Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $378
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "Sennheiser MK4". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Sennheiser MK4, a large-diaphragm, true condenser microphone meticulously designed for the professional studio settings and home recording enthusiasts alike. This German-made marvel offers fine resolution and outstanding sound quality, making it a perfect companion for both professional project studios and home recordists.
Crafted with a 1" true condenser capsule, based on the acoustics of the e 965 high-end vocal mic, the MK4 is optimized for recording. The transducer is manufactured in a Level 5 clean room, just like all high-end Sennheiser and Neumann condenser capsules, ensuring top-notch sound capture.
The MK4 comes with a sturdy metal housing and elastically mounted capsule, making it robust enough for demanding recording situations. Its maximum sound pressure level of 140dB and extremely low self-noise (10dB, A-weighted), make it a versatile choice for vocals, acoustic guitar, grand piano, strings, wind instruments, and even guitar amplifiers, drums, and percussion.
Key Features:
- Large 1" diaphragm precisely spattered with 24-carat gold
- Sturdy metal housing with nickel finish for enhanced durability
- Internally shock-mounted capsule for minimized structure-borne noise
- Maximum sound pressure level of 140dB and extremely low self-noise (10dB, A-weighted)
- Designed for project studios and stage use
- Made in Germany
- Comes with a microphone clip and a protective pouch
- Optional MKS 4 shockmount (not included) for improved handling noise suppression
- Requires +48V phantom power for operation
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Diaphragm Size | 1" (25.4mm) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 140dB |
| Output Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Self Noise | 10dB (A weighted) |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Stand Mount, Microphone Pouch |
FAQs
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Does the Sennheiser MK4 require phantom power?
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Yes, the Sennheiser MK4 requires +48V phantom power to operate, which is standard for condenser microphones.
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What is the polar pattern of the Sennheiser MK4?
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The Sennheiser MK4 features a cardioid polar pattern, making it ideal for capturing focused sound from the front while minimizing ambient noise from the sides and rear.
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Is the Sennheiser MK4 suitable for recording vocals?
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Yes, the Sennheiser MK4 is well-suited for recording vocals, offering a warm sound with vivid mids and detailed bass, making it a popular choice for studio vocal recordings.
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What type of connector does the Sennheiser MK4 use?
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The Sennheiser MK4 uses an XLR connector, which is commonly used in professional audio equipment for reliable signal transmission.
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Can the Sennheiser MK4 handle high sound pressure levels?
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Yes, the Sennheiser MK4 can handle sound pressure levels up to 140dB, making it suitable for recording loud sources like drums and amplified instruments without distortion.
Videos
Podcastage
Sennheiser MK4 Mic Review / Test
Sennheiser MK4 Mic Review / Test
Podcastage
Sennheiser MK4 im Test
musikmachen.de
Sennheiser MK4 im Test auf MusikMachen.de
musikmachen.de
Sennheiser MK4 vs Neumann TLM 103 - Condenser Mics Shootout on Guitar - Want 2 Check
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AKG C 214 vs Sennheiser MK4 - Condenser Mics Shootout on Upright Bass - Want 2 Check
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Audio-Technica AT2020 vs Sennheiser MK4 - Condenser Mics Shootout on Guitar - Want 2 Check
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Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality; crisp, clear, and full
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Comparable to high-end Neumann mics at a lower price
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Versatile; excellent for vocals, acoustic guitars, and more
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Durable build and solid construction
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Very sensitive, capturing nuanced sounds well
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Warm sound profile, beneficial for various applications
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Requires minimal de-essing, natural sounding
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Maintains quality over time, reliable for long-term use
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Performs well with different preamps
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Offers clarity and detail without harsh high frequencies
CONS
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Sensitive to background noise due to high sensitivity
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Lacks built-in features like a pad or high-pass filter
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May require acoustical treatment to minimize room echo
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Some users may prefer additional tone shaping options
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sennheiser MK4.
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
Mods and upgrades
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Using a foam windscreen with the MK4 can improve clarity when recording, especially in environments with ambient noise.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Desk-mounted boom arms are not recommended with the MK4 due to sensitivity; vibrations from surroundings may affect recording quality.
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A faulty Sennheiser MK4 can exhibit a persistent "SHHH" noise, likely indicating internal damage or moisture issues requiring attention.
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Storing the MK4 with desiccant sachets in its case can prevent moisture-related noise issues, especially in humid environments.
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Using a dehumidifier in a closed box with the MK4 can resolve moisture-related noise problems.
Source
User experience
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings
1186
Winner of my vocal mic shootout (baritone man)
Clean and natural, full and rich. Polished, but not in a glassy way, in a natural way. Awesome on the 12th fret of an acoustic guitar. I love mine to death. Scored one for $120 on CL. Not the prettiest mic, but the sound is top shelf, I highly recommend it. It also worked wonders on a friend of mine's voice too (man)
1168
Natural and clean
A/B'd with a Lewitt 440 Pure and prefer this on the 12th fret of an acoustic for fingerstyle. Cleaner and without the added sparkle that the Lewitt has. Not much in the looks department, but sounds awesome.
Artist usage
Add artist
Kendrick Lamar is confirmed to use the Sennheiser MK4 microphone for recording his vocals in the song "Pyrex (It's Alive)" with Dr. Dre, as evidenced by a Beats by Dre commercial spot. The specific moment showcasing this occurs at 0:23 in the video by Parox on YouTube.
In Fehrplay's twitter Q&A he said he uses a Sennheiser MK4 microphone to record his own sounds.
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In a photo from the performance of Los Tres in Talca on January 11, 2025, it is evident that the Fender Custom Series '57 Bandmaster amplifier is being miked with a Sennheiser MK4, which is part of Álvaro Henriquez's gear. The image provides clear proof of Henriquez's use of this microphone.
The band used these microphones in the Broken Lives acoustic video.
In a Twitter post promoting one of his Twitch live streams, Dan Lambton mentions using a Sennheiser MK4 microphone for his voice. He has previously used this microphone for various musical recordings. Dan and his band, Real Friends, are associated with Sennheiser.
In his YouTube video titled "I recorded a comedy album by myself," Daniel Thrasher discusses using the Sennheiser MK4 microphone.
Trevor Wentworth uses the Sennheiser MK4 microphone in the acoustic version of "Broken Lives" by Our Last Night, as seen in their YouTube video.
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Chris Cole showcases the Sennheiser MK4 microphone in an Instagram post, expressing gratitude to Sennheiser for the setup as he tests his vocals.
Album Usage
The Sennheiser MK4 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sennheiser MK4, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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