Sennheiser MKH-404

ShamrockFilms

ShamrockFilms

Well-known member
Sennheiser MKH-404 T-Powered Microphone Hypercardioid pattern

An audio company who typically rents out that microphone to filmmakers is selling it used. Is the 404 better than the Octava MK012 for interior dialog shooting? I understand it is discontinued and I need an adapter to hook it up to Phantom power which isn't a big deal, but I don't want to miss out on this mic if it's better than the Oktava MK012! Thanks.
 
Sound Check Video Link Below - I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks.

Equipment:
Sennheiser MKH-404 hypercardioid
Gitzo GIG7680 G7680 Studex Aluminum Boompole
PSC PSUSMS Universal Microphone Shock Mount
Windtech WI1200B Windtech 1200 Series - 3/4" Inside Diameter - Black
Star-Quad (L-4E6S) 25' Green Microphone Cable

Settings:
- The XRL is plugged directly into the DVX100 Channel 2 input.
- Channel 1 and Channel 2 are both set to Input 2.
- Phantom Power. Input 1 OFF, Input 2 ON.
- Audio Rec 16bit
- Mic ALC ON
- Mic Gain 1 -60db, Mic Gain 2 -60db

Everything in the room is off including my computer, the only other noise would be the refrigerator in the other room, but I don't think I can hear that from this room regularly. The windows are closed too.

Here's the link to the sound check:
http://media.putfile.com/Sennheiser-MKH-404-Sound-Check

Sound Check Feedback Questions:
- Is the mic too high above me?
- Can you hear noise?
- Which Audio level do you think the mic sounds best at?
- How does the mic sound in general? Thin? Rich? Better than the Oktava MK12?

Thank you
 
Last edited:
I think I'll have to run another sound test with the Gain at -50db. I just read that 60db is too hot and will pick up more noise.
 
Okay. I just did a sound check with the record settings as Gain -50db and there is a world of difference. What does "on axis" mean? Or does that mean it should be pointing directly at my mouth? I'll post a new sound check at -50db and on axis.
 
yes, aim it precisely. also try it at different distances for your own benefit. 12" 18" 2' and hear the difference. Record someone else if possible.
 
While I dont have the mic experience of others here, I've got to second mike's suggestion to record someone else. My own voice never sounds right to me as I'm so used to hearing it in my head. I've been much more productive in my testing and playing around by recording conversation with my wife using a stand with a boom.
 
Yeah I finally learned I just have to ask her a bunch of questions and have a normal conversation. Saying "just talk about something" yields a tiny "i dont know what to say"... then I say "thats a first" and she throws someting at me... live and learn :)
 
I would experiment with distances above you as well as how far you hold the mic in front of you. You will be very suprised how close you can get the mic without it being n the shot.
 
Im listening on my computer, a mac. I don't know how that guy is holding the mic, he might be reading right into it. Is it below or above him? Is he using a mixer?
 
YOu should get a good set of headphones for monitoring to judge sound. You can pick up the Sony 7506's, highly recommended here, for $100. I bought a pair and they are great.
 
I second the 7606. In fact, you won't be able to make really critical judgements about sound without some serious studio monitors. the sony 7506 will be good for location work though.

The mic is boomed about 18" from his mouth, above and in front. All of the mics are the same distance. the mics are going to a sd302 and an hvx.
 
saneproductions said:
I second the 7606. In fact, you won't be able to make really critical judgements about sound without some serious studio monitors. the sony 7506 will be good for location work though.

The mic is boomed about 18" from his mouth, above and in front. All of the mics are the same distance. the mics are going to a sd302 and an hvx.
Click to expand...

But I still haven't received any feedback on how my second sound check (gain -50db) sounded to you? Does it suck that bad? It has to be better than the Oktava MK012.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top