Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Review
Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
- Fast-Setup System for DIY Videographer
- MKE 2 Professional Omni Lav Mic
- Protected Peer-to-Peer Connection
- Lightweight Bodypack Transmitter
- Automatic Mic-Level Control
- Ultra-Compact Plug-In Receiver
- Easy to Use, Automatic Operation
- Up to 8 Mics on Set / 98' Range
- 4-Hr Rechargeable Batteries + USB Power
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 1,395 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET. For example, 76% of 154 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 57 Reviews
Audio Quality is Good. BEWARE of Latency Issues
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Gabriel on B&H Photo Video
I can't believe that nobody else has mentioned the latency issues. The audio quality is excellent. I previously used the Sony UWP series and this version has much clearer audio. The downside for me is latency. I shoot a lot of multicam interviews using panasonic GH4,GH3, Sony A7SII etc... when I have to sit down to do multicam in FCPX it is a disaster. I used to be able to just sync my selection to the monitoring angle and it was done... with this not so... I find that I am constantly having to go back and readjust clips individually. It is such a pain. I wish I could return this unit, but it is past my 30 days. I have major regrets. The difference in audio quality does not outweigh the hastle of constantly having to adjust the clips in post. I would give it one star, but the audio quality is good. I am very disappointed. Why would they release a product that has this issue and why do so many online reviews fail to mention this? ... More
Interferes with hard wired mics, and can't use with analog
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Fred F. on B&H Photo Video
This system has 2 enormous flaws, 1 of which Sennheiser either is not aware of or is pretending to not be aware of it. 1. The first part isn't necessarily a flaw, but a huge hinderance. You cannot use this system with an older Sennheiser wireless system such as a G3 series or something like that. When we shoot weddings we always use a wireless lav and a wireless stick mic. We were excited about getting this to replace the older sennheiser G3 lav mic because we wanted to have something even more reliable. Unfortunately, there is a delay in these AVX digital systems. On their own, no big deal, but when used with any other wireless mic the audio from this unit comes in about 3/4 of a frame behind... so even if you try to move the audio ahead a frame, it's still then slightly ahead, causing an echoing effect. You can't match it up with the wireless analog device. 2. This is the real major problem with this device. When you connect the receiver unit to a camera or recording device and then plug in a wired mic, the wireless unit interferes with any wired mic you plug in. We tried this on multiple cameras, with multiple wired mics, and multiple XLR cables... it interferes every time. When I called sennheiser about this, they tried to say 'my camera' probably wasn't wired up good. It's a professional Sony camera. Nonetheless we then tried it on 3 other cameras, with 4 other mics, and then even on a ZOOM audio recording device instead of a camera... the sennheiser receiver caused a buzzing on the other plugged in mic EVERY TIME. So then I called Sennhesier back. They acted as if no one has ever reported to this to them before. Guy literally said I was the only one ever to report this even though there's several comments like this on the internet. He says, oh it's definitely just that particular unit. Send it in for repair. I send it in for repair. I get a notification they received it. Two weeks go by and I hear nothing. I call in and ask what's going on... what's the status. Lady on phone literally admitted they had done nothing with it but said "I'll get someone on this today." I call back tomorrow and same lady says "We're sending you a new unit." Ok, I get the new unit. IT DOES THE SAME THING! The first unit wasn't defective because the NEW unit is doing the same thing. It's a huge flaw. Basically, you can ONLY use these AVX systems if you ONLY plan to use by itself or with another AVX system. You can't use an onboard camera mic, shotgun mic, or even another sennheiser earlier generation system. ... More
Don't buy if you will use with Zoom H6n or H5 recorder
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Joachim on B&H Photo Video
We purchased this to have alternative bandwidth than our older Sony UTX-B2 wireless lavs. We liked the small form factor and long USB charging battery life, and simple pairing. All things we still like. However, if you have a H6n, and plug the receiver directly to the Zoom (as the it is designed to do) you will have a LOUD buzzing on your other audio inputs (boom or ambient inputs). It causes the other audio to be unusable. The fix negates the small form factor which is to distance the receiver from the Zoom by about 1.5 feet or more by placing a length of XLR cable between the two. And then in doing that, sometimes have to move it in different directions to make sure the noise is no longer on your boom input. Time consuming and bothersome. As a note, this is also the suggestion from Sennheiser. The delay 19ms is too much. When monitoring multiple microphones the delay is too much to have a clean interpretation of how much echo is in the room and the recording. I have to stop the recording and go back and check the audio to verify what I was presuming. On our shoots I have long spans where I don't have time to do this, which is worrisome when you can't do it on the fly. While you can iso each and check, prior to the recording, it's not what we're used to with the almost no latency of our Sony's. Lastly, depending how you configure your gain on the AVX receiver (it has 4 levels) if you go lowest and gain up on the Zoom, even that input now has the buzzing radio interference. Ultimately, everyone's looking for portability, small form factors, ease of interface, long battery life, and pro performance in our gear. Sadly, the part that matters the most to us the pro performance, and this falls short in our gear mix. Using in a non-Zoom, or singularly as the only input, this might deliver, but in our case, it's been frustrating and dissapointing. ... More
Works Wonderfully
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I'm a wedding cinematographer...but let me first address the other reviews with the AVX system and my experiences with it. Someone (on the combo system with the handheld) said it sounded like Bluetooth quality. Not in my experience. I used this system (with MKE2 lav) on a groom and had zero issues with AGC or noise. In fact, the father of the bride gave a moving speech as he gave away his daughter, and this mic was on the groom, but despite initial audio peaks around -24 to -20 with the dad, I was able to gain the audio and it was much, much cleaner than the G3 sets. I brought him to -12 to -6 and was amazed. Setup really is stupidly simple. No configuring for pairing, it just works. They found each other in 2 seconds. No interference in this single test for 50min. I'm not worried about range, because I'm always within 100 feet with Line of Sight. ... More
Amazing Wirelss Lav Set!
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by HohneD Video Producer on B&H Photo Video
Sure the price makes the wallet bleed a little, but oh my god do you get your money's worth! I purchased these from another store, an actually paid more than here at B&H. We needed a set of two of these for major production for YouTube and Social Media related videos and audio. These productions involved a ton of moving around by the subject, many action shots with guns, rifles and other loud equipment going around. We didn't mess much with the settings as we were all still audio dudes in training, but what we did not experience (at all) was any kind of handling noise, break-up or other issues that could mar the quality of the audio track, as we experienced with our former set of wireless lavs. Before, every time the antenna of the transmitter, or receiver was touched in any way we would get audio break ups. Since these don't have antennas, and all tech is digital, it eliminates issues like mentioned above. The range on these is astounding as well. I am not sure about the transmission distance, but our subjects were VERY far away from us, and audio quality was superb! Furthermore, during the production we ran into issues with our boom-mic and had to rely solely on the lavs to capture audio for sit-down interviews. Even hidden properly way, which can give you some quality issues with other lavs, these Sennheisers captured the audio in a quality equal, of not better compared to our boom-mic setup! Again, here you definitely get your money's worth! I can highly recommend these to anyone! ... More
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AVX-MKE2 Cable Noise
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Dave on B&H Photo Video
I mainly want to defend Andre_Bahs review in which he complains about the cable noise. I use the AVX mics for video depositions. I was so excited to have something so portable and simple to use, but after several months of use, I am very disappointed with this product from a company whose products I have used for years with the utmost confidence. If the AVX mic is on an animated speaker you may hear very strange noises generated, sort of like scraping and swishing sounds. If you have someone fidgety who starts handling the cable, LOOK OUT! Also, beware of the latency problem reviewers have discussed here. If you are doing a live presentation mixing these AVX mics with analog mics this could spoil the show. One more problem to mention. On several occasions, the batteries on the transmitters fell out and I finally had to secure the batteries with gaffer tape. There are plenty of reasons to love this mic system but beware of the problems which can cause production headaches, or possibly ruin your production. ... More
Superb, pro quality, one man mic solution
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Ron on B&H Photo Video
I am a pro photog, self-producing promo video and client testimonials, watched a lot of the videos of folks demonstrating this product online, and decided to order a couple for my interviews. Being a one man production, I just don't have the option to monitor the sound while filming, manage audio levels. This has turned out to be the best solution, I am very pleased. Due to the poor quality of auto-gain on DSLRs and such, I was skeptical of it's auto leveling. The 'smart' auto leveling is a wonder, I am amazed how well it works without adding hiss noise. Build quality is excellent, allow metals, and dense plastics. I have no concern connecting the receiver into the Zoom H4N. The compact body with integrated antennae make wearing it easier for subjects, and of course the antennaes don't get bent and worn. I do find the 4 gain levels more than sufficient, often running the lowest or second to lowest level (since the Zoom has good pre-amp, sound quality is very good at this level). ... More
Great solution for Indie vloggers or media
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I've been doing small budget style video content for about three years, and one of the biggest challenges has always been audio. Having a great mic that integrates directly into your video recording is super essential for small teams and quick edits. AVX takes the sound headache out of the equation with its simple to use combo set. I've mostly used the handheld for run and gun style interviews, and it works incredibly well. It's also nice to have the lav mic for more low-key host type of segments where there is no one being interviewed. The mic was super easy to set up out of the box, I just charged up the components (mic/receiver) and plugged it into the hot shoe mount on my Canon T4i, and I was off. A simple level check and a couple of tests to familiarize myself with the range and I was ready to go. So if you are an independent content producer, professional event videographer, etc. The Sennheiser AVX system will change your sound game and make your life a LOT easier and speed up your output. It's worth the small upgrade price on the combo pack as it's nice to have both handheld and lavalier mic options. I highly recommend it. ... More
Started off great
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Christopher on B&H Photo Video
We own about a dozen of these that we purchased in 2016-2017. They started off working very well, great features etc. Now all at once we are having issues with all of them outputting digital noise mid recording to the point where our team does not trust them. We have experienced the same issue with multiple units in use at various locations around the country. All have happened then the transmitter is within 25-50 feet of the receiver with direct line of sight. Sennheiser tech support has only offered general wireless mic troubleshooting advice such as distance, interference and so on, but has no explanation as to why we went from no issues to these being unusable. I can't afford to have mics I cannot trust. We are replacing all of these. ... More
Great wireless system
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Ernest on B&H Photo Video
Got the AVX for times when I don't have a sound person with me. Really great, compact system that sounds excellent. Compared to when I use a soundperson with industry norm Lectrosonics, the AVX with the better mic (MKE2) matches perfectly. One misconception I had when buying the AVX is the receiver is Phantom powered. It is NOT. It still runs on batts and lasts about 3 hrs. When the receiver sees phantom power at the camera, it just turns the receiver on/off, not powers it. So, still nice, but I wish it would have powered it. The Transmitter batts last for quite a while, I used mine continuously for about 6hrs, no prob. I still bought 2 extra receiver batts and 1 extra transmitter batt for backup. I love the system and it has worked flawlessly for me. No issues with linking the trans to receiver, piece of cake and quick. There is a very slight audio delay (3/4 of a frame) on the recording. You can't really see/hear it, but I just move the track 1 frame ahead and it's right on. No drop outs at all for normal distances (50-100') Recommended. ... More
Can we say, Plug and Play?
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Jim the Runner on B&H Photo Video
Got the MKE2. Absolutely love these lavs. For starters, they charge via micro USB. I just created a setup with a USB hub + short usb cables to charge them when not in use. Regardless, the lifespan of the batteries when fully charged read something like 10hrs (haven't tested that number). You can also buy the $$charger, but to my understanding it is for the transmitters only. I spent less than $$on my USB hub setup. PS - I think each kit only comes with 1 micro USB cable. The main concern with these mics at NAB and elsewhere were that they were going to be close to a frequency range that could be problematic with cell phones, WiFi, etc. I can safely put that to rest. I use these at a location with public WiFi and many mobile devices without a hitch. No license required. Literally turn on the transmitter, plug in your receiver, and pair them up. Done. ... More
AVX vs Wireless Rodelink
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Aakash on B&H Photo Video
The Sennheiser AVX blows my Rodelink out of the water. After renting it for a week, I will be promptly selling my Rodelink and getting an AVX for myself. Here are things that set it apart: *Extremely crispy sound quality with good bass and clarity (better than the Rodelink) *Smaller than the Rodelink and easier to hide on talent's body *Much longer battery life that is also rechargeable *XLR or mini jack out (Rodelink is only mini) Overall this is a fantastic kit and definitely worth the money.
Unusable. Terribly disappointing.
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video
If you touch the cable against anything, you get a terrible scratching sound in the mic. It is completely unusable in a professional environment. Don't believe me? Here's the proof: https://johnflowerproductions.box.com/s/872qzkud02cdijk3kq495bfjxopzen3d Talked to Sennheiser support, they said this noise - get ready - is expected. I should apparently never put the lav in a pocket (ever worked in the field?), and I should always gaff they wire to clothes and have the subject move as little as possible (WHAT??). Their sales language includes it's like having a dedicated sound engineer on set handling audio tasks. More like you will need a dedicated sound engineer on set with more expensive gear if you do not desire constant scratching on your audio tracks. I'm coming back to you, Shure. Sorry for cheating! ... More
Loved it but hate it now
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Marvin J on B&H Photo Video
Just got done working a wedding, so I lav the groom as usual and I was only 15 ft way from him and his a frequency buzzing sound the whole time. I went ahead and tested it again with him in another location and couldn't get rid of the sound. I turn the packs on and off and same thing. In addition, this was an outdoor venue the middle of no where. This really sucks. I will be contacting sennheiser Monday .
Signal Dropout
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Larry on B&H Photo Video
I bought this system in December to simplify a standing weekly talking head shoot. I have several Sennheiser analog lav mic packs so I thought I would give this a try. It worked great in December through Late February and now for the past two shoots, it is dropping signal in short bursts. We are shooting in the same location and as far as we can determine, nothing in the environment has changed. I think I wish I had stayed with analog, although the 500-600 mghz spectrum is pretty busy. But at least I had some manual control of the analog unit. I am waiting on a response from Sennheiser tec, but I have lost confidence in being able to rely on this unit. ... More
Taking the Hassle out of Wireless Mics
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I've used these on a Canon XF305... worked fantastically. Then used on a Panasonic GH4 working with a Tascam DR70 -- another very easy experience. Have not tried to input directly into a DSLR but will at some point. I prefer the overall better audio you get from working with an audio recorder coupled with a DSLR. Because of RF, spectrum issues, questions regarding whether my wireless mics were legal, etc. I've never been a big wireless fan when I'm not working w/ an audio person. Now I am. In four shoots with them I haven't heard one hit... not one blip, hiss or hit yet. And zero worries about being in the legal band anymore. Hats off to Sennheiser. ... More
Really good-with caveats
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Mark on B&H Photo Video
This setup has been my go-to wireless mic setup for nearly three years. It sounds excellent and setup is almost non-existent. The caveats: Despite the receiver's ability to turn on and off with phantom power, battery life is an issue on long days. It's a form-factor trade off. Buy at least one extra. There is a slight (~1 frame) delay compared to other wired or wireless mics you may be using. That's enough to be a real issue if used together in a live mix. Not an issue for me but ymmv. The range isn't great and signal is easily blocked by bodies or other obstructions. Practically, not an issue for me but significantly less range than other UHF systems. The flip side is I've never had RF interference issues. ... More
Clarity for the win
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by Amanda the Panda on B&H Photo Video
We clipped the mic to the main character when there were multiple people around talking. The background noise did not show up which made me so happy. Another remarkable thing is that we filmed outside when it was snowing and we didn't get any sound of the wind, just the character's voice. Something that was annoying was when we tried to film from a distance, the mic would cut in and out because it wasn't close enough.
Great improvement over EW100 G3 system
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by George D. on B&H Photo Video
The best design feature of new AVX set is ability to plug it's receiver directly into an XLR port of my PIX E5/PIX-LR monitor. The low profile of the receiver allows me to mount the monitor with the AVX receiver on Helix Jr gimbal stabilizer for full video monitoring and to record synced sound from a remote lav microphone on the talent. Another great improvement is an easy adjustment for close/open mic setting with a signle button of the AV output on the receiver.
So easy to use and sounds great
Sennheiser AVX-MKE2 SET Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (1.9 GHz)
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I was upgrading from the G3 series and had done a ton of research online. The Rodelink was cheap and didn't last, the Sony sounded good, but for the Sennheiser AVX sounded the best with some cool features. Then I was trying to decide on which mic to use. I decided on the MKE2 over the ME2-ii because of the construction, the better sound and that it was easier to hide inside clothing. Couldn't be happier with the decision. If you can't tell the difference in sound online, maybe the ME2-ii would be better for you, but it's a hard decision to make without hearing both in person. ... More
