Add the compact and lightweight second-generation Sennheiser MKE 400 directional 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 optimize 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 MKE 400 is a truly capable solution for capturing clear audio—a 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 MKE 400 includes two locking 3.5mm audio cables—one features a standard TRS plug for compatibility with cameras and DSLRs, while the other utilizes a TRRS plug to connect with your smartphone or tablet. Plus, the supplied furry windshield can be slipped over the MKE 400 to provide increased protection from wind noise when shooting in outdoor environments.

Mobile Journalist, Vlogger, Run & Gun    For Cameras and Smartphones    100-Hour Run Time via AAA Batteries    Built-In Wind Protection and Shockmount    Locking 3.5mm TRS Out & Headphone Port    3.5mm TRS and TRRS Output Cables    Highly Directional Sound Pickup    3-Stage Gain Control and Low-Cut Filter    Furry Windscreen for Outdoor Use    Mounts to Camera Cold Shoe

Along with its redesigned appearance, the second-generation MKE 400 boasts significant upgrades over the original MKE 400 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

Measuring just 5" long and weighing only 3.3 ounces, the MKE 400 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.

Most built-in camera and smartphone microphones are omnidirectional to pick up sound from all directions, which results in undue noise and ambience. The MKE 400 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.

The MKE 400'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.

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 MKE 400 and use the integrated volume control to make sure the sound is clear.

The MKE 400 can run for up to 100 hours on a pair of AAA batteries, 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.

The MKE 400 incorporates internal shock absorption to reject the transfer of vibrations such as camera/smartphone handling noise. Plus, the bottom of the MKE 400 features a camera shoe mount, ensuring simple attachment to your camera or shoe-equipped stand or gimbal.

Knowing that the MKE 400 may be used in challenging shooting conditions, Sennheiser designed the MKE 400 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.

Achieving proper recording levels is crucial to avoiding distortion. The MKE 400's adjustable sensitivity provides three settings to optimize 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.

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.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is the MKE 400 shotgun microphone origin? Thanks.

A: its a German product , but origin is in Romania.

Q: 2. Is there anyway to use this with the Blackmagic Cameras via mini XLR?

A: Yes, you can connect the Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone to the mini-XLR input on Blackmagic cameras using a cable like the Kondor Blue Mini-XLR Male to Locking 3.5mm Stereo Cable for BMPCC 6K & 4K (B&H # KOMINIPLSBK).

Q: 3. How effectively would this mic record audio at a civic protest when mounted on a DSLR or mirrorless camera?

A: The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone will record audio from several feet away when mounted on a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Its supercardioid polar pattern and acoustic interference tube allow the mic to focus on sources that are in front while attenuating sounds coming from the sides and back of the mic. The adjustable gain settings and low-cut filter are helpful to achieve clarity when capturing loud or quiet sounds and reducing low frequency noise from traffic when recording outdoors or from HVAC system when indoors so that the essential midrange and high frequencies are unaffected.

Q: 4. Is this compatible with a Sony FDR AX100 camcorder?

A: Yes, the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone is compatible for use with the Sony FDR-AX100 Camcorder.

Q: 5. Will this work with rechargeable batteries?

A: The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone runs on AAA batteries, which can be either rechargeable or disposable.

Q: 6. I`m a wildlife photographer the majority of the time looking to start videoing my subjects. Will this mike work in this setting?

A: The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone (2nd Generation), BH # SEMKE400M, will pick up wildlife and ambient outdoor sounds from relatively close distances.

Q: 7. CAN THIS MICROPHONE BE CONNECTED TO THE XLR MIXER IN ANY WAY?

A: The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone can be connected to an XLR mic input using an adapter such as B&H #ROVXLR.

Q: 8. Is it able to use phantom power when plugged into XLR and avoid using battery power?

A: The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone (2nd Generation) uses AAA batteries as its power source as opposed to plug-in power through its input connection. While phantom power could be converted to plug-in power using an adapter such as the Rode VXLR+ 3.5mm TRS Female to XLR Male Adapter with Phantom Power Converter (BH #ROVXLRP), this would only trigger the MKE 400's auto on/off function but would not power the microphone without batteries.

Q: 9. Does this microphone support the Minolta MN4K25NV UHD 4K IR Night Vision Camcorder ??

A: Yes the Sennheiser MKE 400 is directly compatible with the Minolta MN4K25NV UHD 4K IR Night Vision Camcorder.

Q: 10. Will this be compatible with the Panasonic DMW-XLR2 XLR Microphone Adapter, or is there a better choice?

A: The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone (2nd Generation) will work with the Panasonic DMW-XLR2 XLR Microphone Adapter via its 3.5mm stereo input jack or via XLR when using an adapter such as the RODE VXLR 3.5mm TRS Female to XLR Male Adapter (B&H # ROVXLR). However, to gain the benefit of the Panasonic adapter's balanced audio, we recommend using an XLR shotgun microphone like the Azden SGM-250CX Short Shotgun Microphone (Shockmount, Phantom Only), which is B&H # AZSGM250CX.