Sennheiser has just unveiled the MKH 8018, a compact stereo shotgun microphone designed for film, broadcast, and field recording. Unlike traditional shotgun mics, this one packs three switchable stereo modes, making it a versatile tool for capturing everything from dialogue to immersive environmental sound. It combines rugged field readiness and detailed stereo capture in a form factor that’s easy to boom or mount on a camera.
The MKH 8018 rounds out Sennheiser’s MKH 8000 series of RF condenser mics, known for their climate-proof durability and natural sound reproduction. The new model is non-modular, meaning it has a fixed XLR-5M output (unlike some of its siblings in the series). It also has a built-in -10dB pad, low-cut filters, and a frequency response tailored for film and broadcast work (40Hz–20kHz).
Stereo Capture, Three Ways
One of the main features of the MKH 8018 is its three switchable stereo modes. You’ve got MS (Mid-Side), XY-Narrow, and XY-Wide. MS mode is great if you want flexibility in post, capturing separate mid and side signals lets you adjust the stereo width on the fly in your DAW or on a mixer.
If you’re working live or want a baked-in stereo image, the XY modes (narrow and wide) are handled internally by the mic. The narrow mode focuses more on centre content, which is ideal for interviews or dialogue in busy environments. The wide mode gives you a broader soundstage, pulling in more of the ambient environment for immersive location sound or atmospheric recordings.
Built for Harsh Conditions
Like the rest of the MKH 8000 series, the 8018 uses RF condenser tech, which Sennheiser has been refining for over six decades. It’s designed to withstand humidity, temperature swings, and even electromagnetic interference, which is useful when shooting in unpredictable outdoor environments or near RF-heavy gear.
The mic’s body is lightweight aluminium, and Sennheiser has ditched the modular design here in favour of an all-in-one build. That includes a fixed XLR-5M output, internal stereo matrix, a -10 dB pad, and a -3 dB low-cut filter at 70 Hz for taming rumble and handling noise.
Frequency Response, Tailored for Real-World Use
Unlike some of the ultra-wide frequency responses seen in other MKH mics, the 8018 is more practical: it covers 40 Hz to 20 kHz. That range avoids picking up inaudible sub-bass noise or ultrasonic signals from autofocus systems, which can cause problems with some digital cameras and lenses.
Quiet and Accurate
The MKH 8018 has very low self-noise, as low as 12 dB A-weighted in some modes. This makes it well-suited for capturing quieter sound sources. Thanks to a highly directional stereo shotgun design, it offers a tight pickup pattern without the weird colouration that often comes with off-axis sounds on other mics.
Included and Optional Accessories
The mic comes with the basics out of the box: a foam windshield, mic clip, and threaded transport tube. It also has an MZR 8000 camera adapter, which makes it compatible with a variety of mic mounts and camera rigs.
If you’re planning to use it outdoors, Sennheiser has the MZS 20-1 suspension/pistol grip, MZW 60-1 basket windshield, and MZH 60-1 furry for wind protection.
Quick Specs Overview
- Type: RF condenser stereo shotgun
- Modes: MS, XY-Narrow, XY-Wide
- Frequency Response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz
- Self-Noise: As low as 12 dB(A) depending on mode
- Max SPL: >126 dB
- Output: Balanced XLR-5M
- Weight: 115 g
- Length: ~230 mm
- Phantom Power: 48V (IEC 61938)
Price and Availability
The Sennheiser MKH 8018 is available to buy now for $1999.
