Sennheiser MKH 415t -- Worth Anything?

F

Film_Hoerl

Member
So I just bought a Sennheiser MKH 415t mic that came with some sort of power supply box for $200. I was wondering if this is a sound investment for a microphone? I went out on a limb and purchased it since I couldn't find any price comparison online.

I know that this mic can't be used with phantom power (without an 48v to 12v adapter), but it came with a box that has two 12 volt batteries in it. I am assuming that the box is a 12v power source then? The box has no indication on it of brand or what not.

Does anyone have any experience with this mic that could give me some advice?

Thanks!

mkh 415t2.JPG
 
I have used those, and have sold those used. If it is in fine working condition, then you got a great deal on a good microphone.
 
davefisk said:
I have used those, and have sold those used. If it is in fine working condition, then you got a great deal on a good microphone.
Click to expand...
+1

The 415 was replaced by the "refined" 416...some feel the 415 actually sounded better (warmer) then the 416. This could sell for $400 in good working order these days.
 
Beating myself up for selling mine a few years back. Good score! My case had white satin on the inside though.
 
From my limited tests everything is in working condition. The microphone does sound great, but I made sure to replace the batteries on the mysterious box that came with it and ran it through that. Am I correct in thinking its a 12 volt power box? It also has two switched on it: one thats switches between "cut" and "flat", and one that switches from -10db to 0db to -20db.
 
Sounds like a 12T power supply to me.

The switches are your "low" cut and pad. The low cut is to help filter out room rumble, I forget the freq. point on the 415, but it's usually somewhere between 40 and 80 HZ, sometimes 100 HZ. The pad will decrease signal output from the mic either 10 or 20 db. (or no pad at all)
 
The MKH 415 was an excellent mic. and up with the 416 in quality.

It runs from 12V T-power (sometimes called AB power).

Is a "funny little box" an Edistone die-cast box where you have to remove four screws to change the batteries (2 x PP3 size inside)? If so, that's an ABF3 made in the UK.

The 416 did not initially replace the 415 - the 416 was phantom powered and the 415 was T-powered and they ran together for a while (they were both in the Sennheiser "Revue" that I picked up at the APRS show in 1975) - it was only later that Sennheiser produced a T version of the 416 and discontinued the 415.

It's and excellent mic., just make sure you get a decent Rycote for it (S-series if the full kit is too expensive).
 
Wow thanks for all the info John! Yes the box has four screws and seems exactly how you described it! Now I can connect my mke415 ---> edistone box ---> recorder without any issues worrying about tpower will I?

As for the Rycote, I saw a posting on craigslist for a Rycote softie and a pistol grip for $50. They didn't say what model Rycote, but he was also selling a Sennheiser me66 with it. Should I spring for that too?
 
Film_Hoerl said:
Wow thanks for all the info John! Yes the box has four screws and seems exactly how you described it! Now I can connect my mke415 ---> edistone box ---> recorder without any issues worrying about tpower will I?
Click to expand...

Just be careful - Murphy's Law states that when you have to change batteries in the box it will be -30°C at night in the rain or snow.



Film_Hoerl said:
As for the Rycote, I saw a posting on craigslist for a Rycote softie and a pistol grip for $50. They didn't say what model Rycote, but he was also selling a Sennheiser me66 with it. Should I spring for that too?
Click to expand...

No - don't get this. The K6/ME66 is 22mm in diameter and the 415 is only 19mm - you will need a different Softue.

Actually the cheaper Rycote Miniscreen with its Windjammer has better wind attenuation than a Softie. :thumbsup:
 
Here are some pictures of the Edistone ABF3 box. Again, it doesn't have any markings but I'm hoping the pictures help. I just want to know exactly what I am bringing on a shoot incase someone asks :P

IMG_2701.jpgIMG_2702.jpgIMG_2703.jpg
 
I am in the USA, so maybe that is what happened. Does the ABF3 drain batteries quickly? I place two 12v batteries in the box and I already had to replace them in a matter of days. If this keeps up, I will most likely purchase a 12v to 48v adapter to save money.
 
You will love this mic. Just MAKE SURE you always have the +48 phantom power turned off on your camera or audio board before you plug it in. These things don't like +48.
 
Film_Hoerl said:
I am in the USA, so maybe that is what happened. Does the ABF3 drain batteries quickly? I place two 12v batteries in the box and I already had to replace them in a matter of days. If this keeps up, I will most likely purchase a 12v to 48v adapter to save money.
Click to expand...

I thought they took 2 x 9V batteries (PP3), not 12V.

I can't remember how quickly the ABF3 drained batteries (it *was* 30 years ago). But make sure you switch it off each time.
 
You are completely right, I was mixing 9v batteries with the 12v power that powers the mic. Hopefully it was just a fluke. I'll post if I buy the adaptor to use with phantom power.
 
Film_Hoerl said:
Does anyone have any experience with this mic that could give me some advice?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

It's worthless. You can send it to me and I'll dispose of it for you...

;~)

You can get inline converters to go from 48V to T power for not too much. Also some mixers/ preamps can supply T power.

Sounds like you got a deal.

Cheers
 
Noiz2 said:
It's worthless. You can send it to me and I'll dispose of it for you...

;~)

You can get inline converters to go from 48V to T power for not too much. Also some mixers/ preamps can supply T power.

Sounds like you got a deal.

Cheers
Click to expand...
You're getting to sound like me. LOL!
 
I've got a 416 T, and it is not hard on batteries at all...even when I forget to turn it off sometimes. I'd love to have another of these things, need to kind of work my budget a bit....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top