Sennheiser’s MZD 8000 Digital Module at AES 2008
The fantastic sound of the MKH 8000 series can now be digitalised directly at the microphone head, ensuring a natural sound without any loss of quality. The compact digital module is simply screwed onto the microphone head in place of the XLR module. Like all signal-carrying components in the 8000 series, the module is designed with two channels and converts the microphone signal according to the AES 42 standard, turning the audio signal of the MKH 8020 (omni-directional), MKH 8040 (cardioid) and MKH 8050 (super-cardioid) into a digital one. “Signal disruptions caused by interference or cable capacitance are a thing of the past, as digitalisation takes place directly behind the microphone head,” Schmitz adds…
Going digital:
Sennheiser’s successful MKH 8000 series
Audio specialist Sennheiser is unveiling the MZD 8000 digital module at AES 2008. The fantastic sound of the MKH 8000 series can now be digitalised directly at the microphone head, ensuring a natural sound without any loss of quality.
MZD 8000 series
“A warm, natural, yet fantastically clear and powerful sound is what makes the MKH 8000 series really stand out,” explains Sebastian Schmitz, Product Manager for microphones at Sennheiser. “The new digital module ensures that this sound is maintained in full quality along the entire signal chain. In contrast to conventional digitalisation, which uses a separate analogue/digital converter at some stage in the chain, the Sennheiser MZD 8000 digital module eliminates cable losses and, most importantly, features a converter and surrounding circuitry that have been optimally matched to the microphone.”
MZD 8000 series
Digital microphones in an instant
The compact digital module is simply screwed onto the microphone head in place of the XLR module. Like all signal-carrying components in the 8000 series, the module is designed with two channels and converts the microphone signal according to the AES 42 standard, turning the audio signal of the MKH 8020 (omni-directional), MKH 8040 (cardioid) and MKH 8050 (super-cardioid) into a digital one. “Signal disruptions caused by interference or cable capacitance are a thing of the past, as digitalisation takes place directly behind the microphone head,” Schmitz adds.
Remote control made easy
In addition to the A/D converter (24-bit, sampling rate up to 192 kHz), the digital module contains a DSP unit which, with the aid of dedicated PC control software and an AES 42 interface, allows microphone settings such as the low-cut filter, attenuation and limiter to be remote-controlled. The interface, e.g. Neumann’s DMI, also provides the phantom power and word clock for synchronising the microphones. Alternatively, the microphones can be synchronised using an external word clock. “Their modular design makes these microphones absolutely future-proof,” explains Sebastian Schmitz. “Digital MKH 8000 microphones are the first choice when it comes to recording classical music, as well as for studio work and broadcasting.”
Baptism of fire
The first completely digital recording using MKH 8000 microphones will take place at the end of May: the orchestra of the University of Music and Drama in Hanover, conducted by Eiji Oue, Principal Conductor of the NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, will be recording Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 and Ravel’s orchestration of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Those interested in finding out about the new digital microphones prior to this event are warmly invited to attend the Sennheiser workshops in Room M.
The digital module for the MKH 8000 range will be available from autumn 2008.
Sennheiser workshops on digital microphones and the
MKH 800 TWIN are being held in Room M on
Saturday, 17 May, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Sunday, 18 May, at 4 p.m.
Monday, 19 May, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
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 people 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