I was just curious to find out how old my Senn MKH416 (which I bought second hand) is. Reason being that it may need a service in time (I know that the Caps inside do age in time and increase noise). Its serial number is 77827 if that helps. At the moment it seems to sound very good, but I don't have a new 416 to compare it to.

Also from the experts who have been using these for some time, is there anything I should do with it to keep in good condition? I currently store it when not in use in a sealed plastic container with silica gel (with all my other mics).

silver or black? T power or 48 volt. powered?

Sorry guys,

It's a black P48. What I was hoping is that someone who has owned one from new might tell me their serial number to let me guestimate the age.

Thanks to anyone who can help

Sorry guys,

It's a black P48. What I was hoping is that someone who has owned one from new might tell me their serial number to let me guestimate the age.

Thanks to anyone who can help

Why not just write Sennheiser and ask? I'm sure they must have a record of serial numbers and date of manufacture plus any service they've performed on that particular mic, etc.

Steve,

Have tried this - but no reply so far. Sennheiser only have 3rd party dealers in Australia - but maybe I will get a reply soon. In the meantime I was hoping that given the large number of 416's around that someone might have a few with serial numbers near mine.

All the best,

From Memory Sennheiser didn't introduce the P48 model of the 416 until they came out with the MKH 60 and MKH 80 models. Your mic is probably less than 15 years old. Sennheiser still repairs the MKH 416T Power which are older than that so I wouldn't worry about age. Here in the US they are very quick with turnaround and relatively inexpensive to repair. If it sounds very good then I would not worry. What you do need is a back up in case it starts giving you trouble in the future.