Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$1,799.00
Amazon
3.6 (4)
$1,799.00
Reverb
$1,516.71 1 available Used
B&H
$1,799.00
Thomann
4.4 (5)
$1,466.00
Vintage King
$1,799.00

Average Price: $1,696

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sennheiser MKH 418-S". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your audio capture capabilities with the Sennheiser MKH 418-S Stereo Shotgun Condenser Microphone. Engineered for professionals who demand precision, this microphone is your go-to for stereo audio recording across film, television, and live events. Its mid-side design offers an unparalleled ability to capture lifelike stereo spacing, making your recordings impressively dynamic and immersive.

The MKH 418-S is built to endure, featuring climate-resistant capsules that stand up to harsh environmental conditions, ensuring you never miss a moment, no matter where your project takes you. Its durable, sleek black matte finish not only withstands the rigors of fieldwork but also adds a touch of elegance to your gear setup. The advanced RF condenser technology ensures reliable performance even in the most challenging climates, promising crystal-clear audio whether you're working indoors or outdoors.

Designed with an internal shotgun mic for mid signals and a secondary mic for side signals in a figure-8 pattern, this microphone ensures comprehensive and balanced sound capture. Note that a Neumann Y-cable is required for operation, ensuring you have everything you need for seamless audio integration.

Key Features:

  • Mid-side shotgun mic for stereo audio recording in film, television, and live events
  • Advanced RF condenser technology for reliable operation in challenging climates
  • Internal shotgun mic captures mid signals; secondary mic captures side signals in a figure-8 pattern
  • Frequency response: 40-20000 Hz
  • Climate-resistant capsules and durable metal enclosure
  • Requires Neumann Y-cable for operation

Owner's manual

Sennheiser MKH 418-S User Manual

Product specs

Microphone Type Shotgun RF Condenser
Mono/Stereo Stereo
Polar Pattern Mid-Side Stereo
Frequency Response 40Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 130dB SPL
Output Impedance 25 ohms
Self Noise 14dB A Weighted (M), 24dB A Weighted (S)
Power Phantom Power
Connector 5-pin XLR
Length 11"
Weight 0.48 lbs.
Included Accessories Carrying Case

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the Sennheiser MKH 418-S and how does it affect recording?

The Sennheiser MKH 418-S features a Mid-Side (M-S) stereo polar pattern, which allows for precise stereo imaging and spatial representation, making it ideal for capturing ambient soundscapes in film, radio, and television applications.

Does the Sennheiser MKH 418-S require phantom power?

Yes, the Sennheiser MKH 418-S requires 48V phantom power to operate, which is commonly supplied by professional audio interfaces and mixers.

What are the primary applications for the Sennheiser MKH 418-S microphone?

The Sennheiser MKH 418-S is primarily used for film, radio, and television production, as well as reporting, due to its excellent clarity, compact size, and ability to capture detailed stereo sound both indoors and outdoors.

How does the Sennheiser MKH 418-S connect to audio equipment?

The Sennheiser MKH 418-S connects via a 5-pin XLR connector, which is standard for high-quality stereo microphones and compatible with professional audio equipment.

What is the frequency response of the Sennheiser MKH 418-S?

The Sennheiser MKH 418-S has a frequency response range of 40Hz to 20kHz, allowing it to capture a wide spectrum of audio frequencies with clarity and detail.

Tim Whitt Sound

Tim Whitt Sound

LETS TEST: Sennheiser MKH416 vs MKH418-S shotgun microphone shootout

Video thumbnail for LETS TEST: Sennheiser MKH416 vs MKH418-S shotgun microphone shootout by Tim Whitt Sound

LETS TEST: Sennheiser MKH416 vs MKH418-S shotgun microphone shootout

Tim Whitt Sound

Tim Whitt Sound

Video thumbnail for About Microphones and MS recordings with Sennheiser 418 by Cujo Sound by Cujo Sound

About Microphones and MS recordings with Sennheiser 418 by Cujo Sound

Cujo Sound

Cujo Sound

Video thumbnail for MS-Stereophonie. MS-Mikrophonie mit dem MKH418S (German) by Keyboardseminare

MS-Stereophonie. MS-Mikrophonie mit dem MKH418S (German)

Keyboardseminare

Keyboardseminare

Reviews

PROS

  • Size and comfort similar to MKH 416

  • Durable metal cover

  • MS stereo allows for post-recording width adjustments

  • Hypercardioid front capsule for clear dialogues

  • Versatile for both ambience-field recording and sound design

  • Can be used in mono for focused dialog recording

CONS

  • High self-noise level in side (S) microphone

  • Heavy 5-wire cable

  • Lacks noise reduction compared to other MKH-40 series models

  • No bass roll-off or pad feature

  • Phantom power requirement can drain mobile recorder batteries quickly

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sennheiser MKH 418-S.

Comparisons

  • The mid channel of the MKH418S sounds similar but not identical to the MKH416 due to differences in interference tube characteristics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MKH418S offers M/S stereo recording with a shotgun and figure-8 capsule, providing flexibility for capturing ambience and directional sound.

    Source
  • The MKH418S requires a 5-pin XLR, distinguishing it from the mono MKH416 which uses a 3-pin XLR connector.

    Source
  • Users can create a summing stack to control levels directly with sliders, offering flexibility to blend stereo room sound and maintain mono signal for mix compatibility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for documentary filming, the MKH418S can capture both dialogue and stereo atmospheres, making it versatile for various recording situations.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Logic Pro users need to manually create a summing stack with aux channels for proper mid/side processing with the MKH 418-S, as no stock plugins exist for this task.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Avoid using sends for stereo balancing in Logic; routing is crucial as panned mono signals lose strength when sent, even if set to pre-fader.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners often mistakenly use the MKH 418-S like an MKH 416 due to unfamiliarity with mid/side processing, missing out on its stereo capabilities.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
danny_g

Its a M/S-Version of the well known 416

I has a Hypercardioid capsule like the 416 at the front, and a figure 8 at the sides. Both Capsules need Phantom Power in order to work (can drain Batterylife of mobile recorders real quick). But its great for ambience- field recording and sound design. But You can use it as a regular 418 in mono for dialog when you turn the side signal completely down.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Caroline Polachek uses Sennheiser MKH 418-S

Caroline Polachek

Singer, Keyboardist

Chairlift

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Tiny Desk Concert performance, Caroline Polachek uses a Sennheiser MKH 418-S microphone for vocals.

See how NPR Tiny Desk Concert uses Sennheiser MKH 418-S

NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The NPR Tiny Desk Concerts utilize the Sennheiser MKH 418-S microphone, as demonstrated in the NPR Music video "How We Record Audio At The Tiny Desk" on YouTube.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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