Published 7/5/08
Make your own polar pattern!
Sennheiser’s latest microphone is the MKH 800 Twin, a dual-capsule condenser model that’s based on the revered MKH 800. It has two separate cardioid capsules, mounted coincidentally and back-to-back, and each capsule has a dedicated output that can be fed to any standard mic preamp.
This means that the engineer or sound recordist can achieve their own polar pattern and directionality, by combining different amounts of the signal from each capsule (and experimenting with phase polarity). They can also, of course, process each capsule’s signal separately.
Sennheiser say that “in acoustically bad conditions, it’s possible to put EQ or filters on the rear-facing capsule only, still having the polar pattern required, but enabling fine-tuning not possible with other microphones”. The company also say that the mic is particularly suited to recording using the ‘double MS’, or ‘Mid-Sides-Mid’ technique, which can be used for surround applications. Using equal amounts of the two cardioid capsules as well as an additional figure-of-eight mic for the sides channel, you can derive signals for rear left and right, and front left, right and centre channels.
Because of the versatility of the Twin, it doesn’t feature the four pattern-selection and frequency-response adjustment knobs that were found on the original MKH 800. Its signals can be recorded for later processing and even re-mixing, enabling engineers to make minute adjustments to the sound of the mics.
The Twin is available in two finishes: standard satin nickel and non-reflective Nextel, the latter of which is designed for use in TV and film work, where the mics can be located in-shot, without reflecting the studio lights. In the UK, the MKH 800 Twin will retail for £2931 including VAT, while US customers can expect to pay around $3350.
Sennheiser UK +44 (0)1494 551 551
www.sennheiser.co.uk
Sennheiser’s latest microphone is the MKH 800 Twin, a dual-capsule condenser model that’s based on the revered MKH 800. It has two separate cardioid capsules, mounted coincidentally and back-to-back, and each capsule has a dedicated output that can be fed to any standard mic preamp. This means that the engineer or sound recordist can achieve their own polar pattern and directionality, by combining different amounts of the signal from each capsule (and experimenting with phase polarity). They can also, of course, process each capsule’s signal separately.
Sennheiser say that “in acoustically bad conditions, it’s possible to put EQ or filters on the rear-facing capsule only, still having the polar pattern required, but enabling fine-tuning not possible with other microphones”. The company also say that the mic is particularly suited to recording using the ‘double MS’, or ‘Mid-Sides-Mid’ technique, which can be used for surround applications. Using equal amounts of the two cardioid capsules as well as an additional figure-of-eight mic for the sides channel, you can derive signals for rear left and right, and front left, right and centre channels.
Because of the versatility of the Twin, it doesn’t feature the four pattern-selection and frequency-response adjustment knobs that were found on the original MKH 800. Its signals can be recorded for later processing and even re-mixing, enabling engineers to make minute adjustments to the sound of the mics.
The Twin is available in two finishes: standard satin nickel and non-reflective Nextel, the latter of which is designed for use in TV and film work, where the mics can be located in-shot, without reflecting the studio lights. In the UK, the MKH 800 Twin will retail for £2931 including VAT, while US customers can expect to pay around $3350.
Sennheiser UK +44 (0)1494 551 551
www.sennheiser.co.uk
