Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone (2nd Generation)

Overview

Enhance your camera or smartphone shooting setup with the compact and lightweight second-generation Sennheiser MKE 400 directional shotgun microphone. This mic delivers improved audio quality, even in noisy settings, without the need for bulky windscreens or suspension systems. It also features a 3-stage gain control and a low-cut filter, allowing you to fine-tune your recording’s sound directly at the microphone for optimal results.

Features

Compact and Lightweight

At just 5 inches long and weighing only 3.3 ounces, the MKE 400 is an unobtrusive addition to your camera or smartphone video setup. Its lightweight design ensures it won’t interfere with your shot, and its small size makes it easy to forget it’s even there. The integrated shoe mount allows the MKE 400 to attach directly to your camera without the need for additional hardware.

Highly Directional Sound Capture

Unlike most built-in camera and smartphone microphones, which are omnidirectional and pick up unwanted background noise, the MKE 400 uses a supercardioid polar pattern, enhanced by an acoustic interference tube. This design focuses on capturing sound from the front while reducing noise from the sides and rear. With low-noise electronics and a sensitive condenser element, it delivers a more detailed audio experience than typical microphones in cameras, mobile devices, and portable recorders.

Simple and Secure Connection to Cameras, Smartphones, or Tablets

The MKE 400 features a 3.5mm output port that connects easily to a variety of devices using the included coiled cables. Each cable has a locking 3.5mm TRS plug to prevent accidental disconnection. One cable is designed for cameras, DSLRs, or handheld audio recorders, while the other connects to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets with a 3.5mm TRRS plug.

Headphone Monitoring Output

Before recording audio, it’s essential to monitor your sound levels. The MKE 400 includes a headphone monitoring output, ideal for cameras without a headphone jack. Simply plug your 3.5mm headphones into the mic and use the integrated volume control to ensure the sound quality is clear.

Extended Battery Life

The MKE 400 operates for up to 100 hours on a pair of AAA batteries, giving you plenty of time for multiple shoots before needing replacements. A low-battery indicator alerts you when approximately three hours of battery life remain. The auto-power function, powered by your device’s plug-in power (2 to 10V), automatically turns the mic on and off to conserve battery life.

Internal Shock Mount for Reduced Handling Noise

The MKE 400 includes internal shock absorption to minimize the transfer of vibrations, such as handling noise from your camera or smartphone. Additionally, the microphone’s base features a camera shoe mount for easy attachment to your camera, gimbal, or shoe-equipped stand.

Built-in Wind Protection to Reduce Wind Noise

Designed for use in challenging environments, the MKE 400 features built-in wind protection to reduce unwanted wind noise caused by breezes, fans, air conditioning, and more. For optimal wind noise reduction in outdoor settings, use the included furry windshield.

Adjustable Gain Control

The MKE 400 offers three adjustable sensitivity settings to ensure proper recording levels and avoid distortion. Use the -20 dB setting for loud sounds that could cause distortion, 0 dB for normal dialogue or high-quality external preamps, and +20 dB for quiet sources or cameras with low input sensitivity.

Low-Cut Filter for Clearer Audio

When low-frequency noises, such as from HVAC systems or traffic, interfere with your recording, activate the 200 Hz low-cut filter to reduce these bass sounds while preserving essential midrange and high frequencies for clearer audio quality.

In The Box

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone (2nd Generation)
Sennheiser CL 35 TRS Locking 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRS Coiled Cable
Sennheiser CL 35 TRRS Locking 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRRS Coiled Cable
Sennheiser MZH 400 Furry Windshield for MKE 400
Drawstring Pouch
2 x AAA Battery
Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty