The Sennheiser MKH-50's Secret Flaw - Sound Speeds

Let me start by saying that no, I'm not out to get Sennheiser nor am I here to poke at the engineering, design or anything about the Sennheiser MKH-50 microphone at all. On the contrary... the MKH-50 is one of the most notable microphones used in the motion picture and television industry because of it's low self noise, reach, smooth supercardioid pattern and beautiful tone all for a very reasonable $1200.
The "secret flaw" I refer to in this video's title is indeed a fair, non-click-bait title that doesn't just apply to the MKH-50 but many MKH series microphones and potentially any other microphone with switches recessed into the microphone's casing. There's a simple solution to this issue and I share it in this video so please don't think I'm trashing the MKH-50. Believe me when I say you should strongly consider a MKH-50 if you want some of the best dialogue tracks you've ever heard. As a matter of fact, you should consider the entire MKH line of microphones. Below you'll find links to 5 MKH series microphones you can expect to be top notch regardless of what you're recording.
MKH-40 Cardioid: amzn.to/2KbEDqH
MKH-50 Supercardioid: amzn.to/2M4Z9Lf
MKH-60 short shotgun: amzn.to/2Ovr7S3
MKH-70 long shotgun: amzn.to/2OvZxUM
MKH-416 short shotgun: amzn.to/2AofdX0
Please note that the above links are affiliate links and if you purchase something using one of these links, you'll pay the same price that you'd find on Amazon if you looked it up yourself but Amazon will pay me a small referral fee for sending you there to make a purchase.
That said, the MKH-50 does indeed have a tragic flaw that is usually not even spoken amongst professionals therefore it is indeed a secret. In this video I'll expose this secret flaw present in one of the world's most popular film and television microphones.
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[@oHeezy1011]

I can't believe I haven't noticed this issue. Thanks for the tip. Going to start covering that up

[@SoundSpeeds]

Josh's Sound Yeah, it's not a commonly discussed thing.

[@wcsdiaries]

@@SoundSpeeds Does the 8050 have this same problem?

[@SoundSpeeds]

No. Totally different design

[@ChrisPFuchs]

Well this makes sense why my wind protection wasn't working as well as I thought it should.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Chris Fuchs Totally. People disbelieve this without fact checking because Sennheiser makes such solid products. As with anything, it's not perfect but is very, very good.

[@HopeProphecy]

Would you recommend using the foam microphone cover in an indoor studio on the MKH50?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes

[@HopeProphecy]

@@SoundSpeeds thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing

[@drestaz]

with this tip i'm gonna blow my mixer's mind on monday. thanks for ensuring i keep my job for a little while longer.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Glad to help!

[@charlesisrecording]

never saw that one coming, good thing you have our backs with sound advice 😎

[@SoundSpeeds]

Carlos Miniño Yay experience and being a sound dork.

[@배승민-h6o]

I will be using MKH 50 in a room full of air conditioning, and you just saved my sound! ;-) Thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

The pleasure is mine. Thanks for watching my video!

[@lamenamethefirst]

Although, turning off the air conditioning would arguably save your sound even more.

[@thogan]

I currently use a AT40534b indoors but am considering getting a MKH 50 as online comparions show the MKH 50 sounds clearer and more crisp. However, I am wondering if the MKH 50 is more directional and will be less forgiving for an amatuer boom mic operator compared to the AT4053b? I usual operate the camera and have to recruit someone on set to be boom mic operator or will have the boom static on a stand holding the mic between to actors facing each other to pick up dialog from both actors without cueing.

[@SoundSpeeds]

The MKH-50 is extremely forgiving. Probably the most forgiving mic I can think of. You won't be sorry.

[@thogan]

@@SoundSpeeds I bought the MKH 50 received on March 7, 2024. But it has intermittently gone completely dead and then later started working again. When it went dead plugged into a Zoom F6 a couple of days ago, I tried changing all the cables but nothing helped. So I unplugged the MKH 50 and instead plugged in my MKH 416 which worked fine for the rest of the day. So I sent the MKH 50 to Sennheiser warranty support in Connecticut via UPS at the cost of $120 which included $40 for insurance.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That sucks. 50s are really robust so it must have been defective or dropped.

[@thogan]

@@SoundSpeeds Sennheiser warranty service indicated that they found "Power problem or not operating, MIC Microphone section bad contact/connection, Refurbishing / reconditioning" and have shipped it back to me.

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@DrRussell]

I wonder if this a design feature to allow air to one side of the diaphragm for optimal movement, a little like how the eustachian tube allows air through our noses to reach our middle ear to pressure-equalise? Could it be better to cover the switches with a porus felt/foam to achieve your most astute observation whilst preserving air flow? Really appreciate people like you who manage the details. Thank you Sir.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Good question but no. Condenser mics don't work that way. The capsule doesn't move that much. Allowing air flow at all would continue to allow the capsule to pop defeating the purpose.

[@DrRussell]

@@SoundSpeeds understood, thank you.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing

[@ULTRA7862]

Hello, I'm dreaming about the MKH 50 but it is so far out of my comfort zone price-wise that I can't see myself spending that much on a mic for my use case. I appreciate good equipment but this is just too expensive for me. My main use is spoken dialogue indoors. Would you happen to have a recommendation for a well-priced alternative? As I am not knowledgeable about viable alternatives and max budget is about US$600. I will just be running it into a Zoom F3.

[@SoundSpeeds]

The budget version is the MKE600. I like the NTG5 under $500 though

[@ULTRA7862]

@@SoundSpeeds You are recommending shotguns for indoor dialogue?

[@SoundSpeeds]

If you use them properly, it's not an issue. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpiTiWxmqZykmtU

[@bigdoghat3827]

Does taping the switches change the sonic personality of the microphone? Surely Seinheiser factored in the open switches into the microphone's sonic stamp. Any chance we could hear a taped/not taped recording of the same sound with this mic? Many thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Good question but no, I'm not about to do that test. I've taped the 50 up for years (as have many pros) and never noticed any difference in sonic change. Wind crossing the mic would be terrible though. Since the sound difference would be deep within the mic completely off axis to the front lobe, I don't see any sound fighting thru the mic to get to the capsule making a bit of a difference. The mic is the sum of all acoustic vibrations coming in from all angles and at that axis, any sound would be reduced to negligible.

[@vilmasladogna5430]

Hi Allen! I want to buy this microphone!. . In Reviews I heard it is quite sensitive to hand booming. It is right? . In your experience, what is the best Shockmount for this microphone? Or is it a matter of practice?

[@SoundSpeeds]

It is a bassy microphone so handling noise will be magnified. I've found that the Cinela Osix-3, Rycote Inv-7 or PSC McDonald M5 are best at isolation if you set it up right.

[@ColinZiemer1]

Bit the $1200 bullet and got this mic for my kit. Using it on s feature I’m mixing/booming on

[@SoundSpeeds]

You'll love it

[@QuinnAden]

You're a mad scientist. Subbed!

[@SoundSpeeds]

:-) Thanks Quinn and welcome aboard.

[@Mile26point2films]

Hey Allen I have the Oktava-012, with a hyper cardioid pick-up pattern. I just wanted to know if the paper tape leaves any sticky residue, also is it like painters tape?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Alejandro Reyes Whether it's sticky or not depends on the tape you use. The longer a sticky tape is on the mic in hot environments the more sticky residue will be present. The good news is it shouldn't hurt the mic even if you remove it with something like GooGone.

[@charlesisrecording]

great mic, I have it in that same configuration

[@SoundSpeeds]

Carlos Miniño It's a poor man's MKH-50 match IF you had the mod done AND if you're doing something going gunfire in the scene. Basically... if you don't want to risk a 50 during scenes with heavy gunfire between dialogue, you can use the Oktava.

[@jas_bataille]

Always use good gaffing tape, also known as camera tape, and nothing else.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Ok

[@TheHoleshoes]

Thanks for making this video! very helpful! I'm just curious, what kind of tape are you using? gaffe tape?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I like using clear Magic Tape so I can see the switches but if on a show that requires me to constantly enable the pad, I'll use black gaff with a tap on it so I can easily peel it back when I need to.

[@marcussmith9807]

Wow, how did you figure this out? It is such a specific issue.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I didn't. It's something I learned years ago and shared.

[@deivivargas9247]

Wow. Thanks

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching Dave.

[@gregorv4951]

thats problem (or not) with all mics that has that construction. I have Neumann 82i and it is very sensitive if slightly wind goes on switches. Some tape and or put switches at place where mic mount is to cover them.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I've used the 82 a bunch and never noticed that. Maybe because it always lives in a zepp. I'll have to investigate.

[@gregorv4951]

@@SoundSpeeds yes windcover protect it. I have only foam and switch is exposed

[@SoundSpeeds]

Good to know. Thank you.

[@stereothrilla8374]

You’re the man Alan!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks! 😎

[@joaovitorjoaovitor]

I'm very glad I watched this video before having such problems.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's not just the 50. I recommend checking all mics you use exterior.

[@joaovitorjoaovitor]

I'll be sure to keep it in mind

[@ColinZiemer1]

Used my 416 indoors and today I’m booming the 50 outdoors

[@SoundSpeeds]

Seems backwards to me but if it sounds good...

[@ColinZiemer1]

@@SoundSpeeds for the outdoor fight scene and 2 person walk and talk the 50 was the mic I went with. Switched to 416 for the medium shots.

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@jonboo]

AMAZING! Thank you!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Glad to help.

[@Gregg0Palmer]

Excellent Information!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Gregg Palmer Critical to know too.

[@wcsdiaries]

Great video, am wondering if the 8000 series has same problem

[@SoundSpeeds]

No. Different design.

[@wcsdiaries]

@@SoundSpeeds between the mkh 50 and 8050 which do you prefer?

[@SoundSpeeds]

50 for reach but 8050 for everything else

[@eliasfuentes5096]

Thanks for the info!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Elias Fuentes Glad to help.

[@kstrain1]

It's funny, I've been telling people to cover those holes for years. Good video proof!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes sir! The switches on the 60 and 70 are a made differently and I've heard they don't have this issue. Still need to test it.

[@kstrain1]

@@SoundSpeeds and I haven't used either of those mics in years, especially since the CMIT and the 50 are so good. I actually think the 50 sounds way better than the 60. It's like they're totally different mics.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@kstrain1 I like the 60 better than the 416 personally but yeah, the 50 is a totally different creature. I think it's the capsule being tuned better to a short and practically nonexistent interference tube. Personally... I find that the 50 has too much proximity effect when you play it where most mixers want you to, on the frame line. It's easily the most forgiving boom mic I'm aware of but I like the sound of it better 6-9 inches over an actor's head.

[@mirelcristea6626]

wow...indeed

[@SoundSpeeds]

;-)

[@UporaFilms]

What about the supposedly annoying RF interference issue with the 50?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Two things... 1) IF the pins on the inside of the XLR are gold, it should be as RF shielded as it can get. If silver, if may need to go to Sennheiser for the RF upgrade. 2) If you're using it with the Audio Limited A10, you'll need filters on any female XLR connector going into a microphone in the signal chain. Do either apply?

[@UporaFilms]

@@SoundSpeeds Maybe, I just heard that even the RF upgraded ones still have RF issues with some of todays sets (shrug). I rented an MKH-50 couple of weeks ago for a gig and loooooooved it, no issues whats so ever until later that day. The boom Op and I hadn't needed the use of our Comtek talkback, so it was turned off most of the day. On the last dialogue scene of the day, I decided to use it and turned it on during a break. Immediately got RF interference from the 50. Eliminating the talkback resolved the issue. Scared me so I've gone with a CS-M1 for the time being. Which btw, would you be interested in doing a comparison video of the two?

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@UporaFilms I haven't had any issues with any mic ever since... 1) Using star quad on all cables especially those going to microphones 2) Using a Neutrik EMC female connector on every one of my cables. Do that and you shouldn't have RF issues. Watch my review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJSWlJWCo8igppI As for the MKH-50 vs the CSM1... I'm not a fan of the CSM1 at all (except the weight and size) so I'll not be comparing them unless paid to do so. Also, you should watch this video on eliminating RFI/EMI. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqnRemisq56MmJo

[@UporaFilms]

@@SoundSpeeds Nice thanks for the info on the EMC's. I'm curious now, what don't you like about the CS-M1?

[@UporaFilms]

@@SoundSpeeds So our booms for the majority of the time is wireless, using an mm1 and smqv. Coiled xlr from the mm1 to the boom but the female is right angle. Do they make a right angle connector version?

[@davidaliperti]

taping the holes do not affect the polar diagram?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Not a bit. This is closing the microphone casing to prevent air from entering the case and affecting the diaphragm from the backside.

[@ezekiel974]

Do you think the schoeps cmit surfer from the same flaw ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

CMIT 5U? No, those are electronic buttons not an open switch.

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

Would you recommend the 50 for voiceover as much as the 40?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes. It's wonderful

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

@@SoundSpeeds Noice!

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@ThisHandleIsInteresting]

@@SoundSpeeds Just ordered it from Sweetwater yesterday. They don’t get another restocking till the end of the month 😆

[@SoundSpeeds]

You'll love it.

[@jalexanderevans]

Does the 8050 suffer from this as well?

[@SoundSpeeds]

No. It's the design of these switches and the 8050 has a different design.

[@RHS_video_club]

wow it seems like the sound changed when you lifted your finger off the switches!

[@SoundSpeeds]

At what point?

[@RHS_video_club]

@@SoundSpeeds 01:55

[@SoundSpeeds]

I don't know that I had it up except when you needed to hear from it. It was probably my presentation mic going a little off axis.

[@RHS_video_club]

@@SoundSpeeds ah okay!! thanks for following up :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing! Thanks for watching!

[@systematic-sound]

Thats a super cardiod capsule....Do you know what a pressure gradient transducer is?? Dont tape the slots on the side!!!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Um, no... first of all supercardioid and yes, I know all about pressure gradient transducers. You don't tape the slots, you tape the switches. Big difference.

[@systematic-sound]

@@SoundSpeeds nope i can see clearly you are taping the pressure gradient component and teh hole capsule even. All you do is block the air flow. You clearly dont know what you are doing here.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@systematic-sound No, look again. The only place you tape is the roll off and and the pad switches. Any other tape you see is on metal as a label. Not covering anything necessary for the pattern, fidelity, etc.

[@systematic-sound]

@@SoundSpeeds No man the slots on the side are the components. it is OBVIOUS that they are taped. And looking at the overlap of the tape and teh fact that you folded it inside, it does tell me that big part of the capsule grid are taped too.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@systematic-sound Oh, wait... you're talking about when I taped over the entire capsule and slips to prevent any air from touching the capsule and then gently blew into the switches to show how the capsule is affected by wind? Yeah, OK. That was a test to prove that the switches aren't sealed from the capsule. Is it really that hard to understand what I was doing and why I did that? Nobody would ever tape over the capsule and slits then expect the mic to be usable. So, for clarification, the only place you tape is the two switches on the side of the mic. You don't tape anything else especially on or near the capsule.

[@harrij.9542]

Is this microphone super sensitive to RFI?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Not at all. The MKH series was designed to improve RF resilience.

[@AshaHay]

you da man

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching.

[@peterslegers6121]

Why am I not surprised that you use microphones as blowball dandelions? ^^

[@SoundSpeeds]

Peter Slegers It spreads the sound, right?

[@peterslegers6121]

With sooo much joy 2:27 :D

[@SoundSpeeds]

Peter Slegers Always

[@RobertLinthicum]

Are the other Sennheiser shotgun mic capsule mounts (K6, for example) similarly leaky? German engineering is overrated.

[@larryvaughn5843]

Yes, I noticed it when I had an ME-66 before I bought my MKH mics.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Robert Linthicum I have no experience with the K6 but can tell you the MZF 8000 switches have the same issue. It's so easy to test, I recommend testing any mic you use in windy environments.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Larry Vaughn I didn't realize you came here to visit my channel. Good to see another sound pro here.

[@systematic-sound]

@@SoundSpeeds OMG! Get educated. This is a pressure gradient transducer!

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@systematic-sound About what? I know what you keep repeating. The only thing I don't understand is the point you're trying to make.

[@Car_Ram_Rod]

$1200 mic...Yea let me just cover this thing in tape, nbd.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Car Ram Rod It's not really. They are made well.

[@RobertLinthicum]

That is a good point, Car Ram Rod.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Robert Linthicum It's never been an issue for me with any mic I've taped. It certainly beats not taping it.