Sennheiser MKH 8090 User manual

MKH 8090
Studio microphone
Instruction manual

MKH 8090 |1
Important safety information
Important safety information
• Please read this instruction manual carefully and completely before using the
product.
• Make this instruction manual easily accessible to all users at all times.
• Always include this instruction manual when passing the product on to third
parties.
• This instruction manual is also available at www.sennheiser.com.
Before operation
• Never open the housing of the product. If products are opened by customers in
breach of this instruction, the warranty becomes null and void.
During operation
• Keep all liquids away from the product. Liquids entering the product can short-
circuit the electronics or damage the mechanics.
• Only use a soft, slightly damp cloth to clean the product. Solvents or cleansing
agents can damage the surface of the product.
• Only use the product within the specified temperature range (see “Specifica-
tions” on page 6).
After operation
• Use the product with care and store it in a clean, dust-free environment.
Intended use
Intended use includes:
• having read this instruction manual, especially the chapter “Important safety
information”,
• using the product within the operating conditions and limitations described in
this instruction manual.
“Improper use” means using the product other than as described in this instruction
manual, or under operating conditions which differ from those described herein.

2|MKH 8090
The MKH 8090
The MKH 8090
The MKH 8090 is a high-end wide cardioid studio condenser microphone from the
modular MKH 8000 microphone series. This RF condenser microphone is especially
suitable for orchestral recordings because it can be used both as a main mirco-
phone and as a support microphone.
The microphone operates on the RF principle that has been used by Sennheiser for
more than 50 years, now brought to highest level of perfection. Among the many
advantages of this principle are an extremely low inherent self-noise, the capa-
bility to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion and a high resistance
to adverse climatic conditions.
• Wide cardioid pick-up pattern
•Verynaturalsound
• Can be used as an analog or – with the digital module – digital microphone
• Exceptionally low inherent self-noise prevents masking of delicate sound
structures
• Symmetrical transducer technology ensures extremely low distortion
• Transformerless and fully floating balanced output: no coupling of spurious
signals, minimal distortion
• High output signal voltage ensures interference-free signal paths
• Rugged metal housing with non-reflective Nextel coating
• Extremely weather-proof due to high-frequency circuit
• Versatile use due to the extensive range of accessories available for the
MKH 8000 series, e.g.:
– MZD 8000 digital module
– MZF 8000 filter module
– Windshield systems
–Shockmounts
A list of accessories can be found on the MKH 8090 product page at
www.sennheiser.com. For information on suppliers, contact your local
Sennheiser partner: www.sennheiser.com > “Service & Support“.

MKH 8090 |3
Delivery includes
Delivery includes
Product overview
Microphone, consisting of the MKH 8090 microphone head and
the MZX 8000 XLR module
MZQ 8000 microphone clamp
(thread adaptor included for 3/8” and 5/8” threads)
MZW 8000 double-layered windshield
Instruction manual
Frequency response sheet
Carrying case
1Windshield, double-layered
2Microphone head
3XLR module
4Microphone clamp (thread adaptor
included for 3/8” and 5/8” threads)
1.00
dB
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
50 Hz 100
100 Hz 200 Hz 500 Hz 1 kH
z
23
1
4

4|MKH 8090
Putting the MKH 8090 into operation
Putting the MKH 8090 into operation
Connecting the microphone
Connection data of the MKH 8090:
• 48 V ± 4 V phantom powering (P48, as per IEC 61938)
• XLR-3 connector, balanced
To connect the MKH 8090 to a mixing console or recording device:
왘Connect the socket of the microphone cable to the microphone.
왘Connect the connector of the microphone cable to the mixing console or
recording device.
Attaching the microphone
왘Select the suitable mounting thread:
– Without thread insert: 5/8” thread
– Thread insert: 3/8” thread
왘Screw the microphone clamp 4to a stand.
왘Place the microphone with its back end into the microphone clamp: Make sure
that the lateral slots are not covered.
왘Orient the microphone together with the microphone clamp.
4

MKH 8090 |5
Retrofitting and extending the microphone
Using the windshield
The windshield changes the sound only slightly, but attenuates wind noise by
approx. 30 dB.
왘Place the MZW 8000 windshield 1over the microphone head 2so that all
lateral slots are covered.
Retrofitting and extending the microphone
You can retrofit and extend the microphones of the modular MKH 8000 micro-
phone series by exchanging the microphone head or by using optional modules.
왘Disconnect all cables from the microphone.
왘Unscrew the microphone head 2from the XLR module 3.
왘Add, for example, the MZF 8000 filter module 5.
왘Screw the modules together again.
Alternative windshields are available as accessories and can be found on
the MKH 8090 product page at www.sennheiser.com.
2
1
2
5
3

6|MKH 8090
Cleaning and maintaining the microphone
Cleaning and maintaining the microphone
왘Only use a soft, slightly damp cloth to clean the product.
Specifications
CAUTION
Damage to the product due to liquids!
Liquids entering the product can short-circuit the electronics or damage the
mechanics. Solvents or cleansing agents can damage the surface of the product.
왘Keep all liquids away from the product.
Pick-up pattern wide cardioid
Frequency response 30 Hz to 50 kHz
Sensitivity 34 dBV/Pa (20 mV/Pa)
44 dBV/Pa (6.3 mV/Pa) with MZF 8000 filter module
Max. SPL 142 dB SPL with and without MZF 8000 filter module
Equivalent noise level 13 dB(A) (DIN-IEC 651)
23 dB (CCIR 268-3)
Nominal impedance 25 
Min. terminating
impedance 2 k 
Phantom powering 48 V ± 4 V (P48, IEC 61938)
Current consumption 3.3 mA
Diameter approx. 19 mm
Length approx. 41 mm
approx. 75 mm with MZX 8000 XLR module
Weight approx. 25 g
approx. 55 g with MZX 8000 XLR module
Operating temperature 10°C to 60°C

MKH 8090 |7
Specifications
Polar diagram
Frequency response curve
30°30°
0°
0
5
10
15
20
25
dB
60°60°
90°90°
120°120°
125 Hz
250 Hz
500 Hz
1
000 Hz
2
000 Hz
4
000 Hz
8
000 Hz
16
000 Hz
32
000 Hz
150°150°
180°
dB
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
90 ° 0 °
20 Hz 50 Hz 100 Hz 200 Hz 500 Hz 1 kHz 2 kHz 5 kHz 10 kHz 20 kHz 50 kHz 100 kHz
10

8|MKH 8090
Manufacturer Declarations
Manufacturer Declarations
Warranty
Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG gives a warranty of 24 months on this
product.
For the current warranty conditions, please visit our website at
www.sennheiser.com or contact your Sennheiser partner.
In compliance with the following requirements
• RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC)
• WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC)
CE Declaration of Conformity
• EMC Directive (2004/108/EC)
The declaration is available at www.sennheiser.com.
In compliance with:
Please dispose of this product by taking it to your local collection point or
recycling center for such equipment.
Europe EMC EN 55103-1/-2
USA FCC 47 CFR 15 subpart B
Canada Industry Canada ICES_003
China
Australia/
New Zealand N340

Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co. KG
Am Labor 1, 30900 Wedemark, Germany
www.sennheiser.com
Printed in Germany, Publ. 09/12, 544742/A01