MKH 8000 Digital and MKH 800 TWIN, Digital MKH Microphones from Sennheiser

A screw-on digital module turns the new, successful MKH 8020, MKH 8040 and MKH 8050 models into digital microphones that transmit audio signals according to the AES 42 standard. With conversion taking place directly behind the microphone head, the microphones’ clear, warm and responsive sound is directly “translated” to the digital world. Cable losses, disturbance from stray pick-up and deterioration in sound quality caused by analogue/digital transducers not being perfectly adapted to the microphone are now a thing of the past. New dimensions for recording technology are also being opened up by the (analogue) MKH 800 TWIN. At its output the dual capsule microphone provides both audio signals separately, allowing the mic’s pick-up pattern to be adjusted freely and remotely at the mixing desk, and then optimised later in the calm of the post-production studio…

AES 2008: Sennheiser heralds the arrival of its digital MKH microphones

“Discover New Horizons in Audio” is the theme for AES’s 124th Convention in its anniversary year. And new horizons are something that visitors can experience with audio specialist Sennheiser: “This AES Convention marks an important milestone for us, because it’s where we’ll be exhibiting the first digital Sennheiser microphones,” explains Volker Bartels, Speaker for Sennheiser’s Executive Team. “The AES Convention is the ideal forum for unveiling our digital
MKH 8000 series of microphones to the experts.”

MKH 8000 Digital

MKH 8000 Digital

A screw-on digital module turns the new, successful MKH 8020, MKH 8040 and MKH 8050 models into digital microphones that transmit audio signals according to the AES 42 standard. With conversion taking place directly behind the microphone head, the microphones’ clear, warm and responsive sound is directly “translated” to the digital world. Cable losses, disturbance from stray pick-up and deterioration in sound quality caused by analogue/digital transducers not being perfectly adapted to the microphone are now a thing of the past. Via an AES 42 interface, microphone parameters like low-cut filter or attenuation can be adjusted remotely. The digital module will be available from autumn 2008.

MKH 800 TWIN

MKH 800 TWIN

(l/r) MKH 800 TWIN Ni and MKh 800 TWIN Nx

New dimensions for recording technology are also being opened up by the (analogue) MKH 800 TWIN. At its output the dual capsule microphone provides both audio signals separately, allowing the mic’s pick-up pattern to be adjusted freely and remotely at the mixing desk, and then optimised later in the calm of the post-production studio. “This means sound engineers can feel pretty secure, free and relaxed, because the sound doesn’t have to be perfectly mixed in noisy control room conditions during recording — a time when things usually get pretty hectic,” explains master sound engineer Gregor Zielinsky from Sennheiser electronic. “Particularly when you’ve got overhead main mics, you really do appreciate being able to control things remotely.” The MKH 800 TWIN is available now.

Workshops and seminars
The new products can be tried out in five workshops all being run by Gregor Zielinsky, and listened to over a Pro Tools system in stereo and surround sound.

Sennheiser workshops (MKH 8000 Digital and MKH 800 TWIN):
Saturday, 17 May, at 11.00 and 15.00
Sunday, 18 May, at 16.00
Monday, 19 May, at 13.00 and 16.00
Room M

There are also two AES exhibitor seminars featuring the MKH 800 TWIN, with audio samples in surround DVD-audio:
Sunday, 18 May, 11.00 — 12.00
Monday, 19 May, 11.00 — 12.00
Room P

The Sennheiser Live Mixing Workshop
Saturday, 17 May, 14.00 — approx. 18.00
Forum

Visit Sennheiser at the AES, Hall 10, Stand 1809.

The Sennheiser Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of microphones, headphones and wireless transmission systems. A family firm established in 1945 and based in Wedemark near Hanover, Germany, the company recorded sales of over 356 million euros in 2006, 82% of which was generated abroad. Sennheiser employs over 1,800 worldwide, around 55% of whom are in Germany. Sennheiser has manufacturing plants in Germany, Ireland and the USA and is represented worldwide by subsidiaries in France, Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark (Nordic), Russia, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Mexico and the USA, as well as through long-term trading partners in other countries. Also part of the Sennheiser Group are Georg Neumann GmbH, Berlin (studio microphones), K + H Vertriebs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (Klein + Hummel studio monitors, installed sound) and the joint venture Sennheiser Communications A/S (headsets for PCs, offices and call centres).

More info: Gadget News, Sennheiser