Sennheiser shotgun microphone, 170mm length, supercardioid pickup pattern, IP54 rated. Compact alternative for handheld cameras and tight shooting spaces.
The frequency response ranges from 30 Hz to 20 kHz with a linear characteristic. The microphone features a supercardioid polar pattern, achieving 20 dB attenuation at 90° and 25 dB at 180° at 1 kHz. The sound pressure level is a maximum of 130 dB SPL (with 1% THD), and the self-noise is 15 dB(A). Phantom power is supplied via 48V with a current consumption of 2 mA. The weather-resistant housing is IP54 certified and operates within a temperature range of -40°C to +70°C.
Sennheiser introduced the MKE 8060 in 2010 as a compact alternative to longer shotgun microphones. It arose from the need to develop a directional microphone that was discreet enough for tight camera work but still offered the directivity of larger models. The development was based on Sennheiser's decades of experience with the MKH series. Since 2015, the microphone has also been available in a black version to reduce visibility during video recording.
The MKE 8060 is particularly suitable for handheld cameras and Steadicam shots where longer shotgun microphones would intrude into the frame. Documentary filmmakers appreciate its mobility and low susceptibility to wind. In "Captain Fantastic" (2016), the microphone was used for forest scenes where its compact design was crucial. The microphone shows its strengths with dialogue at medium distances (1-3 meters), while it reaches its limits at greater distances. The directivity decreases at low frequencies, which can be problematic with bass-heavy ambient noise.
Compared to the longer Sennheiser MKH 416 (280 mm), the MKE 8060 offers less directivity but more flexibility in confined shooting situations. The Røde NTG3 (255 mm) provides stronger directivity but is significantly longer and heavier. For interior recordings, the Audio-Technica AT4053b competes as a hypercardioid capsule microphone with a similar length but a wider pickup pattern. Modern alternatives include the Deity V-Mic D3 Pro or the Røde VideoMic NTG, which are primarily designed for content creators.
Ich verwende das MKE 8060 hauptsächlich bei handheld Shots und in engen Räumen, wo ein langes Shotgun-Mikrofon ins Bild ragen würde. Die kompakte Bauform ermöglicht es mir, auch bei dynamischen Kamerabewegungen nah am Geschehen zu bleiben, ohne dass das Mikrofon die Bildkomposition stört. Besonders bei Dokumentaraufnahmen ist die Diskretion des Mikrofons entscheidend für authentische Momente.
Das MKE 8060 nutze ich gezielt für intimate Szenen, wo eine natürliche, weniger stark gerichtete Aufnahme gewünscht ist. Die geringere Richtwirkung gegenüber längeren Shotguns fängt mehr Raumatmosphäre ein, was bei Charakterstudien oder emotionalen Dialogen die gewünschte Nähe zum Protagonisten schafft. In beengten Sets ermöglicht es mir, spontane Kamerabewegungen zu realisieren, ohne die Tonqualität zu kompromittieren.
Das MKE 8060 kostet etwa 650 Euro und amortisiert sich durch die Zeitersparnis beim Setup - kein aufwendiges Booming bei engen Shots. Für Low-Budget-Produktionen ist es ideal, da ein Tonmann weniger Equipment handhaben muss und wir flexibler auf Location-Gegebenheiten reagieren können. Die robuste Bauweise reduziert Ausfallzeiten, was bei straffen Drehplänen entscheidend ist.
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