Sennheiser
Sennheiser MKE 400
The Sennheiser MKE 400 is a compact, high-quality shotgun microphone engineered for DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and camcorders. It captures focused audio using a super-cardioid pattern that maximizes side noise rejection, ideal for isolating on-screen subjects. This microphone offers switchable sensitivity settings to handle both close and distant sound sources, along with a low-cut filter option for outdoor recording. It features a rugged, all-metal housing and includes a removable foam windscreen. The integrated accessory shoe mount doubles as a shock-mount to isolate handling noise, and power is supplied by a single AAA battery for extensive operation.
$99.95
More MKE Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1186
/ 3337
#1186 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-80%
Below average
Microphone Type
Condenser, Shotgun
/ Condenser, Shotgun
Who it's for
- Ultra-Compact Design
- Integrated Monitoring and Gain Control
- Robust Build and Internal Shock Mount
Who should skip it
- Limited Low-End Response
- Highly Directional Pick-up
- Requires External Wind Protection
Key Specs
Microphone Type
Condenser, Shotgun
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Connectivity
3.5mm Jack (unbalanced minijack)
Power Requirements
Single AAA battery (up to 300 hours operation)
Dimensions
5"L x 1-1/16"W x 5/16"H
Weight
2.1 ounces
Frequency Response
40 Hz to 20 kHz
Warranty
2 years
Features
- Shotgun-style mic with switchable sensitivity
- Super-cardioid pattern focuses on on-screen subject
- Built-in shock-mount for vibration isolation
- Foam wind shield reduces outdoor noise
- 2-way Volume Switch (Normal/High Sensitivity)
- 3-way On/Off Switch with low-cut filter
- Designed for camcorder accessory shoe mounting
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Sennheiser MKE 400 for its exceptional reliability and superior audio quality in a portable package. Its robust, all-metal build inspires confidence for demanding field use. The super-cardioid pattern is highly effective, isolating voices clearly while minimizing distracting background noise, which is essential for mobile creators. Integrated features like the shock mount and low-cut filter improve usability immediately. The inclusion of both TRS and TRRS cables ensures seamless compatibility with cameras and phones. While optimized for voice clarity over deep bass, users find this an excellent trade-off for its compact size. It is celebrated as a powerful, reliable upgrade delivering substantial value for elevating video production audio.
Know before you buy
Yes, the MKE 400 is designed for DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and camcorders that feature a standard 3.5mm microphone input and an accessory shoe mount.
The super-cardioid polar pattern focuses specifically on the sound directly in front of the microphone while rejecting noise from the sides. This makes it ideal for isolating a subject's voice in busy or noisy environments.
The low-cut filter helps eliminate low-frequency rumble, such as wind noise or mechanical vibrations, which is particularly useful when recording outdoors or in environments with background hum.
No, the MKE 400 features an integrated shock-mount that isolates the microphone capsule from the camera body, effectively minimizing the noise caused by handling or adjusting the camera during a shoot.
The MKE 400 is powered by a single AAA battery, which provides up to 300 hours of operation, ensuring you won't need to worry about frequent battery changes during long production days.
The high sensitivity setting is designed for capturing quieter or more distant sound sources. Use the normal setting for standard close-range recording to prevent audio clipping.
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$100