Sennheiser MKH 418-S M-S Stereo RF Condenser Shotgun Microphone

Broadcast-Grade M-S Stereo Precision: Sennheiser MKH 418-S Shotgun Microphone

The Sennheiser MKH 418-S is an advanced M-S (Mid-Side) stereo shotgun microphone crafted specifically for field recording, outside broadcast (OB), feature film production, and documentary sound design where natural acoustic space and precise focus are required simultaneously.

Featuring two independent RF condenser capsules inside a slim 19 mm interference tube housing, the MKH 418-S captures direct speech via its supercardioid/lobar Mid (M) system while recording ambient acoustic width through its figure-8 Side (S) system. This design allows sound engineers to dial in the exact stereo breadth—from focused mono dialogue to wide ambient soundscapes—either on location or during mixdown. Available now in our Sennheiser pro audio store catalog, the MKH 418-S brings uncompromising RF condenser performance to complex stereo field applications.

Key Features & Pro-Level Advantages

• Mid-Side (M-S) Stereo Capsule Architecture: Combines a supercardioid/lobar Mid capsule (derived from the MKH 416) with a figure-8 Side capsule for complete control over stereo width and total mono compatibility.
• Moisture & Climate-Resistant RF Technology: Operates reliably in harsh weather, high-humidity environments, and extreme temperature shifts without crackle or signal dropouts.
• Extreme Off-Axis Rejection: The Mid capsule suppresses ambient background noise and reverberation while the Side capsule captures natural spatial ambience.
• Ultra-Low Self-Noise & High Sensitivity: RF circuit design ensures exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, preserving delicate background textures and micro-dynamics.
• Flexible Matrixing & Post-Production Control: Output signals can be recorded as independent M/S tracks for post-production adjustment or decoded live into standard L/R stereo.
• Compact 5-Pin XLR Output: Standard 5-pin XLR male connector outputs both M and S signals cleanly over balanced lines.

Key Technical Specifications

• Device Type: Professional M-S Stereo RF Condenser Shotgun Microphone

• Transducer Principle: Radio Frequency (RF) Condenser Microphone

• Polar Pattern: Mid (M): Supercardioid / Lobar | Side (S): Figure-8

• Frequency Response: 40 Hz – 20,000 Hz

• Sensitivity: Mid (M): 25 mV/Pa | Side (S): 10 mV/Pa (free field, no load, 1 kHz)

• Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 130 dB SPL

• Equivalent Noise Level: Mid (M): 14 dB(A) | Side (S): 22 dB(A)

• Nominal Impedance: 25 Ohms

• Termination Impedance: 800 Ohms (min.)

• Power Supply: 48 V ± 12 V Phantom Power (P48) for both channels

• Current Consumption: 2.3 mA per channel

• Connector Type: 5-Pin XLR-M (Gold-Plated)

• Dimensions: 19 mm (0.75″) diameter x 280 mm (11.02″) length

• Weight: Approx. 220 g (7.76 oz)

• Color / Finish: Matte Black Metal Finish

Compatibility & System Integration

• Recorder & Mixer Integration: Requires a 5-pin XLR female breakout cable (splitting to 2x standard 3-pin XLR male connectors) to feed two 48V phantom-powered mic preamps on field recorders (Sound Devices, Zoom, Tascam) or broadcast mixers.

• Boom Pole & Camera Rigging: Fits standard 19 mm mic clamps, boom pole shock mounts, and modular windshield blimp kits (compatible with Rycote and Sennheiser MZH windshield systems).

• Decoding & Software Workflows: M-S signal can be matrixed into L/R stereo in real time using field recorder onboard decoders or adjusted in post-production using standard DAW M-S plugins.

• Box Contents: 1x Sennheiser MKH 418-S M-S stereo shotgun microphone, protective storage case, quick start guide.

• System Expansion: Explore matching 5-pin breakout cables, boom poles, Rycote blimps, and Sennheiser RF studio microphones on our Sennheiser Brand Store.