Sennheiser MKH 418-S Stereo Shotgun Microphone – Mid-Side (M-S) for Professional Broadcast and Film Sound

Sennheiser MKH 418S Stereo Shotgun Microphone

Capture focused, immersive stereo audio for professional video, film, and broadcast production with the Sennheiser MKH 418S stereo shotgun microphone. Designed for high-end location and studio recording, this powerful mic utilizes the Mid-Side (M/S) stereo recording technique to deliver precise directionality with natural stereo imaging, making it ideal for capturing dialogue, ambience, and environmental sound with remarkable spatial accuracy.

Accurate Mid-Side Stereo Recording

The MKH 418S is built with two independent internal microphone elements to deliver true M/S stereo. The mid signal is captured through a highly directional shotgun capsule, emphasizing sound from the front while minimizing noise from the sides. This allows for clean and focused audio, even in complex environments.

The side signal is captured using a dedicated microphone with a figure-of-eight polar pattern. This element records the spatial nuances and room character, creating a realistic stereo image when combined with the mid signal. This combination offers exceptional flexibility in post-production, allowing you to control the stereo width or collapse to mono without phase issues.

Wide Frequency Response and High SPL Handling

With a frequency response of 40 Hz to 20 kHz, the MKH 418S captures a full spectrum of detail from low-end rumble to high-end presence. It also handles sound pressure levels up to 130 dB SPL, making it suitable for dynamic sound environments such as live events, action scenes, or loud crowds.

Professional Dual-Channel Output

The MKH 418S features a 5-pin XLR male output, which sends the mid and side signals separately to your recorder, mixer, or matrix system. This setup gives engineers the freedom to decode the M/S signal into left/right stereo or fine-tune it to match the scene’s spatial requirements.

Both internal microphone systems require +48V phantom power, which can be supplied by any standard dual-channel phantom power source, including Sennheiser MZA 14 P48 power adapters or compatible professional mixers and interfaces.

Built for Field and Studio Use

Housed in a rugged, weather-resistant body, the MKH 418S is designed to perform in challenging environments, from studio booths to remote outdoor locations. Its durable construction ensures reliability in demanding production workflows, while its slim profile makes it ideal for use on boom poles or camera mounts.

This microphone is a trusted choice for location sound engineers, documentary filmmakers, and broadcast professionals looking for highly directional, stereo-capable shotgun mics that deliver excellent audio clarity and depth.