Description
The Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Microphone is a world-class professional audio microphone widely used in film production, television broadcasting, voice-over work, and documentary recording.
It is known for its highly directional pickup pattern, excellent noise rejection, and strong performance in difficult outdoor environments such as wind and humidity. It has become an industry standard in professional sound recording.
Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Microphone Price in Kenya
| Product |
Type |
Polar Pattern |
Power |
Price (KSh) |
| Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Microphone |
Short shotgun condenser |
Supercardioid / Lobar |
48V Phantom Power |
KSh 110,000 – 140,000 |
Sennheiser MKH 416 Key Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Microphone Type |
Shotgun condenser |
| Polar Pattern |
Supercardioid (low/mid), Lobar (high frequencies) |
| Frequency Response |
40 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Self Noise |
~13 dBA |
| Max SPL |
130 dB |
| Output |
XLR (3-pin) |
| Power Requirement |
48V phantom power |
| Build |
RF condenser, moisture-resistant design |
| Length |
~250 mm |
| Weight |
~175 g |
When your work takes you outdoors, you're bound to encounter humidity and condensation, which can cause many mics to fail. The MKH 416-P48U3's RF condenser design makes it highly immune to moisture, allowing you to reliably capture high-quality audio in normal and adverse environmental conditions.
The MKH 416-P48U3 was engineered with the experienced professional in mind. Its 40 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response incorporates a gentle rise from 5 to 15 kHz to increase intelligibility, and a natural bass roll-off to mitigate rumble. Its low self-noise of 13 dBA and high sensitivity of -32 dB enable studio-worthy signal purity without requiring noise reduction and gain boosting in postproduction.
The MKH 416-P48U3 boasts a transformerless and fully floating balanced output for optimal signal integrity. Thanks to its 3-pin XLR output and compliance with 44 to 52 VDC phantom power, the MKH 416-P48U3 is compatible with a variety of handheld audio recorders, field recorders, and mixer adapters, as well as built-in preamps on many camcorders and cinema cameras.
The MKH 416-P48U3's metal body features a matte black finish to prevent distracting visual reflections. Mount the MKH 416-P48U3 directly on a stand or boompole using the supplied MZQ 100 clip. Alternatively, place the MKH 416-P48U3 in the separately available Sennheiser MZS 20-1 combination shockmount, pistol grip, and stand adapter to prevent the transfer of vibrations to the microphone.
The MKH 416-P48U3 has a foam windscreen to reduce unwanted wind noise from breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners. For maximum reduction of wind noise in indoor or outdoor environments, consider the Sennheiser MZH 60-1 furry windshield (available separately).
Sennheiser MKH 416 Sound Performance
- Extremely directional pickup for focused dialogue recording
- High clarity and speech intelligibility
- Strong rejection of background noise
- Low self-noise for clean professional audio
- Excellent performance in outdoor and uncontrolled environments
- Produces broadcast-quality sound output
Sennheiser MKH 416 Build Quality and Design
- Solid metal construction for professional durability
- RF condenser technology for humidity resistance
- Compact shotgun form for boom pole use
- No switches for maximum reliability
- Designed for harsh field and studio environments
- Lightweight for long shooting sessions
Sennheiser MKH 416 Core Strengths
- Functional and Flexible
- Works in film sets, interviews, documentaries, and studio setups
- Compatible with boom poles, camera rigs, and professional audio recorders
- Consistent and Reliable
- Delivers stable audio performance in different environments
- Maintains minimal variation even in humid or outdoor conditions
- Powerful Yet Natural
- Captures strong, focused sound
- Preserves natural voice tone without harsh coloration or distortion
Sennheiser MKH 416 Ideal Use Cases
- Film and movie production
- Television broadcasting
- Voice-over recording
- Documentary filmmaking
- Outdoor interviews
- Professional YouTube production
Sennheiser MKH 416 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Industry-standard professional microphone |
Very expensive |
| Excellent noise rejection |
Requires proper boom handling |
| High clarity and speech focus |
Not ideal for untreated indoor rooms |
| Strong build quality |
Needs phantom power |
| Works well outdoors |
Narrow pickup requires precision |
Sennheiser MKH 416 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the price in Kenya?
A: It typically ranges between KSh 110,000 – 140,000 depending on the supplier.
Q2: What makes it special?
A: Its extreme directionality, low noise, and reliable outdoor performance.
Q3: Does it need power?
A: Yes, it requires 48V phantom power.
Q4: Is it good for indoor recording?
A: It works indoors but performs best in controlled environments.
Q5: Is it worth it?
A: Yes, it is a top-tier professional microphone used in broadcast and film industries.
Conclusion for Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Microphone
The Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Microphone is a premium industry-standard audio tool trusted by professionals worldwide for its accuracy, reliability, and clarity.
At a price of KSh 110,000 – 140,000 in Kenya, it remains one of the most respected microphones for capturing clean, focused, and natural sound in demanding production environments.
