Sennheiser ACS5 5-Pin XLR to Dual 3-Pin XLR Adapter for MKH 418-S and MKE 44-P

Stereo breakout adapter for Sennheiser M/S and stereo microphones with 5-pin XLR output

The Sennheiser ACS5 is a 6-inch adapter cable that converts a single 5-pin XLR connector to two separate 3-pin XLR connectors, designed for use with the Sennheiser MKH 418-S M/S stereo shotgun microphone and the MKE 44-P stereo microphone. These microphones output their mid and side (or left and right) audio channels on a single 5-pin XLR cable, and the ACS5 breaks them out into standard 3-pin XLR connections for feeding standard microphone preamps, mixers, and recording interfaces.

Without this adapter, the 5-pin output of the MKH 418-S or MKE 44-P cannot connect to standard audio equipment. The ACS5 is an essential accessory for any deployment of these stereo microphones, bridging the proprietary 5-pin output to the standard 3-pin XLR infrastructure used by virtually all professional audio equipment.

Key Features

• 5-pin XLR input to dual 3-pin XLR output
• 6-inch length for compact, direct connection
• Designed for MKH 418-S and MKE 44-P stereo microphones
• Breaks out M/S or stereo channels to separate standard XLR connections
• Enables connection to any standard microphone preamp or mixer
• Professional-grade construction

Professional Applications

Commonly deployed in church, house of worship, and professional AV environments.

• Film and broadcast field recording with MKH 418-S M/S microphone
• Stereo recording with MKE 44-P microphone in studio and field
• Connecting 5-pin stereo microphones to standard mixer and recorder inputs
• Documentary and ENG sound setups requiring stereo capture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a generic 5-pin to dual 3-pin adapter instead?

While generic 5-pin to dual 3-pin adapters exist, the ACS5 is wired specifically for the Sennheiser MKH 418-S and MKE 44-P pin configuration. Using an incorrectly wired adapter may result in reversed channels, missing audio, or potential damage to the phantom power circuit.

Do I need one ACS5 per microphone?

Yes. Each 5-pin stereo microphone output requires its own ACS5 adapter to break out to standard 3-pin XLR connections.

Related Equipment and Workflow Compatibility

The ACS5 is designed for the Sennheiser MKH 418-S M/S stereo shotgun microphone and the MKE 44-P stereo microphone. It connects to any audio equipment with standard 3-pin XLR microphone inputs.

Why Professionals Use This Type of Product

• Essential adapter for using MKH 418-S and MKE 44-P with standard gear
• Properly wired for Sennheiser's 5-pin stereo microphone pinout
• Compact 6-inch length minimizes added cable bulk
• Ensures correct channel separation between M/S or stereo outputs

Additional Compatibility Information

The Sennheiser ACS5 is a 6-inch 5-pin XLR to dual 3-pin XLR breakout adapter designed specifically for the MKH 418-S and MKE 44-P stereo microphones.