Sergey Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 hi, I want to buy second hand Sennheiser 416 that is 3-4 years old. What to pay attention to ? How do you know if it right, beyond hearing it? tnx... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solid Goldberger Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 I'd reach out to Pro-Sound, Gotham, Trew, etc. (the reputable dealers that maintain a used/consignment department) and buy from them. While it could be argued that a 416 could be used to hammer in nails, it would be nice to know that a trusted vendor has looked it over and given it's stamp of approval. E. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason porter Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 Look for physical wear/damage/dents and corrosion from being exposed to moisture. Insist on a trial period, get it in writing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RScottATL Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 These mics occasionally go wonky around the XLR conntection. Plug it in and listen to it while you wiggle the XLR connector. There is a set screw that you can sometimes tighten to help this, but sometimes it just needs to go back to Sennheiser for repair. Shake the mic a bit when you're listening and see if any popping or static crops up. If it sounds clean while jostling the mic, you should be good to go. P48 416s rarely last long on consignment, but deals are out there. I just picked up an excellent, incredibly clean 416 from Trew's consignment for $800, but it had only been listed a few hours. If you see the one you want, be ready to grab it ASAP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Rose Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 Look for scratches in the connector end and at any tiny screws, to see if someone had taken it apart without the right tools or knowledge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonG Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 Use common sense Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daniel Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 A camera op(!) friend offered me a very beat up looking 416 for small change (but more than i'd want to spend on a paper weight:-), so i brought along another 416 and my 302 and AB tested it against the good 1. I shook about a bit it to hear for anything loose and wiggled the XLR connector around, it sounded fine to me and still does now, 8 years later. So good in fact i sold the 'good' 416 to finance a sanken cs3e. dan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toy Robot Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 These mics occasionally go wonky around the XLR conntection. Plug it in and listen to it while you wiggle the XLR connector. There is a set screw that you can sometimes tighten to help this, but sometimes it just needs to go back to Sennheiser for repair. Shake the mic a bit when you're listening and see if any popping or static crops up. If it sounds clean while jostling the mic, you should be good to go. P48 416s rarely last long on consignment, but deals are out there. I just picked up an excellent, incredibly clean 416 from Trew's consignment for $800, but it had only been listed a few hours. If you see the one you want, be ready to grab it ASAP. This is extremely good advice regarding XLR connection on these mics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Meyer Posted May 2, 2014 Report Share Posted May 2, 2014 Make sure the outside interference tube (housing with slots in it) is not damaged (none of the vents dented in) If the tube is OK, remove the screw from the side of the tube, and gently pull out the electronics. If the tube is damaged, DO NOT remove the electronics as you will not be able to slide it back in afterward. Now take a good look at the capsule. The gold flashing on the capsule should be bright and shinny throughout. If the microphone has gotten wet, the gold flashing will show signs of damage. The capsule and the outside tube and the two most expensive parts of the microphone. If they both are in good condition the microphone will likely operate for another 10 or 20 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Feeley Posted May 3, 2014 Report Share Posted May 3, 2014 If you find a barely-used 416 for an unbelievably good price, make sure it isn't fake. Some info and pix here: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wandering Ear Posted May 4, 2014 Report Share Posted May 4, 2014 Some great info here. Only thing i can add is to inquire about the mics history. How lobby have they had it, where did they get it from, what kind of work had it seen in it's life? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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