The Sennheiser MKH 8020 is a modular omnidirectional condenser microphone with an ultra-wide 10–60,000 Hz frequency response, ideal for Decca Tree, OSS Jecklin Disk, or spaced-pair stereo recordings. Featuring symmetrical dual-backplate transducer, low self-noise, 138 dB max SPL, and Nextel-coated body, it excels in capturing pipe organs, grand pianos, and ambient sound with minimal distortion—available in stereo pairs.
The Sennheiser MKH 8020 is a flagship omnidirectional small-diaphragm condenser microphone engineered for the most demanding orchestral, studio, and field recording applications, phase-coherent audio across an extended frequency range of 10 Hz to 60 kHz (±3 dB). Its symmetrical transducer with dual backplates ensures extremely low harmonic distortion (<0.5% at 138 dB SPL) and a perfectly uniform 360° pickup pattern with no proximity effect—making it ideal for close-miking double bass or distant placement in Decca Tree, OSS Jecklin Disk, or spaced A-B stereo arrays. The modular design separates the capsule (41 mm) from the XLR output module (MZX 8000), allowing integration with MZL 8003 remote cable or MZD 8000 digital module for AES42 output. With ultra-low self-noise (10 dB A-weighted), high sensitivity (-30 dBV/Pa), and rugged Nextel-coated aluminum housing (IPX4 moisture resistance), it captures subtle ambient details and powerful transients without coloration. The MKH 8020 excels in surround recording (as M mic in Blumlein or ORTF), pipe organ fundamentals, and grand piano depth, while its transformerless, floating balanced output (100 Ω) ensures clean signal transfer over long cables.
Key Features
- Omnidirectional pattern: True 360° pickup, no proximity effect
- Extended frequency response: 10 Hz–60 kHz for sub-bass and ultrasonic detail
- Symmetrical dual-backplate capsule: <0.5% THD, extremely low distortion
- Ultra-low self-noise: 10 dB (A-weighted) for ambient and classical recording
- Modular design: Compatible with MZX 8000 XLR, MZL 8003 cable, MZD 8000 digital module
- Nextel coating: Non-reflective, durable, moisture-resistant (IPX4)
- Stereo pair option: Matched frequency/phase response for A-B, Decca Tree, Jecklin Disk
- Sennheiser MKH 8020 Compact Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone (Stereo Set)
- 2 x MKH 8020 Microphone Heads
- Case, Windscreen
- Pickup Pattern: Omnidirectional
- Transducer Type: Symmetrical Condenser (dual backplates)
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz–60 kHz (±3 dB)
- Sensitivity: -30 dBV/Pa (31.6 mV/Pa)
- Max SPL: 138 dB (0.5% THD)
- Self-Noise: 10 dB (A-weighted)
- Output Impedance: 25 Ω (with MZX 8000 module)
- Output Connector: XLR-3M balanced, transformerless, floating
- Power: 48 V Phantom ±4 V (3 mA)
- Dimensions: Ø 19 mm × 74 mm (41 mm capsule only)
- Weight: 55 g (with MZX 8000 module)
- Operating Temperature: -10°C to +60°C
