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Hejaz Secures €100 Million Funding Facility from UAE Private Wealth Group to Drive Growth in Australian Islamic Finance Market

MELBOURNE, Australia, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hejaz, Australia’s leading Islamic financial services provider, has secured a €100 million funding facility from a UAE-based private wealth group. This strategic funding milestone will enable Hejaz to expand its Sharia-compliant financing solutions, catering to the growing demand across property, auto, SME, commercial, and development finance in the Australian market.

This facility marks a significant leap forward for Islamic finance in Australia, ensuring that the country’s expanding Muslim communities have greater access to financial solutions that align with their values. As the first of its kind at this scale, this investment underscores international confidence in Australia’s Islamic finance sector and positions Hejaz as the leading gateway for global Sharia-compliant capital into the region.

“The demand for Sharia-compliant financial products in Australia has surged, driven by a growing population seeking alternatives to conventional finance,” said Hakan Ozyon, CEO of Hejaz. “This funding facility allows us to meet this demand at scale, supporting home buyers, business owners, and developers while ensuring access to responsible finance solutions.”

The ripple effect of this capital injection will be felt across multiple sectors, particularly in real estate and SME lending, where access to Sharia-compliant funding has historically been limited. Hejaz’s expanded capacity to deploy this capital will not only benefit the Muslim community but also contribute to broader economic activity, job creation, and infrastructure development across Australia.

This partnership with global investors highlights the increasing recognition of Australia as an emerging hub for Islamic financial services and reinforces Hejaz’s leadership in this growing sector.

Hejaz Group offers a comprehensive suite of products and services ranging from Pension funds and ETFs to Real Estate financing and personal asset management. Established in 2014 in Melbourne, Australia, the Hejaz Group was formed to offer a holistic financial services solution to Muslims around the world. The Hejaz Group has demonstrated robust growth and resilience, navigating through various economic cycles, and emerging as a market leader in the region. The company has earned numerous accolades and recognitions for its contributions to the financial industry and its commitment to innovation and financial inclusivity.

Trinasolar launches the Shield extreme climate solution in Asia Pacific, safeguarding PV power plant assets

Unveiling its latest climate resilient solution for the first time in the Asia Pacific region at Sydney’s Smart Energy Conference

SYDNEY, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Australia faces increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather patterns, Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, has launched a first-to-market solution that helps solar developers protect their assets and safeguard performance — no matter what the forecast holds.

Unveiled at this year’s Smart Energy Conference in Sydney, held from 9-10 April, the Shield Extreme Climate Solution delivers next-generation protection for utility-scale PV plants, offering a powerful combination of high-strength structural modules and intelligent weather-responsive tracking.

Trinasolar’s Shield extreme climate solution on display at the 15th Clean Energy Expo China in Beijing.
Trinasolar’s Shield extreme climate solution on display at the 15th Clean Energy Expo China in Beijing.

This innovative development was specifically designed and tested for the Australian market. The solution was tested in Queensland, Australia.

Technical specifications include:

  • The Shield Extreme Climate Module’s (NED19RC.20) glass is 25% thicker than that of conventional modules and its resistance to energy impact 2.5 times greater. The innovative frame design increases the module’s load-bearing capacity, thereby further improving stability and reliability. In severe hailstorms, the Shield solution can withstand 55mm hail at 0° and 75mm at 60°. The short-term severe hail climate forecast automatically issues commands for the tracker to adopt a protective angle.
  • Equipped with self-developed Tracker Control unit (TCU) and Network Control Unit (NCU,) the TrinaTracker smart control system is integrated with a variety of extreme climate protection strategies. Harnessing real-time monitoring data from the smart cloud platform, the system can implement intelligent protective measures for PV power plants, thereby ensuring safe and stable operation of the system. In a setting in which tracking mounting is used, the smart cloud platform monitors real-time wind speed, automatically adjusting to the stow position when certain wind speeds are detected. A tiered stow strategy assigns different protection angles based on wind speed levels, balancing risk mitigation with maximised power generation. The structure includes an innovative module design that increases mechanical load capacity to +3600/-3000Pa.
  • In heavy snow, the Shield solution withstands 2.2m of uneven snow load in a fixed mounting system installation setting. In a tracking mounting installation setting, the TrinaTracker smart cloud platform provides real-time monitoring of snow thickness. O&M personnel can initiate snow removal with just one click, effectively mitigating the potential threats of snow load to the modules and mounting systems. This not only improves the efficiency of O&M operations but also prevents power generation losses caused by snow accumulation, thereby ensuring the system’s stable operation.
  • In strong winds, the Shield solution withstands wind pressure up to +8000Pa/-6000Pa in a fixed mounting system installation setting, thanks to innovative dual fastening and triple-beam installation design.

The Shield solution safeguards PV assets while significantly lowering BOS cost and LCOE, maximising project returns. Based on the Queensland testbed, the solution set-up achieved an overall customer value increase by the equivalent of 0.0364 AUD $/W and reduction of LCOE by 2.84%. With the high efficiency, high power, excellent low light performance, high reliability and high bi-faciality of Trinasolar’s i-TOPCon Ultra, power plants generate more electricity, especially during early mornings, late evenings and overcast days. In addition, TrinaTracker SuperTrack intelligent algorithm leverages AI, big data and self-developed algorithms to enhance power generation efficiency.

Besides its state-of-the-art modules, Trinasolar also recently launched the Elementa 2 Pro 5MWh battery energy storage solution for the Australian market. The Elementa 2 Pro builds on the success of Elementa 2, offering even greater efficiency, flexibility, and safety. The Elementa 2 Pro features Trina’s self-developed 314Ah high-performance Trina Cell, supporting 15,000 cycles (up from 12,000 cycles offered in Elementa 2) to significantly extend system lifespan and reduce lifecycle costs, ensuring a higher return on investment for users. It offers enhanced advanced cooling technology, incorporating an intelligent hybrid air-liquid cooling system.

As the only provider in the industry offering an integrated suite of solar solutions, modules, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and trackers, Trinasolar is uniquely positioned to deliver a complete, high-performance energy ecosystem. Trinasolar empowers developers to build more resilient, efficient, and future-ready solar projects, ensuring stable and reliable energy generation in Australia’s challenging weather climate.

For more information on Trinasolar’s innovative solutions, please visit: https://www.trinasolar.com/au/

Swoop partners with STL to upgrade fibre connectivity in Western Australia

MUMBAI, India and SYDNEY, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — STL (NSE: STLTECH), a leading optical and digital solutions company, has partnered with Swoop Holdings Limited to upgrade ~1,000 homes in Western Australia with high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity. Under this partnership, STL will supply Swoop Infrastructure with state-of-the-art optical networking and connectivity solutions, further strengthening digital infrastructure in the region.

The collaboration builds on Swoop’s acquisition of conduit and fibre assets in Seacrest Estate near Geraldton, Western Australia. It marks a significant step in Swoop’s commitment to expanding its fibre broadband network. This project is led by Swoop’s Head of Infrastructure, Anthony Camilleri, as part of the company’s broader Fibre Broadband strategy for both retail and wholesale services.

STL has a strong track record of enabling network operators to deploy and scale fibre networks with sustainable, high-performance optical solutions. Manufactured at STL’s “Zero Waste to Landfill” certified facilities, these solutions set new industry standards for durability and environmental responsibility.

Through this partnership, STL will support Swoop’s network upgrade with robust Layer-1 optical solutions tailored for brownfield deployments. These include:

  • OptoHaul – A versatile, single-fibre Plug & Play solution for underground, aerial, or direct-buried installations
  • Micro Cables – Slim, high-density fibre cables engineered for underground air-blown installation in microducts. Ideal for last-mile FTTH and access networks, with options for termite-resistant jackets and enhanced tensile strength.
  • Optical Closures – Compact and pre-configured closures (MAX and MicrOTP) designed to streamline installation and minimise space requirements
  • Optical Termination – Rack-mounted splicing and patching shelves (nPTD) with pre-installed splitters and a pivoting tray for ease of installation at Point-of-Presence (PoP) sites

Anthony Camilleri, Head of Infrastructure at Swoop, said: “We’re excited to partner with STL to deliver high-speed, ultra-reliable fibre connectivity to homes in Western Australia. Our goal is to make Swoop Infrastructure, as part of Swoop Holdings, the preferred choice for developers by offering top-tier service and value. With STL’s cutting-edge optical technology, we’re confident in delivering a future ready network that enhances the digital experience for our customers.”

Rahul Puri, CEO of Optical Networking Business at STL, added: “We are thrilled to be working with Swoop, one of Australia’s leading challenger telecom brands, to bring ultra-fast broadband to regional communities. With our comprehensive portfolio of advanced optical solutions, we are enabling Swoop to build a high-performance, reliable network that delivers next-generation connectivity. This project reinforces Swoop’s ongoing investment in regional broadband infrastructure, ensuring communities have access to world-class internet speeds and service quality.”

About STL – Sterlite Technologies Ltd:

STL is a leading global optical and digital solutions company providing advanced offerings to build 5G, Rural, FTTx, Enterprise and Data Centre networks.
Read more | Contact us | stl.tech | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

For more information, contact:

Media Contact
Shaily Rai Sinha
shaily.sinha@stl.tech 

Investor Relations
Vijay Agashe 
investor@stl.tech 

United States, China Clash as Trump Set to Unleash More Tariffs

United States, China Clash as Trump Set to Unleash More Tariffs
TOPSHOT - This photo illustration shows Chinese 100 yuan notes (red) and US 100 dollar notes, in Beijing on April 8, 2025. China vowed on April 8 to "fight to the end" against fresh tariffs of 50 percent threatened by US President Donald Trump, further aggravating a trade war that has already wiped trillions off global markets. (Photo by Jade GAO / AFP)

Wondershare Filmora Partners with AMA to Empower Future Marketers Through Creative Video Storytelling

VANCOUVER, BC, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As storytelling becomes an essential skill for marketing professionals, Wondershare Filmora, a leading video creativity software, is dedicated to providing easy-to-use yet powerful video editing tools for marketers creating content for various initiatives. As part of Filmora’s Education Supports program, the company has announced its sponsorship of the Instagram Reel Contest at the American Marketing Association’s (AMA) International Collegiate Conference, aiming to inspire students and young marketing professionals to bring their creative video ideas to life.

Wondershare Filmora has announced its sponsorship of the Instagram Reel Contest at the American Marketing Association’s (AMA) International Collegiate Conference.
Wondershare Filmora has announced its sponsorship of the Instagram Reel Contest at the American Marketing Association’s (AMA) International Collegiate Conference.

“The Filmora Education Program is dedicated to amplifying the voices of educators and students,” said Envy, Head of Brand Communications Center at Wondershare. “We’re thrilled to partner with AMA for the International Collegiate Conference. As AI and emerging technologies reshape the industry, this year’s theme, ‘Evolve,’ perfectly reflects the transformation we expect in the coming years.”

Taking place in New Orleans, LA, from April 3–5, 2025, the AMA International Collegiate Conference is a premier event for marketing students, offering expert-led sessions, competitions, and career development opportunities. Centered around the theme “Evolve,” the 2025 conference highlights industry transformation and personal growth, equipping students with the skills and insights needed to thrive in an ever-evolving marketing landscape.

Through its sponsorship of the AMA Instagram Highlight Reel Competition, Filmora encourages attendees to edit and share their conference experiences in engaging video formats. Participants can showcase key insights, learning moments, and networking highlights through creative short-form videos. Exceptional submissions will be awarded a $100 gift card following the event.

Filmora believes that compelling storytelling and visual creativity are crucial for effective marketing. With this in mind, Wondershare Filmora is committed to equipping student marketers with the tools to develop these essential skills. By supporting events like the AMA International Collegiate Conference, Filmora empowers students to turn ideas into captivating visual narratives, giving them a competitive edge in today’s ever-evolving marketing landscape.

About Wondershare Filmora

Launched in 2015, Wondershare Filmora is designed with its user in mind, featuring smoother performance and an intuitive user interface, and has attracted a cumulative global user base of nearly 300 million across 150+ countries and regions.With advanced AI features boosting content generation and editing, over 2.3 million creative assets, commercially available music, 3D LUTs, effects, and pre-set templates, Filmora stands out as a leader in video editing software. Consistently introducing innovative tools, it enhances video creation and makes the process more efficient and accessible for all skill levels.

About Wondershare Technology

Wondershare is a globally recognized software company founded in 2003, known for its innovative solutions in creativity and productivity. Driven by the mission “Creativity Simplified”, Wondershare offers a range of tools, including Filmora, Virbo, and DemoCreator for video editing; PDFelement for document management; EdrawMax, EdrawMind for diagramming; and SelfyzAI, Pixpic, FaceHub for image recovery and editing. With over 1.5 billion users across 200+ countries and regions, Wondershare empowers the next generation of creators with intuitive software and trendy creative resources, continually expanding the possibilities of creativity worldwide.

PayPal’s Xoom partners with Tenpay Global to offer cross-border remittances to Weixin

New collaboration enables convenient and secure remittances to Weixin Pay users in China

SINGAPORE, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Starting today, Weixin Pay users can now receive cross-border transfers from Xoom, a PayPal service and a pioneer in digital remittances. This new partnership between Tenpay Global, Tencent’s cross-border payment platform, and Xoom allows Weixin Pay users to receive money directly into their Weixin Pay Wallet Balance or bank accounts linked to Weixin Pay through Xoom or PayPal’s mobile app and website.


Xoom and PayPal users in United States, Canada and Europe can now access reliable and affordable cross-border money transfers to their own or family members’ Weixin Pay accounts, with additional countries to come in the future. Weixin Pay users can receive the funds frictionlessly, typically in as fast as a few minutes, for flexible use within the Weixin app for transfers, top-ups and shopping.

“Xoom has long been known as a fast, easy, inexpensive way to send money to friends and family across borders – and now, being able to send funds to Weixin Pay users from the US, Canada and Europe, we’re continuing to connect users wherever they might be and for what they might need funds for,” said Paul Bances, Vice President of Market Development for Xoom.

“This partnership reaffirms Tenpay Global’s commitment to not only bridging the Weixin ecosystem with the global markets but also enhancing user value through streamlined and secure cross-border remittances. By addressing everyday needs—from family support to daily expenses—we aim to create meaningful value in our users’ lives beyond mere transactions,” said Wenhui Yang, CEO of Tenpay Global (Singapore).

The service is now live and available through the Xoom and PayPal mobile app. Users may also visit Xoom.com or PayPal.com to start the remittance experience.

Xoom or PayPal users in the United States, Canada, and Europe can easily send remittances to Weixin in just a few simple steps.
Xoom or PayPal users in the United States, Canada, and Europe can easily send remittances to Weixin in just a few simple steps.

About Xoom

A pioneer in digital remittances, Xoom is a fast and easy way to send money, pay bills and reload phones for friends and family in approximately 160 countries globally. With Xoom, customers can access a fast and reliable way to send money, by simply downloading the Xoom or PayPal mobile app, or visiting Xoom.com or PayPal.com.

About Tenpay Global

Tenpay Global, the cross-border payment platform of Tencent, is the gateway to seamless cross-border payment solutions for businesses and individuals. Tenpay Global offers scenario-based services for different customer groups, including cross-border consumption, cross-border remittances, and cross-border commerce scenarios. Together with global partners, Tenpay Global is committed to bridging the world’s payment networks with Weixin’s ecosystem in China.

Siemens Healthineers and Singapore General Hospital Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Healthcare Innovation

  • Five-year strategic partnership to improve patient care
  • Focus on developing new technologies, improving diagnostics and treatment protocols, providing training and knowledge sharing.

SINGAPORE, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Siemens Healthineers and Singapore General Hospital (SGH) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a five-year strategic partnership to advance healthcare solutions and support SGH in medical innovation. Working together, the two organizations aim to strengthen Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem by driving continuous learning, innovation, and excellence in patient care.

A/Prof Andrew Tan of SGH, Dr Jochen Schimtz of Siemens Healthineers, A/Prof Ruban Poopalalingam of SGH, and Enno Nehrbass of Siemens Healthineers signed the MOU pledge in Siemens Healthineers HQ Erlangen, Germany.
A/Prof Andrew Tan of SGH, Dr Jochen Schimtz of Siemens Healthineers, A/Prof Ruban Poopalalingam of SGH, and Enno Nehrbass of Siemens Healthineers signed the MOU pledge in Siemens Healthineers HQ Erlangen, Germany.

The MOU, signed at the Siemens Healthineers headquarters in Erlangen, Germany,  focuses on improving patient care by developing new technologies, clinical solutions, and data-driven approaches to enhance diagnostics and treatment protocols. The collaboration emphasizes hands-on training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to build expertise and capacity, while also laying the foundation for future advancements in AI-driven diagnostics, digital health solutions, and sustainability initiatives.

“Singapore General Hospital has always been our valued partner in diagnostic imaging, and this partnership marks a significant step forward in driving medical innovation and enhancing patient outcomes,” said Ms Siow Ai Li, Managing Director, Siemens Healthineers Singapore and Malaysia. “Collaboration is key to advancing healthcare. By co-developing new clinical solutions and leveraging our expertise, we are committed to supporting SGH and the broader Singapore healthcare landscape in pioneering future-ready innovations.”

This strategic partnership is built on these key pillars:

  • Clinical Research and Collaboration – Siemens Healthineers and SGH aim to develop new technologies, clinical solutions and data-driven approaches to enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities and protocols. This collaboration aims to foster innovation and improve patient care through joint research initiatives and clinical trials.
  • Education and Training – Siemens Healthineers is committed to supporting SGH with the latest knowledge and skills. Through partnering with SGH for hands-on training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, this partnership will build expertise and capacity to deliver better patient care.
  • Future-ready Healthcare: The partnership will lay the foundation for future collaboration in areas such as AI-driven diagnostics, digital health solutions, and sustainability initiatives. By leveraging advanced technologies, SGH and Siemens Healthineers aim to stay at the forefront of medical innovation.

This collaboration creates valuable opportunities for mutual knowledge exchange between Siemens Healthineers and SGH. By sharing best practices and expertise, both parties can co-develop innovative solutions that address evolving healthcare challenges. Siemens Healthiners aims to support SGH’s medical professionals with our innovative services and insights, while SGH’s clinical expertise and real-world experience will help refine and advance cutting-edge medical technologies.

This partnership marks another step towards future-ready healthcare, opening up exciting possibilities in diagnostic imaging and radiological sciences. We look forward to working closely with Siemens Healthineers to pioneer new approaches in diagnostics and treatment, driven by AI and data, while building valuable expertise among our healthcare professionals through knowledge exchange and training initiatives,” said Associate Professor Andrew Tan, Chairman, Division of Radiological Sciences, SGH.

“At Siemens Healthineers, we are convinced that strategic partnerships are pivotal to advancing healthcare for everyone,” said Dr Jochen Schmitz, CFO Siemens Healthineers. “It was a pleasure to recently welcome the team from Singapore General Hospital in Erlangen and engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas on co-developing solutions that benefit both patients and healthcare professionals. We look forward to continuing our collaboration based on the pillars of this memorandum of understanding.”

The two organizations aim to determine the next areas of focus for various workstreams, with a steering committee set to oversee and guide activities under this strategic partnership and MOU.

This press release and a press picture is available at

https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-sg/press-room/press-releases-sg/sgh-signs-mou-with-shs-5-years-strategic-partnership 

The product/features mentioned in this press release is/are not commercially available in all countries. Due to regulatory reasons their future availability cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens organization for further details. The product and features mentioned in this press release are meant for healthcare professionals only.

Contact for media enquiries, please get in touch with:

Siemens Healthineers
Jo’an Chng
Head of Marketing, Sales Operations and Communications
Phone: +65 8328 1015; E-mail: jo-an.chng@siemens-healthineers.com 

Singapore General Hospital
Candice Lee
Communications, Singapore General Hospital
Email: candice.lee.l.f@sgh.com.sg 

Siemens Healthineers pioneers breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. The company is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in more than 70. The group comprises Siemens Healthineers AG, listed as SHL in Frankfurt, Germany, and its subsidiaries. As a leading medical technology company, Siemens Healthineers is committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities worldwide and is striving to overcome the most threatening diseases. The company is principally active in the areas of imaging, diagnostics, cancer care and minimally invasive therapies, augmented by digital technology and artificial intelligence. In fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024, Siemens Healthineers had approximately 72,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of around €22.4 billion. Further information is available at www.siemens-healthineers.com.

Singapore General Hospital, established in 1821, is the largest acute tertiary hospital in Singapore and ranked among the world’s best. It provides the most comprehensive patient-centred care with over 50 clinical specialties on its campus. As an Academic Medical Centre, it takes pride in training healthcare professionals and conducting cutting edge research to meet evolving needs of the nation as well as the region. Driven by a strong sense of purpose, SGH is committed to give of its best to heal and bring hope, as it has for over 200 years. Clinical research is an integral part of SGH’s institutional practice and is actively carried out by clinicians and scientists from medical, nursing and allied health departments. The hospital leverages on its multi-disciplinary capabilities, depth of specialization, a large patient base and its research affiliations with renowned centres locally and globally. A not-for-profit institution, SGH is wholly owned by the government of Singapore and the flagship hospital of the public healthcare system. SGH is a member of the SingHealth cluster of healthcare institutions. Further information is available at www.sgh.com.sg.

 

The Sennheiser MKH 416 shotgun microphone celebrates its golden jubilee this year

Enjoy an anniversary discount on the all-time classic in April

SINGAPORE, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — One of Sennheiser’s most revered microphones, the MKH 416 P48 shotgun microphone, celebrates its golden jubilee this year! For 50 years, the MKH 416 has accompanied broadcasters, filmmakers, voice-over artists, and content creators; it has been used in studios and in the field. Mounted onto a boom pole, a stand or a camera, its job has been to stay outside the camera angle while gracefully capturing sound with clarity and impact. To celebrate its golden jubilee, this classic mic is offered at an anniversary discount at Alan Photo, Cathay Photo, City Music, Hung Brothers and Wailian Electronics. 


Time travelling to the 1970s

The name of Manfred Hibbing is firmly linked with this milestone product. When the young engineer joined Sennheiser, his first task was to design the MKH 416 P48 on the basis of the MKH 415 T. The MKH 416 was to be Sennheiser’s first phantom-powered (P48) shotgun microphone, while all previous models were AB-powered. In those days, AB powering was preferred in broadcast situations because of its resistance to ripple voltages, but phantom powering had become established in the studio.

50 years old but always up to date

Hibbing’s involvement was a stroke of luck for the MKH 416 RF condenser microphone, as he possessed ample expertise both in electroacoustics and in RF technology. In an interview in 2023, he said that optimising the interaction between the electroacoustic transducer and the electronic circuit had been his favourite task in designing the 416.

The long lifespan of the MKH 416 P48 fills the engineer with pride: “During all this time, the design of the MKH 416 was only revised in two instances: one was to make it suitable for SMD mounting, and the other to update it for a more advanced transducer technology.”

Manfred Hibbing with the MKH 416. The photo was taken in 2023
Manfred Hibbing with the MKH 416. The photo was taken in 2023

A standard in the studio and in the field – but why exactly?

One reason is that the MKH 416 operates on the RF condenser principle. In this context, RF (radio frequency) has nothing to do with wireless, but rather refers to the high-frequency voltage at the capsule and the associated electronics in the microphone. The huge advantage of this design is that it makes the condenser microphone resistant to humidity. Unlike “standard” condenser microphones, RF condenser models can be used outdoors, in hot and humid or cold and misty weather. MKH microphones have reliably recorded audio in a wide variety of challenging locations, from deserts, to the Arctic, to rain forests.

RF condenser microphone used in outdoor broadcasting
RF condenser microphone used in outdoor broadcasting

Another reason for the success of the MKH 416 is in its excellent directivity, which is the result of the acoustic interference principle on which it operates. The actual microphone capsule is combined with a so-called interference tube in front of it. This tube has regularly arranged slots, which are covered with fabric that has a certain acoustic impedance, and prevents reflections and standing waves inside the tube. If sound arrives directly from the front, the interference tube has no effect at all. But when sound enters the tube from the sides, it passes through different holes. This results in different path lengths to the transducer and thus different time delays. Depending on the angle of sound incidence, the sound components more or less cancel each other out. This effect increases at higher frequencies: Here, the microphone essentially picks up the sound coming from the front. This is particularly important for speech intelligibility as the decisive speech formants are recorded with less lateral interference at high frequencies than with standard microphones.

The longer the shotgun, the more this interference principle extends to lower frequencies. Unfortunately, the longer length also makes the microphone more difficult to handle. The MKH 416 is certainly so popular because, despite its short length, it offers an effective directionality. How this particular length came about is its own story, and that takes us back to its predecessor, the MKH 415 T…

The hacksaw and the microphone

In 1970, the newly designed MKH 415 shotgun microphone was the pride and joy of the Sennheiser development engineers. It was less sensitive to wind and pop noise, had greater resistance to handling noise, and excellent directivity. With the new microphone in his briefcase, an enthusiastic Dr. Griese, technical manager at Sennheiser, went off to visit radio and TV broadcasters.  The customers showed a great deal of interest in the new shotgun microphone – but couldn’t resist picking at it. They complained that the shotgun effect was so strong that you had to keep moving the microphone to follow the speaker around.

Dr. Griese listened to the comments for a while and then asked for a hacksaw. “How much directivity would you like?” he asked the amazed observers. And without batting an eyelid he proceeded to saw off a section of the microphone tube. The customers were stunned. Dr. Griese then tried out the shortened microphone once again and, to everyone’s amazement, it was perfect! From then on, the MKH 415 – and thus also the MKH 416 which followed its design – were highly successful as the preferred microphone for vocalists, film teams and reporters, with the specialist media being equally impressed by the “unusually short length” (Funkschau) of the shotgun mic.

Conclusion

“The MKH 416 remains a star of our shotgun microphones, even though we have launched younger models long since,” concludes product manager Kai Lange. “It’s just great to have such a legend in the portfolio, a versatile, long-life, high-performance microphone. The MKH 416 is a mic where everything was perfect from the start.”

The high-resolution images accompanying this media release can be downloaded here.