Sennheiser MKE 400

Sennheiser MKE 400 Review

The analog Sennheiser MKE 400 shotgun mic has a clean, directional signal, but it could benefit from some design improvements. The $199.95 Sennheiser MKE 400 shotgun video microphone works with both cameras and smartphones. Its highly directional recording pattern means that it rejects audio from the sides and back—great for getting clear audio from subjects in front of the mic, especially in challenging outdoor environments. Purists may appreciate that the MKE 400 is an analog mic that doesn’t include any digital signal processing (DSP), but some other design choices, such as a three-point gain switch, make it less appealing. The $249 Rode VideoMic NTG is a bit more expensive, but it has a slight edge in terms of features.A Light, Camera-Friendly Design The 3.2-ounce MKE 400 has a long cylindrical contour like most other shotgun mics. At 5.0 by 2.6 by 1.5 inches (HWD), it's compact enough to not extend far beyond the back edge of a typical camera body. On the other end, it's unlikely to extend beyond the edge of most lenses, either. The mic connects to cameras via a cold-shoe mount. Beneath the grille, a...

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Had a great result from this Mike recording in a tricky enviroment. As always on camera is not the best place for a Mike. I had this Mike positioned 10 feet from a stage whilst the camera was much further away.

Great Mic, Bad Foam Cover

I purchased 15 of these mics for the Digital Film Production class I teach at a High School. I love the easiness of use and the durability of the mic. If I have one complaint, and unfortunately I do, it is that the foam sleeve that covers the mic comes off very easily.