microphone with 24-carat-gold-plated Diaphragm
$399.95
Adorama
Sennheiser Studio Condenser Microphone with 24-carat-gold-plated Diaphragm
Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
$299.95
Musicians Friend
Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Bundle
$499.85
Musicians Friend
Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Bundle
Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
$259.5
Reverb
Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Sennheiser MK4 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
$299.95
Zzounds
Sennheiser MK4 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Sennheiser MK4 Cardioid Condenser Pair
Reverb
Sennheiser MK4 Cardioid Condenser Pair
Sennheiser MK 4 Microphone and MKS 4 Shockmount
$399.95
Musicians Friend
Sennheiser MK 4 Microphone and MKS 4 Shockmount
Sennheiser MK 4 Microphone and MKS 4 Shockmount
$399.95
Guitar Center
Sennheiser MK 4 Microphone and MKS 4 Shockmount

Great mic for a vintage Fender amp

Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount

Aug 23, 2011

Reviewed by Philip on B&H Photo Video

I have a small project studio and my main guitar amp is a vintage 1967 Fender Princeton guitar amp. Before purchasing this microphone, I miced it with a classic Sennheiser 409 which records great tone but I wanted something a with a little more high end, enter the MK 4. The MK 4 adds a nice dimension to the 409 and I mix them both together to capture the Princeton the way I want it. It also did not break the bank.

Great for ASMR

Sennheiser MK 4 Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

Mar 29, 2022

Reviewed by Kayley on B&H Photo Video

I was searching for an upgrade from the AT2035 and came across this. After experimenting with it, I find that the mic picks up sounds well from a distance. I believe it will work great for ASMR because of the detail it captures, but it's definitely not for those with an untreated room. I didn't find it suitable for my voice, (I'm a woman, and it's hard to find mic reviews with a female voice) but it may work for others. It all depends on what you plan on using it for. If you'd like to try it yourself, I wouldn't recommend buyng it with a shockmount if you already have one. My Audio Technica shockmount held it just fine. ... More

Great Mic!

Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

May 2, 2012

Reviewed by Jeremy Mark on Guitar Center

This is one nice mic. If you've been searching for a mic that gives you that pro sound this is it.especially for vocals. I have no complaints whatsoever!

I owned 2 of these for about 5 years

Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount

Apr 22, 2020

Reviewed by Tom on B&H Photo Video

I own 2 of these microphones with their optional floating shock mounts. These mics are extremely neutral and transparent microphones with minimal coloration and very low self noise. They are also featureless meaning there is no hi-pass filter or attenuator switch. What you do get is a very well made German designed and built microphone, that is exceptionally well made with superb audio quality. Personally I will take good sound over feature sets any day.

OUTSTANDING MIC!!!!!!!!!!

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Jul 13, 2019

Reviewed by Alan C. on Reverb

I think the best compliment I can give is this -- For vocals, work it about 6 inches away (with a pop filter, of course). With a just a SLIGHT tweaking in post, you won't be able to tell the difference between this mic and the Neumann TLM 103. I kid you not...the Sennheiser Mk 4 will surprise you with its excellent sound quality and build. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for voice work. It is now my go-to mic...and will be, for a long time.

Would definitely buy again!

Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount

Jun 4, 2017

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I absolutely love the sensitivity of the mic. It picks up my voice really well for both extremely quiet lines and loud and yelling ones. Also the fact you can record slightly to the side of the mic as well.

Sennheiser MK4

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

May 4, 2018

Reviewed by Juan M. on Reverb

This microphone sounds great! It’s difficult to find examples or reviews of how a microphone sounds on instruments different than guitars, guitar amps and vocals, so I decided to give it a try on drums, upright bass and piano and it sounded amazing!

Finally!

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Dec 20, 2019

Reviewed by Robert T. on Reverb

I had needed this mic to complete the dual setup on a grand piano for 5 years. Found it on Reverb for almost 1/2 what street price was. Arrived and was in like new condition with all accessories! Now piano sounds great and piggy bank is unbroken!

Clear as Can Be

Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount

May 4, 2021

Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video

This microphone picks up every piece of my voice and with great detail. The quality of the microphone is superb and top-of-the-line. The only drawback is the appearance, I'm not really a fan of the gray. Regardless, it's a tremendous microphone and a great purchase on my part.

Perfect for my Home Studio!

Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

Apr 27, 2021

Reviewed by WozUpDude on Guitar Center

I am a longtime guitarist and vocalist but inexperienced at recording. Even though, I have a good ear for sound. This is a great mic for my home studio.

Great microphone

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Feb 21, 2022

Reviewed by Jason R. on Reverb

Works great on acoustic guitars and amps, great build quality, very clear sound. I highly recommend it.

Nice microphone

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Jan 5, 2022

Reviewed by Stephen Z. on Reverb

Well built, great sound. A great asset in my home studio. I have only Sennheiser in my studio and I have never been let down.

Sounds very good

Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Studio Condenser Microphone with Elastic Shockmount

Feb 21, 2013

Reviewed by gdw3 on B&H Photo Video

What else can you say? Sounds great, especially for the reasonable price.

Exceptional

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK 4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Dec 29, 2021

Reviewed by Niya B. on Reverb

This mic is Superior in high quality audio. I'm completely happy with it! I have tested the sound with other condenser mics I have side by side and they dont compare! I'm planning to buy another one.

I would buy this product again.

Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone Review

Sennheiser MK4 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone

May 28, 2022

Reviewed by Rich on Guitar Center

I am using this microphone for ham radio with a 48vdc phantom mixer board and w2ihy eq plus to a multi radio setup. It has a nice crisp audio to the radio.

Showing 1 to 20 of 22 Reviews