SKU: GC60-508898

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Name: Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Brand: Sennheiser
SKU: GC60-508898
Price: 279.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$279.00

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Overview Key Features FAQs Image gallery Reviews Accessories

$279.00

$279.00 ~~$369.00~~

$279.00

$279.00 ~~$369.00~~

Product Overview

Add the compact and lightweight second-generation Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone to your camera- or smartphone-based shooting rig to make an easy upgrade in sound quality, even in noisy environments, without having to carry around a cumbersome windscreen and suspension system. Plus, it offers a 3-stage gain control and a low-cut filter so you can optimise the sound of your recording right at the mic.

Thanks to its integral wind protection, built-in shock absorption, long battery life, and headphone monitoring port, the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone is a truly capable solution for capturing clear audio - perfect companion for vloggers, run-and-gun videographers, and mobile journalists who need a quality camera-mount mic that will never get in the way of the shot.

To ensure that you're prepared for any shoot, the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone includes two locking 3.5mm audio cables - features a standard TRS plug for compatibility with cameras and DSLRs, while the other utilises a TRRS plug to connect with your smartphone or tablet. Plus, the supplied furry windshield can be slipped over the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone to provide increased protection from wind noise when shooting in outdoor environments.

Second-Generation Upgrades
Along with its redesigned appearance, the second-generation MKE 400 boasts significant upgrades over the original Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone to make it even more effective and versatile.

Swappable 3.5mm TRS and TRRS output cables
3.5mm headphone port with volume control
3-stage gain control (the original MKE 400 had two gain positions)
Auto-power function
Integrated wind protection
Furry windshield included for outdoor wind protection
Compatible with Sennheiser's CL 35 USB-C cable (available separately) for direct digital connection to a mobile device's USB Type-C port

Compact and Lightweight
Measuring just 5" long and weighing only 3.3 ounces, the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone is an unobtrusive companion for your camera- or smartphone-based video rig; it will never intrude on the shot and it's so light that you'll forget it's even there. Also, the integral shoe mount allows the MKE 400 to be attached directly to your camera, no external hardware required.

Highly Directional Sound Pickup
Most built-in camera and smartphone microphones are omnidirectional to pick up sound from all directions, which results in undue noise and ambience. The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone uses a supercardioid polar pattern enhanced by an acoustic interference tube to focus on sources in front of the mic while attenuating side- and rear-entry sound. Low-noise electronics and a sensitive condenser element allow it to deliver more detailed audio than the mics typically found in cameras, mobile devices, and portable recorders.

Quick and Secure Hookup to Camera, Smartphone, or Tablet
The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone's 3.5mm output port can be connected to a range of devices using the two supplied coiled cables, each featuring a locking 3.5mm TRS plug on one end that prevents accidental disconnection at the mic.

One cable is terminated with a standard 3.5mm TRS plug for compatible hookup to your camera, DSLR, or portable handheld audio recorder, while the other cable has a 3.5mm TRRS plug to allow direct connection to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Headphone Monitoring Port
A vital step before recording audio is to check your levels and monitor your sound. While some cameras have a headphone jack, not all do, and that's where the headphone monitoring output comes into play. Plug any 3.5mm headphone directly into the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone and use the integrated volume control to make sure the sound is clear.

Long Battery Life
The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone can run for up to 100 hours on a pair of AAA batteries (available separately), so you'll be able to knock out plenty of shoots before needing new batteries. The low-battery indicator lets you know when you have approximately three hours of operating time remaining. The MKE 400's auto-power function uses plug-in power (2 to 10V) from your device to automatically turn it on and off, preventing unnecessary battery drain.

Internal Suspension Mount Minimises Handling Noise
The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone incorporates internal shock absorption to reject the transfer of vibrations such as camera/smartphone handling noise. Plus, the bottom of the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone features a camera shoe mount, ensuring simple attachment to your camera or shoe-equipped stand or gimbal.

Built-In Wind Protection Minimises Wind Noise
Knowing that the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone may be used in challenging shooting conditions, Sennheiser designed the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone with built-in wind protection, enabling the mic to lessen undesirable wind noise from breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners without requiring that you slip on a separate foam windscreen. For maximum reduction of wind noise in outdoor environments, use the included furry windshield.

Adjustable Gain
Achieving proper recording levels is crucial to avoiding distortion. The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone's adjustable sensitivity provides three settings to optimise the mic's audio signal volume. The -20 dB setting is ideal when capturing loud sounds that could distort your recording. The 0 dB position is recommended for normal dialogue levels or when using a high-quality external preamp. Select +20 dB when miking quiet sources or using cameras with low input sensitivity.

Low-Cut Filter
When excessive low-frequency noise from HVAC systems and traffic interferes with the clarity of your audio, activate the 200 Hz low-cut filter to attenuate bass frequencies while letting crucial midrange and high-frequencies pass through unaffected.

What's 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

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FAQs

What makes the Sennheiser MKE 400 different from other shotgun microphones?

The Sennheiser MKE 400 stands out due to its compact size and lightweight design, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go videographers and vloggers. Its supercardioid polar pattern and integrated wind protection effectively isolate sound sources while minimizing unwanted ambient noise. Additionally, the inclusion of adjustable gain settings and a low-cut filter allows users to tailor their audio recording based on their environment and subject matter, providing a level of versatility that many other microphones in the same category do not offer.

How does the headphone monitoring port enhance the recording experience?

The headphone monitoring port on the Sennheiser MKE 400 allows users to listen to audio in real-time, which is crucial for ensuring sound quality before and during recording. This feature is particularly beneficial for those using cameras without built-in headphone jacks, as it enables precise level checks and adjustments using the integrated volume control. By monitoring the audio directly from the microphone, users can catch issues like distortion or background noise early, leading to a more professional final product.

Can I use the MKE 400 with my smartphone, and what is the connection process?

Yes, the Sennheiser MKE 400 can be easily used with smartphones thanks to the included TRRS output cable. Simply connect the microphone to your smartphone's headphone jack using the TRRS cable, ensuring a secure fit to prevent accidental disconnection. This flexibility allows you to capture high-quality audio directly from your mobile device, making it an excellent choice for mobile journalists and content creators who need a dependable audio solution without carrying extra equipment.

What are the benefits of the adjustable gain settings on the MKE 400?

The adjustable gain settings on the Sennheiser MKE 400 offer users the ability to optimize audio levels for various recording situations. With three settings available -20 dB for loud environments, 0 dB for standard dialogue, and +20 dB for quieter sources - users can effectively manage the microphone's sensitivity. This feature is crucial for achieving clear recordings without distortion, allowing users to adapt to different sound sources and environments effortlessly.

How effective is the built-in wind protection, and when should I use the furry windshield?

The built-in wind protection of the Sennheiser MKE 400 is designed to significantly reduce wind noise from breezes and other disturbances, making it suitable for various indoor and outdoor scenarios. However, when shooting in particularly windy conditions, it is advisable to use the included furry windshield for maximum protection. This accessory enhances the microphone's ability to capture clear audio by further minimizing wind interference, ensuring that your recordings remain crisp and professional even in challenging environments.

What type of battery does the MKE 400 use, and how long can I expect it to last?

The Sennheiser MKE 400 operates on two AAA batteries, which are not included. A pair of AAA batteries can provide up to 100 hours of continuous use, making it an exceptionally reliable microphone for long shoots. The microphone also features a low-battery indicator that alerts users when approximately three hours of battery life remain, allowing for timely replacements and ensuring you are never caught off-guard during an important recording session.

How does the internal suspension mount help with audio quality?

The internal suspension mount incorporated within the Sennheiser MKE 400 is designed to minimize handling noise by absorbing vibrations that could otherwise transfer to the microphone. This feature is particularly beneficial for handheld shooting or when the mic is attached to moving equipment. By reducing these unwanted noises, the internal suspension ensures that the audio captured is cleaner and more focused, which is essential for professional-quality recordings.