Side by side
Sennheiser MKH 50 vs DPA 2017
Sennheiser MKH 50
84 positive (86%) · 10 mixed (10%) · 4 negative (4%)
Trust + time weighted: +83%
AI summary — not a quote
The Sennheiser MKH 50 is a staple indoor boom microphone highly regarded for its smooth, "magic" sound and excellent isolation in reflective environments. It is frequently recommended as a primary professional tool for interviews and dialogue, though its high price point and slightly "dark" sound profile are noted trade-offs.
Pros
- Exceptional performance for indoor dialogue and interviews
- Smooth, forgiving sound quality that handles reflections well
- Excellent polarity and isolation
- Pairs very well with high-end lavalier microphones like the DPA 4060
Cons
- High price point, often cited as 3x the cost of mid-range alternatives
- Sound profile can be perceived as overly "dark" by some users
- Onboard high-pass filter (HPF) switch may not suit all preferences
- Can be bottlenecked by lower-end wireless plug-on transmitters
Top excerpts
A lot of people love the MKH 50. Classic mix indoor sessions.
The 416 will be rough, so stick with your MKH50 and 4060s.
Something like a MKH50 or Mk41 or another hyper wherever you can have it, like on an arm attached to the gear stick or so.
MKH50 would be pretty clear in a car
I use this with an MKH50. Sounds great. Even good enough to capture both the driver and passenger with good placement and conditions.
DPA 2017
39 positive (91%) · 4 mixed (9%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +93%
AI summary — not a quote
The DPA 2017 is highly regarded by location sound professionals as a versatile, modern shotgun microphone known for its neutral sound profile and exceptional durability. It is frequently cited as a superior alternative to the industry-standard Sennheiser MKH 416, particularly due to its lighter weight and better performance in reflective indoor environments, while maintaining high reliability in extreme humidity.
Pros
- Excellent resistance to humidity and condensation, performing well in tropical and forest environments
- Neutral and natural sound profile with a flat frequency response
- Compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for long days on a boom pole
- High SPL handling and robust build quality described as 'indestructible'
Cons
- Lacks the signature 'bassy' character found in the Sennheiser MKH 416
- Reach is good for its size but does not match longer specialized shotguns like the Sanken CS3-E
Top excerpts
DPA 2017 or the CS-M1 you already have.
I recently upgraded my shotgun mic from the S Mic 2 to the DPA 2017.
if you stretch your budget to the 2017 it will be lighter and offer superior clarity.
My boom setup is a MKH50 and DPA 2017, with a Zoom F8n Pro recorder.
For your first mic I’d get a DPA 2017. (This mic will grow with you and is very versatile. It’s the same price as a 416 only 50 years newer. This is a buy once cry once mentality on this purchase and you’ll thank yourself in the future.