Buying MKH 416
 

I'm currently on the lookout for a mkh 416 for a web series (drama)

I need to buy one soon, and I've found a few on ebay that are used and I think a decent price $550.00

But they appears to be atleast 30 years old. Can I expect problems. Is it worth it then?

With or without blimp and suspension, is the mic powering T or 48v phantom?
XLR connector or Tuchel?
They are a reliable mic hence the popularity, but depending on the exact configuration the price will vary quite a bit.

Just the mic. T-power. Tuchel.

Just a general question. This mic was probably made about 30 years ago. Can it still possibly be worth buying it?

Firstly a 30yo 416 would still be OK, BUT do you have a mixer that will run the "T" powering?
"T" powering is VASTLY different from phantom powering, you can get a P48v to 12vT adaptor but they just don't sound quite the same. [subtle differences]
If it has a Tuchel connector I wouldn't touch it... to much trouble to get the connectors and if you find some you will have a NON standard mic in your system.

If you have a mixer that delivers "T" power and can use it's worth $150-200 tops


I have prevoiusly bought on eBay an 816 "T" (XLR) with Rycote blimp and suspension for $320.. great price but I have mixers that will run T powering.

I was planning on using the pcs converter into my h4n recorder

The mic comes with the tuchel xlr adapter.

But it sounds like it's not really worth it at $500.

Problem is I'm going into principle photography soon, and I need to invest some money into a decent mic. It's made for youtube web series, so I don't exactly know if I need top of the line stuff, but I can't get by with the rode videomic anymore.

Are there any mics you could recommend I look into. I'm not married to the 416, but if the tuchel setup could potentially sound better than a new 500 dollar k6, wouldn't it be worth it?

Thanks for all the help.

The 416 and rode videomic are at opposite ends of the mic list, but there are many mics in between like the Sennheiser ME66 K6, Rode NTG2 [Battery/ phantom] or NTG3( [Phantom only] a very similar mic to the 416). Audio Technica also produce some as well.
As I mentioned "T" powered mics are now becoming an odd thing to have around and I wouldn't go down that path just to get a cheaper mic.
Is it possible to hire or borrow a mic to do the shoot? Give several mics a try to see what you like best.

If I were in your position and had the ability to provide 48v I'd give a serious look at the Rode NTG3. While there are better mics out there, none in it's price range can touch it IMHO. If you're willing to spend more and go up to the next level there are quite a few other mics to consider. In addition to my Sanken I've also got a ME66/K6 that I use in battle conditions. One thing that is nice about the Senn equipment is that they are built like tanks.

But for the $500 plus minus range, take a listen to the NTG3 for pure sound quality.

-Garrett

Lee it's interesting to see the difference in the replies to your post here and on the pro audio board where you posted the same question. The pro audio guys and all say it's still going to be a great sounding mic and the T-power and Tuchel aren't really an issue. Having done pro sound for many years I'm in their camp.

You have probably found these 416 mics on ebay, some are T powering some are phantom, probably better value than a 30yo Tuchel version.

Sennheiser MKH 416 T Boom Mic - eBay (item 330530141977 end time Feb-19-11 08:51:41 PST)

Sennheiser MKH416 P48 (MINT) - eBay (item 270706929936 end time Feb-20-11 06:51:32 PST)

Sennheiser MKH 416- P48 3U - eBay (item 200575040346 end time Feb-17-11 06:58:19 PST)

Lee, just a quick question, is your web series going to be mostly interior or exterior shots?

-Garrett

Those are some of the mics I was looking at.

There's definitely a divide between the two different forums. Making this decision very difficult.

I'm still considering the ntg-3. But you can't get it used, and at $650 new, why get an inferior mic?

It's not possible to borrow, and if I'm renting, I might as well be buying. The prices in Toronto are ridiculous.

Mostly interior, but some exterior. I'd say 70:30. But I need a mic that can handle both.

What is the other forum?
Do you regard yourself as a professional audio person or someone new to the industry?

I would agree, the 30yr. old T-Pwr. 416 is overpriced.
Whatever mic you get, consider appropriate wind protection in your budget for the exteriors.