K6 vs. K6P (Sennheiser Power Modules) at DVinfo.net

Mark Ross · June 6th, 2002, 09:03 AM

Hello all!

In weighing my options for purchasing a new mic for my PD150, I'd like to ask you:

Why would one choose the K6 over the K6P or vice-versa in selecting a power module for the Sennheiser ME66 shotgun microphone? I understand the difference... the "P" model is phantom-power only, and is therefore shorter. It's also more expensive by about $10. This doesn't make much logical sense to me as it is in a sense more limited since it cannot be used with a camera that does not have phantom power. Of course this is not a problem for me, but what if I wanted to use it in situations other than with my PD150?

I guess I've just been conditioned to assume that more expensive means "better" somehow, and I don't have enough experience to know why the P model would be "better."

Thanks for you help!

Mark

Ken Tanaka · June 6th, 2002, 12:05 PM

The value of the $10 premium for the K6P module escapes me, too, Mark. I've used the K6 with the ME66 for some time. My guess would be that the K6P is designed for a very specific application market (ENG crews?) who will, in effect, pay more for less.

Jeff Donald · June 6th, 2002, 08:07 PM

Hi,

Condenser mics (phantom power) are more complex therefore more costly than dynamic mics. Condenser mics are not affected as much my temperature and humidity, a big help in Florida. Most listners generaly think that condenser mics have a more natural sound. Condenser mics tend to have a flatter frequency response and an extended range. The signal to noise ratio is usually higher in phantom powered mics. This gives them an advantage in usable miking distance (theatre work and nature). The noise floor is also lower. In very quite scenes this can be an advantage.

I am not an audio expert by any stretch of the imagination. These are things I learned from trial and error over the years. Some dynamic mics are also very good and are better than condenser mics in some situations.

Jeff

Ken Tanaka · June 6th, 2002, 08:44 PM

Indeed, Jeff, that's all true. But the K6 and K6P units that Mark asked about are actually not the mics; they're the power modules for a Senn ME66 (or ME 67, for that matter) mic. That is, they're the modules that either provide or convey power to the actual mic.

Mark Ross · June 7th, 2002, 09:24 AM

Thanks very much for both of your responses. I have to agree, Ken, that the "less is more" axiom is what's at work here. I've found a fairly good deal on the K6 and think I'm going to go for it.

Best,
Mark

Bryan Beasleigh · June 7th, 2002, 04:53 PM

The K6P is most likely a limited production unit.

Al Osmond · June 16th, 2002, 01:49 PM

An audio catalogue here (Composite Video of London) lists the Sennheiser preamp/mic body as the model K6U.

This module allows the use of an internal AA battery or 12V-48V phantom power.

Al

Bryan Beasleigh · June 16th, 2002, 02:23 PM

There is a K6 that is phantom only (K6P)
http://www.sennheiser.ca/menumicrophones.html

June 6th, 2002, 09:03 AM	#1
Mark Ross Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 79	K6 vs. K6P (Sennheiser Power Modules) Hello all! In weighing my options for purchasing a new mic for my PD150, I'd like to ask you: Why would one choose the K6 over the K6P or vice-versa in selecting a power module for the Sennheiser ME66 shotgun microphone? I understand the difference... the "P" model is phantom-power only, and is therefore shorter. It's also more expensive by about $10. This doesn't make much logical sense to me as it is in a sense more limited since it cannot be used with a camera that does not have phantom power. Of course this is not a problem for me, but what if I wanted to use it in situations other than with my PD150? I guess I've just been conditioned to assume that more expensive means "better" somehow, and I don't have enough experience to know why the P model would be "better." Thanks for you help! Mark

June 6th, 2002, 12:05 PM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	The value of the $10 premium for the K6P module escapes me, too, Mark. I've used the K6 with the ME66 for some time. My guess would be that the K6P is designed for a very specific application market (ENG crews?) who will, in effect, pay more for less. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

June 6th, 2002, 08:44 PM	#4
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Indeed, Jeff, that's all true. But the K6 and K6P units that Mark asked about are actually not the mics; they're the power modules for a Senn ME66 (or ME 67, for that matter) mic. That is, they're the modules that either provide or convey power to the actual mic. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

June 6th, 2002, 08:07 PM	#3
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Hi, Condenser mics (phantom power) are more complex therefore more costly than dynamic mics. Condenser mics are not affected as much my temperature and humidity, a big help in Florida. Most listners generaly think that condenser mics have a more natural sound. Condenser mics tend to have a flatter frequency response and an extended range. The signal to noise ratio is usually higher in phantom powered mics. This gives them an advantage in usable miking distance (theatre work and nature). The noise floor is also lower. In very quite scenes this can be an advantage. I am not an audio expert by any stretch of the imagination. These are things I learned from trial and error over the years. Some dynamic mics are also very good and are better than condenser mics in some situations. Jeff

June 7th, 2002, 09:24 AM	#5
Mark Ross Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 79	Thanks very much for both of your responses. I have to agree, Ken, that the "less is more" axiom is what's at work here. I've found a fairly good deal on the K6 and think I'm going to go for it. Best, Mark

June 7th, 2002, 04:53 PM	#6
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	The K6P is most likely a limited production unit.

June 16th, 2002, 01:49 PM	#7
Al Osmond Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Thame, United Kingdom Posts: 42	An audio catalogue here (Composite Video of London) lists the Sennheiser preamp/mic body as the model K6U. This module allows the use of an internal AA battery or 12V-48V phantom power. Al

June 16th, 2002, 02:23 PM	#8
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	There is a K6 that is phantom only (K6P) http://www.sennheiser.ca/menumicrophones.html