r/LocationSound • u/KZ-47 • 8d ago
Gear - Selection / Use Help Legit Checking MKH416
Found this used mkh416 for $522, the seller looks legit and so does the mic, any opinions?
10
7
u/FloopersRetreat 8d ago
Cursory glance suggests real - good quality logo print and black screw. If the documentation looks well printed (not just corner-stapled A4) with no spelling mistakes, it's likely real. If you want to know for sure, open it up and look for the sennheiser sticker on the internals.
Check this guide for more: https://txsound.com/blog/obsession-with-fake-sennheiser-mkh416-microphones/
5
u/gkanai 8d ago
I just bought a used 416 in Japan. The mic comes with a paper box and a paper frequency response curve. The serial number on the mic is the same as the serial number printed on the frequency response curve which is the same as the number printed on the sticker on the paper box.
This is why it's good to keep the box and papers.
4
3
u/Potential_Lock_5212 8d ago
Send a pic of the XLR port if it's fully coated in paint, that's a good sign. Fakes don't always paint there, but the text on the outside is sharp, which is a good sign, and the foam is the right shape, which is also good, and screw is color-matched, which is also good.
3
u/chiliwilli 8d ago
Man posts like these make me paranoid to ever buy a used 416, even a new one.
What is Senheisser doing to stop counterfeits, if anything?
2
u/beefwarrior 8d ago
Same
I got a good deal on a 416 almost 20 years ago, wasn't using it, sold it 15 years ago and now I'm way to hesitant to buy a used one
1
u/NotYourGranddadsAI 8d ago
Sennheiser, like the other makers of popular mics that get counterfeited, are doing lots to try to stop counterfeiting. Just Google that; you'll get lots of info, including from Sennheiser.
The main reasons that counterfeits proliferate are ... greed and gullibility. Users can't resist a "deal", even if it means buying sight-unseen through marketplaces that have little interest in stopping the flow of counterfeit product.
There are ways to protect yourself from getting a counterfeit product:
- Authorized dealers (for new or used products)
- For private sales of used mics, only deal in person with people you trust, and where you can inspect the mic before accepting it.
As long as there are people willing to risk money on online deals that seems too good to be true, the production of counterfeit mics will continue. Caveat Emptor.
3
u/adamaley 8d ago
You need to open it to confirm. I just returned one because it was a fake. There are websites online showing what the internals need to look like. Also the shape of the foam cover.
2
1
1
u/badbaymax 8d ago
Just bought a mic on ebay with box, papers, serial number on xlr port and a matching response chart, black screw etc, and legit looking manual with no spelling mistakes. It sounded pretty decent too. Wanted to confirm, tried to unscrew the only screw: expected counter clock wise to open, but it was not opening up. Had to drill it out. Fake mic under the hood. So only one way to tell: open it up. Nearly had a heart attack when trying to drill the bolt out.
3
u/PeacefulShards 8d ago
Fakes use counter clockwise or also clock wise set screws going in . So you lefty loose until it goes inside.
Real ones you counter clock wise unscrew. You will have a long screw that goes through the diameter.
1
u/ProfKranc 8d ago
They make fake MKH416s??
2
u/PeacefulShards 7d ago
As much as fake Shure Sm7Bs and Sm57s and SM58s
If its popular, they'll counterfeit.
1
u/Joe_M_89 6d ago
Wild…didn’t think it would’ve been worth it for 416
1
u/ProfKranc 1d ago
That's what I thought. Stuff that's got a larger consumer market like the SM7b cause everyone loves a podcast mic, but this seemed so specialist, that's crazy. I almost wanna see a comparison
1
1
•
u/AutoModerator 8d ago
Reminder: The Rules apply to everyone who views or participates in r/LocationSound. There are no exceptions. The monthly pinned 'Hot Mic' post is the only place in this subreddit to promote any discussion, links, works, or content by you, for you, or about you.
This subreddit is welcome to all who are interested in recording sound to picture, pros and beginners alike. Professionals - be patient and helpful to beginners and other department pros who are eager to learn about our craft. Newcomers - be respectful to those who have more experience and wisdom than you. Don't engage with negative or hostile behavior. Report it or message the mods instead.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.