Detail 01
Cardioid only
One pattern, no switch. Rejects sound from behind, but you can't set it up for room, duet, or stereo work.
Product detailSKU #1290447863687
SennheiserMK 4 Large-Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
1/6
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Externally polarized large-diaphragm cardioid condenser for home and project studios. For someone recording vocals or acoustic instruments who already has an interface with phantom power.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Tracking lead vocals in a treated or semi-treated room
- Close-miking acoustic guitar, piano, or hand percussion
- Loud sources — 140dB SPL handles screamed vocals and horns
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Live stage use — condensers pick up bleed and need phantom power
- Interfaces or mixers without +48V phantom power
- Recording an untreated room and expecting clean results
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
10dB (A) self-noise
Quiet enough that the mic's own hiss stays under quiet sources — soft vocals, fingerpicked guitar, distant room capture.
Detail 03
140dB max SPL
Won't distort on loud sources at close range. Guitar cabs, brass, and belted vocals are all in range.
Detail 04
25 mV/Pa sensitivity
Healthy output. Most preamps reach a good level without pushing into their noisiest gain range.
Detail 05
Externally polarized condenser
True condenser design rather than electret. It needs the full +48V to work at all — no battery option.
Detail 06
17.1 oz, 6-5/16 inch body
Heavy enough that a lightweight desk arm or flimsy stand will droop. Use a solid boom with a counterweight.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Needs an interface or preamp supplying +48V phantom power
- 02Budget for a stand and XLR cable if starting from scratch
- 03Room treatment matters more with a condenser than with a dynamic
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Do I need phantom power for the MK 4?
Yes. It's an externally polarized condenser requiring +48V from your interface, mixer, or a standalone phantom supply. It will not pass signal without it.
02Is this good for podcasting or streaming?
It works, but it's a condenser — it picks up keyboard clicks, room echo, and background noise. A dynamic mic is more forgiving in an untreated space.
03Can it handle loud sources like guitar amps?
Yes. 140dB max SPL covers close-miked amps, brass, and loud vocals without the capsule distorting.
04Does it come with a shockmount?
Plan on sourcing a mount and stand separately. At 17.1 oz it needs a sturdy boom that won't sag over a session.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
4 detailsSound
- Frequency Response
- 20Hz–20kHz
- Nominal Impedance
- 50 ohm
- Sensitivity
- 25 mV/Pa
- Min Terminating Impedance
- 1,000 ohm
1 detailsPickups & controls
- Pickup Pattern
- Cardioid
1 detailsConnections & power
- Phantom Power
- +48V
2 detailsSize & weight
- Weight
- 17.1
- Dimensions
- 6-5/16 inch x 2-1/4 inch (length x diameter) (160 x 57 mm)
5 detailsOther
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level Passive
- 140dB
- Dynamic Range
- 130dB
- Current Consumption
- 3.1 mA
- Equivalent Noise Level
- 10dB (A)
- Transducer Principle
- Externally polarized condenser microphone
