Sennheiser MKH 416 Review

P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

1,762 reviews
sennheiser.com
Sennheiser
  • For Pro Film, TV & Location Recording
  • Moisture-Resistant for Humid Conditions
  • No Switches, Buttons, or Dials
  • 40 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
  • Hypercardioid at Low & Mid Frequencies
  • Lobar Pattern at High Frequencies
  • Low 13 dBA Self-Noise
  • High Sensitivity of -32 dB
  • Windscreen Reduces Wind Noise

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 1,762 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sennheiser MKH 416. 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 MKH 416. For example, 86% of 130 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Sennheiser MKH 416 have given positive feedback.

86%
Value for money
86% of users are satisfied, based on 130 reviews
92%
Sound quality
92% of users are satisfied, based on 130 reviews
Average Rating (1,762 ratings)
98%
B&H Photo Video ( 869 ratings )
99%
Adorama ( 528 ratings )
98%
Amazon.com ( 130 ratings )
96%
Amazon.cn ( 92 ratings )
96%
Thomann ( 46 ratings )
96%
SweetWater ( 38 ratings )
100%
Amazon.ca ( 31 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com.mx ( 11 ratings )
100%
Reverb ( 8 ratings )
98%
Amazon.in ( 5 ratings )
100%
Amazon.co.uk ( 2 ratings )
80%
Amazon.de ( 1 ratings )
80%
Amazon.co.jp ( 1 ratings )
100%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 21 to 40 of 190 Reviews

Beautiful sound

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Jan 10, 2017

Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video

I have always wanted a more professional microphone, and thanks to the recent 24 hour flash deal on this microphone at B&H, it finally fit into my budget. As I hoped, it has a beautiful sound that is full but not muddy, live but not overly bright. The Sennheiser has a smoothness and subtlety that puts it in a class above my other mics. I plan to use it for boom work but also for voiceover. When I read about other mics, it's often the standard they are compared to, as in a great mic that is almost as good as the 416 but costs less. Well, with the recent sale I got the real thing for no more money than the close competitors. This is exactly the kind of thing that has me always quick to check the B&H flash deal email when it comes in just after midnight on weeknights. ... More

The Industry Standard for Shotgun Mics

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Mar 21, 2017

Reviewed by Jennifer on B&H Photo Video

Before you buy any microphone for this kind of money you need to do your research. There's a reason this shotgun mic is so expensive, it's highly directional and has a great pick-up range. The mic sounds much more warm and full than other, less expensive alternatives. I'd highly recommend this mic for individuals that do a lot of remote and location shoots. It also works really well in interviews as a second audio source to go along with a lavaliere.

This Classic Continues to Shine

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Feb 6, 2014

Reviewed by Carl on B&H Photo Video

I use the mic primarily for booming outdoors on Indy and student films. I was using the Rode short boom, but was not happy with the off axis noise rejection. I also thought I could do better on the overall sound quality. The Sennheiser has really delivered on both counts. It sounds great. I have not experienced any negatives. The cost is the cost: you get what you pay for.

It's a step up from the $400-600 microphones

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Sep 23, 2019

Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video

I have been thinking about the MKH416 for some time, there are new mics coming out all the time that are challenging the MKH416. I have several Audio Technica mics, 2035 and the 4040. If you do not have a side by side comparison, it's difficult to tell the difference between the AT4040 and the MKH416. But, in a side by side comparison, same room, same time, same content, I did notice a deeper timbre with the MKH416. With that being said, I have found the AT 4040 to be ideal for podcasts conversations, and the MKH416 works for the voice over component of the podcast. I am finding that best mic depends on your voice and the recording environment. ... More

A Dynamite Shotgun Microphone

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Nov 6, 2010

Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video

This is a rock solid shotgun microphone. I bought it as a replacement for my DVX100B's on board microphone. It consistently gives crisp and clear audio. It has quite a pick up range. The solid all metal construction is a big durability bonus. I use this microphone with the included foam windscreen and Rode Deadcat furry windscreen. Between the two windscreens, I get very little wind noise except during occasional gusts. My only complaint is that the diameter of the microphone was a bit small for my DVX100B's stock microphone holder. Using the K-CAM-SM hot shoe mount corrected this issue with no problem. ... More

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Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
$999
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Location Recording Kit
$1753.64
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Location Recording Kit
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Mic & Auray Windshield Kit
$1083.95
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Mic & Auray Windshield Kit
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone & Rycote Super-Shield Kit
$1398
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone & Rycote Super-Shield Kit
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone and Rycote Blimp Windshield Kit
$1578
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone and Rycote Blimp Windshield Kit
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Ultimate Location Recording Kit
$2438.85
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Ultimate Location Recording Kit
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Deluxe Location Recording Kit
$1818.69
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Deluxe Location Recording Kit
Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Condenser Microphone
$999
SweetWater
Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Condenser Microphone
Sennheiser MKH 416 P48
999€
Thomann
Sennheiser MKH 416 P48
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic with Zoom H6 All Black Recorder
$1099
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic with Zoom H6 All Black Recorder
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone
$999
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic W/Rycote Wind Diffusion/Mount
$999.95
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic W/Rycote Wind Diffusion/Mount
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone with Windscreen
$1998.99
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone with Windscreen
Sennheiser MKH-416 Microphone - Zoom H6 Handy Recorder, Black - XLR Lav Mic
$1349.95
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Microphone - Zoom H6 Handy Recorder, Black - XLR Lav Mic
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic With Zoom F6 Multi-Track Recorder
$1499.96
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic With Zoom F6 Multi-Track Recorder
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone - K&M Mic Stand - 25' XLR
$999
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone - K&M Mic Stand - 25' XLR
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Zoom F8n Field Recorder
$1749.95
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Zoom F8n Field Recorder
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone with Rycote 18cm Softie
$1099.95
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone with Rycote 18cm Softie
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Rycote 18cm Long Hair Softie
$999.99
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Rycote 18cm Long Hair Softie
Sennheiser MKH-416 Shotgun Microphone Pro Pack
$1900
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Shotgun Microphone Pro Pack
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Zoom F4 Field Recorder
$1399.99
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Zoom F4 Field Recorder
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Rycote Super-Softie Kit
$1050
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Rycote Super-Softie Kit
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with M50x Pro Monitor Headphones
$1049
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with M50x Pro Monitor Headphones
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Rycote Windshield Kit
$1199.99
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Tube Microphone with Rycote Windshield Kit
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic W/Zoom H4n Pro Recorder/R/A Cable
$999.99
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Mic W/Zoom H4n Pro Recorder/R/A Cable
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone With Accessory Bundle
$1549.94
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone With Accessory Bundle
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone W/Gitzo Mic Boom 15.5'/Cab
$1299.95
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone W/Gitzo Mic Boom 15.5'/Cab
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone With H&A ACC KIT
$1099
Adorama
Sennheiser MKH-416 Short Interference Tube Microphone With H&A ACC KIT
Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Mic
$697.69
Reverb
Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Mic
Sennheiser MKH 416 Short Shotgun Condenser Microphone
$999
Zzounds
Sennheiser MKH 416 Short Shotgun Condenser Microphone

6 Star rating out of 5 - The Best!!

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Apr 7, 2014

Reviewed by Jim aka Le Grand Fromage on B&H Photo Video

I use my 416 for Run and Gun, Studio, Interviews, TV. I have never found a reason to go to another mic unless I needed more than one mic; then I usually reach for another 416.

Benchmark microphone

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Apr 2, 2011

Reviewed by Maxwell on B&H Photo Video

Sennheiser MKH416P is great for ENG and general video production. Hard to go wrong with this. Anything better would cost double the money. Just make sure you have a high pass filter in line or you may get some rumble through the boom pole.

Versitle micrphone with multiple uses!

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Jan 9, 2017

Reviewed by Tan on B&H Photo Video

I always liked the sound of a Sennheiser microphone and used Audio Technica and Rode shotguns in studio. There is nothing wrong with the Rode NTG2, or the Audio Technica mics I own. I just wanted some industry standard sound in the studio. I was using a Neumann U87 for voice overs until today. I compared the two and the MKH-416 had an instantly usable sound with little to no eq. The bass is more pronounced on the shotgun mic as well. On drums, I used a pair as overheads but further away from the drum set than normal. I could pick up the details of the brushes on the snare head with incredible detail and the balance of the drums were nice and full. I was very impressed and am glad I picked up a pair when they were on sale! If you find a good price for them, it's an amazing mic to add to your collection. ... More

Sounds Beautiful!

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Dec 3, 2013

Reviewed by Tall Chris, The Sound Guy on B&H Photo Video

I instantly recorded as much as I could when I got this. It's my first real shotgun after having a Rode NTG-2. No noise going through to my Zoom H6 either. I'm in love! Be careful about the size however. You need a small enough shock mount to work with this. I just adjusted mine with gaff tape and it works fine but don't be cheap like me!

Beautiful Microphone!

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Aug 13, 2013

Reviewed by Drew on B&H Photo Video

Biggest downside is that it's the P48 model, meaning all you DSLR users will NOT be able to plug and play. if you have a Zoom or other external recorder with phantom power, you should be fine. Something to think about!

Can't go wrong with the MKH 416

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Mar 31, 2016

Reviewed by Musician-turned-Filmmaker on B&H Photo Video

I'm a musician who is crossing over into filmmaking. The most expensive mic I've owned previously has been $150. Take that into consideration, since this mic is a huge step up for me. That being said, I'm thrilled with this mic. The noise floor is very low, and its pickup pattern is precise. I've read reviews elsewhere that describe this mic as sounding right out of the box, and it does, perhaps because it has been used by the industry for so many years. I was pleasantly surprised how little trimming I had to do with a lowpass filter, as the air above 10,000 hz is clean and basically hiss-free. Not sure if there are any cons. ... More

Industry Standard.

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Jan 14, 2017

Reviewed by Marco on B&H Photo Video

This mic is a work horse. I've used it for years in a studio environment for Voice Over as well as location audio in below freezing and above 100 degree weather. I have never had an issue with the mic not working. I find it takes EQ and compression very well in post. I've had boom ops accidentally bump/drop this mic and it still keeps on ticking! Sennheiser is a rock solid brand id recommend it for anyone who wants to get a super reliable mic without breaking the bank. This is a mic you will not regret getting. Every audio person I know who has bought one and has upgraded has held on to this mic for its reliability. ... More

Excellent Mic for Voice Overs

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Mar 27, 2019

Reviewed by Sharon on B&H Photo Video

After reading every other review on this mic for use in a voice over studio, I bought one ofr myself. This mic is fantastic! Opening the box with some ceremony and replacing my Neumann with the 416, I was amazed at its clarity and smooth sound! It gave my voice a full and solid sound- even though the mic was suspended about 12 inches away. This is now my mic of choice for voice over work!

Great Mic

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Aug 21, 2008

Reviewed by Josh on B&H Photo Video

This mic has a great, rich tone which I wasn't expecting from a shotgun condenser. I use this mic in combination with a Canon XL-H1. It is my go-to mic for every circumstance. The construction is superb, but what would you expect from Sennheiser.

Fantastic Microphone

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Aug 26, 2020

Reviewed by Sofian on B&H Photo Video

I dont need to give credit to this Mic .. its famous enough and nothing i can add to what is already known, however i had to struggle to be able to hold my hands on this Mic since sennheiser is not allowing B&H to ship this outside the US as they have authorized retailers in the country of my residence, which sells the Mic super over priced, however since this is the way sennheiser wanted us to pay i tried to find it at the many authorized deals where i am but it was never available. To have it i had to ship it to my sister in the US and later she shipped it to me on her own through USPS, very long and complicated adventure for something suppose the be easy in 2020. ... More

The Standard

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

May 25, 2015

Reviewed by Ledion on B&H Photo Video

This mic is overall perfect for most uses on set. I've even dropped it a couple of times and it still works great and doesn't have any scratches. The sound quality is superb. I'm not a sound guy, and I'm sure there are better mics for specific uses, but if you're looking for a general video mic with a lot of different uses this is truly it. Eveyone says it, and this mic is the standard for any shooter. I'm a DP, and sometimes, I have to do my own audio and this microphone makes it so much easier for me. ... More

Solid all around

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

May 12, 2013

Reviewed by Doug on B&H Photo Video

The other reviews are going to say everything you need to know, I'll just reiterate some of those points to make it extra clear that this is a great product. Sound is good all the time. Can sound great if you put effort into a proper audio environment. It's light. It has very little noise of its own. It's directional enough to make a significant difference but not the most directional mic. If you plan to own one microphone only, this is a great buy and your best bet.

Amazing Microphone

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Feb 21, 2011

Reviewed by filmslife on B&H Photo Video

I love this mic, it takes it way up from the noisy ME66 I also own. The trick is how to focus the mic on the sound, but once you are accustomed to doing that, the level of quality is fantastic.

A Solid Workhorse, Has Never Let Me Down

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Oct 18, 2014

Reviewed by Carl on B&H Photo Video

The MKH-416 was recommended by a sound professor in graduate film school as a mic that I would have for a very long time, that sounded great, and was extremely versatile. My professor was right! I have used this mike in many Indie film productions and it has never let me down. It is also a very good value. I performed several tests of its off-axis sound rejection, and was VERY pleased. Much better than a similar, less expensive mic from down under. That mic was very good, this one is excellent.

Excellent Microphone

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3 Moisture-Resistant Shotgun Microphone

Jul 16, 2013

Reviewed by thejustinbyrne on B&H Photo Video

When I read that this Mic had the film sound I took it with a grain of salt, but after firing it up and using it on a dozen shoots, I can report that that is in fact the case. The sound is remarkably clear, and the mic requires terribly little babysitting. It even sounds awesome hooked up to a cheap zoom. I can't recommend it enough. I just want one more of these. The included wind screen isn't enough for adverse weather conditions, but under normal circumstances it's more than sufficient.

Showing 21 to 40 of 190 Reviews