Sennheiser ME 66 Review
Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
- Supercardioid/Lobar Polar Pattern
- Low Self-Noise
- Compact Body
- Enhanced Rejection of Off-Axis Sounds
- For K6 and K6P Powering Modules
- 40 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
- High Sensitivity and Maximum SPL
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 94 Reviews
Great Basic Mic
Sennheiser ME 66/K6 Shotgun Microphone Kit
Reviewed by Plochmann on B&H Photo Video
This mic has a pleasant, clean signal. For a starting mic it is probably one of the best. It has not really let me down or given me any huge problems. It is a professional piece of equipment though, it works best with XLR cables and when put into a mixing board. The only downside is that if you start doing a lot of sound recording you will find limitations to the mic. It doesn't excel at picking up voices over background sounds. It isn't focused enough for certain applications. Sometimes back noises bleed in, meaning it is not as cardioid as the manufacturers state. This is a good starting mic, but you will need to expand to really do sound right. ... More
Have had this 10 years!
Sennheiser ME 66/K6 Shotgun Microphone Kit
Reviewed by STONEY XL on B&H Photo Video
Immediately after having an outing with my VX2000 and hearing the horrible noise (hiss) of the onboard, I ran down to B&H and bought this mic in 2001-2002. I think we were shooting sketch on the streets of Brooklyn then. Anyway, I'm currently pricing out gear for a new company and just had to marvel at how well this mic has performed to this day. I've interviewed artists in the loudest of NYC clubs, literally infront of booming bass bottoms and mids, loud trebly horns, and I must say I've been stunned at the clarity and directionality. I'm probably gonna get some AT mics or the 416/418s cause they're paying for it, but I brag about this mic often. ... More
Great Mic, awesome price
Sennheiser ME 66/K6 Shotgun Microphone Kit
Reviewed by B on B&H Photo Video
I've used this mic as an on-cam B option for my 416 and I've never been let down. The reason I wrote this review, is because the price dropped about $100! For under $400, it could very well be the best sound for the $. It might not be a AT 4071 or a rode NT, but it's several hundred dollars less, rigid build quality, and more than acceptable audio. I have even used it a few times for ADR and even a voice over and clients were outspokenly impressed with the clean audio. Overall, I would absolutely buy this again. But If I had the option to try out some of the Rodes and AT's in the same price class, I absolutely would. ... More
Great!
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed by @ on B&H Photo Video
I've been using the ME66/K6 for four years, and I bought it after using the 416. Admittedly, the 416 is warmer, cleaner and more directional. But for the consumer camcorder or wireless non-phantom plug-on, the ME66 works whereas the 416 won't. A lot of filmmaker forums criticize the ME66 in favor of the cheaper Rode NTG-2, which they claim is warmer. The ME66 is very warm, specs drop it down to 40hz. But where I live is extremely windy year-round, so I have to sacrifice that warmth by engaging the low-cut switch, something the 416 doesn't have, then wrap a Rycote Softie or blimp around it. I lose some bass, I'd say below 80hz is gone, but so is the wind. However, I can get some of that low-end back in post by adding EQ. It sounds stellar sans wind and is usable audio for pro or casual projects. The ME66 has very good rear and side rejection. At noisy political rallies for spot interviews and eavesdropping, words are distinct and isolated. Maybe not as wow as a Schoeps, but the ME66 is killer for documentaries. The K6 is quite hot, so watch those levels. For consumer camcorders with auto gain, if there's an attenuator option, use it. I do on my Canon. Generally, however, even if your camcorder doesn't have attenuation, hopefully the limiter will kick in before clipping. ... More
Hi-End Broadcast microphone
Sennheiser ME 66/K6 Shotgun Microphone Kit
Reviewed by Safiron on B&H Photo Video
Broadcast quality microphone used by televisions and studios around the world as boom mics, shotgun mics, and on-camera mics. Sound itself is clear and concrete. Body is made out of magnesium alloy which is basicly unscratchable. Our company uses these for 8 years now and there have been no problem with any of them.
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Was told it was an industry standard
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed by Spyros Poulos _ Logic Music Inc. on B&H Photo Video
On my first job using this Mic I heard why it was recommended to me as an industry standard. I used it on several scenes with male and female talent and also used it outside for ambience. Clear, even and a very detailed sound with tons of gain. I thought the tone was very round and warm yet with a very clear transparent top end. It has a rather big sound for a small diaphragm microphone. The pic-up pattern was fairly focused but it did pick up a lot of room ambience, some of that good and some I wish I wasn't getting such as air conditioning sounds and street noise leaking in to the location on this video shoot I was doing sound for. I like the K6 separate power module so I can change mic capsules if needed. I have happily used other Sennheiser mics in the studio and now using this mic on location I'm even more a fan of the company than I already was. I love that fact that it is very lightweight for mounting and holding on a boom but doesn't sound lightweight by any means. I do wish the roll off didn't go as high as it does though. Love the fact that it generates it's own phantom power too with the K6. I was able to bypass using a mixer for a quick shoot outside going right into the camera. ... More
Great Mic for the money
Sennheiser ME 66/K6 Shotgun Microphone Kit
Reviewed by The Rossman on B&H Photo Video
This is a great value---nice clean sound at a very attractive price. I've compared against our MK416 ($1,200) and it's pretty darn good for the money. I was pleasantly surprised.
Pro Quality Mic
Sennheiser ME 66/K6 Shotgun Microphone Kit
Reviewed by NTure on B&H Photo Video
I've used the ME66 for 5 years, as an on-camera mic and boom mic for documentary-style shoots, and use with the EX3 and also into the Zoom H4n to link with 5D, and have always gotten clear, clean professional sound. It doesn't isolate the speaker as well in a noisy packed room, but does exceptionally well for the price in low/moderate noise situations, and has perfectly clean audio (for my ears) for studio voice-over recording.
Faulty
Sennheiser ME 66/K6 Shotgun Microphone Kit
Reviewed by Mehdi on B&H Photo Video
The on/off switch was not working properly. Had to force the button to move it, and then had to jiggle a little in order to run the microphone. Obviously, that's a faulty device and you can't spend your time on a project trying to jiggle your way hoping for your microphone to work. I decided to return the Power Module and asked for a replacement. Unfortunately, the replacement still has the same issue!!!!!!! The on/off switch is faulty. I bought this on sale for a good price, and at this point, my guess is that there were a bunch of refurbished/ returned items of this brand on the shelves and they needed to be gone. HOWEVER, the Sennheiser ME66 is amazing! it works fine. But I still have the Power Module and not happy with it. ... More
High-quality, reliable microphone
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed by Caitlin, Bioacoustician on B&H Photo Video
I have used an ME66 to record birdsong for the past 5 years and have never had a problem. This is the second ME66 microphone I have purchased (to add to my existing kit, rather than make a replacement), and I have deliberately chosen this older model simply because it is tried and true. I have consistently been able to collect clear, high-quality recordings over a variety of distances and in a variety of environmental conditions. Although the microphone requires a relatively big initial investment (especially once the K6 module is factored in), it is well worth it since you will own a great microphone that will last many years and even take a bit of a beating (as mine has in the field). ... More
The standard for lower budget work
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed by Greg on B&H Photo Video
There are of course several, higher microphones, out there. Used by many professional audio recordists. However, the ME66 is a really good microphone for the money. It is better than many on sound quality. Decent signal to noise and very good directionality. In post it is pretty easy to EQ as needed. At this price point, it is a micrphone you can actually get more than one if you are running a couple of different cameras on a shoot. Durable and reasonably affordable, it is the perfect step up away from those little directional mics that are placed on top of some many cameras. ... More
Beautiful sound
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
We use a wireless mic, most the time for our shoots. I have always been afraid of a mic on top of the camera that it would pick up other noises in the room. We took a chance on this one, due to the good reviews. What great sound. It sounds like you are talking one on one with the person. It gives a little live sound to the mix. It is a little hard to explain besides - what a great sound! We don't have to mic and remic the different talent at a shoot and for weddings we use both and can mix a wonderful sound for the event. I know there a cheaper mics, but if you buy one of those - but you'll be sorry! Just get this one and enjoy. Buy the kit - it has everything you need for this mic. ... More
Great results
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed by pamela on B&H Photo Video
I used the ME66 as a field recording microphone for journalistic interviews. I used it in conjunciton with a lavalier microphone to increase the richness of the voice in a sound recording. The ME66 was mounted on a boom pole and attached by xlr cable to a Zoom H4n. The resulting sound was exceptional. This is a good basic short shotgun microphone. Like all condenser mics it is fragile and has to be handled with care. This makes it a bit tricky for field work. But the sound is worth the extra care in handling.
Great Buy!
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed by Derek on B&H Photo Video
This mic is worth the money. Had some handling noise, but then switched to roll-off mode and it took care of it completely. The mic is crisp and clear and very quiet especially for the price range. I used it recently for a film and I swear I could hear one of the actors blink when we were shooting the closeup.
Works well with a video camera
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed by Dazzle on B&H Photo Video
First, I was not going to spend this kind of money for a mic. However, now that I have used it in the field, I must say it really works well. I use this on a Sony HDR-AX2000. The mic is a bit to small to fit in the mic holder so I put some black tape around it and it holds it very well. This mic is very very directional which is what you want when you shoot video. When you listen to the sound with head phones it is very sharp. I did find if you touch the cable that extends from this you can hear it in the head phones. So keep your hands off of this and it will work well. ... More
Good mic so far
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed by Think Fast Productions on B&H Photo Video
I come from the post world and am starting to do my own production work as well. I got the package deal which included the mic, power module, boom pole, shock mount, wind sock, and cables. I've used the mic on a shoot at a motorcycle race and it worked very well, I am also using it for V/O work in the studio and so far it seems like a solid performer. Pros: Nice sound quality, good multipurpose mic, can use the shotgun ME67 capsule to further expand its capability Cons: haven't used it enough to find any yet. I would recommend this product, it produces better sound than the $200.00 Azden I was using previously which is why I purchased it and what I expected. ... More
Good mic, a little thin
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed by Jim on B&H Photo Video
I like the concept of the ME66/67 and K6 modular system. After trying out the mic in a few different environments, I decided to return for the 416. The ME66 pattern was a tad too wide for me and the tone was thinner than I'd like. There's nothing wrong with the mic, it just doesn't suit my purposes as well as I hoped.
Incredible Sound and Quality!
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed by Johnathon on B&H Photo Video
This microphone has been the best purchase ever! I had a Rode NKG-2 and after a year and a hlaf the XLR connector begaun to pull out of the bottom. Then on it's final shoot upon disconnecting it, the wires pulled from the mic...and it ahsn't worked since. With this one having a seperate module for the battery I don't foresee this happening. not to mention the different sounds I am able to pick up on, and the extremely good clarity it provides. The Rode couldn't come close.
Really sensitive, but selective
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I've used this mounted on my Panasonic HVX and on a stand. It does a great job of getting only the sound you point it towards with minimal atmospheric sound (especially compared with the cameras built in mic). The sound is rich. It picks up the soft spoken very well. My only issues have been is in a really loud atmosphere, like a concert, I was not able to turn it down on my camera enough. At the lowest setting it was still overmodulating. In the future I would just move it further away from the source, this could also be a camera issue not a mic issue. ... More
A Twist of Fate
Sennheiser ME 66 Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone Head
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I normally have a lot of trouble with microphones, being more of a video person than a sound person. So far however, this microphone has proved to be an invaluable tool in my one man filming arsenal. As so far I'm doing all the jobs on my films, having something that is efficient, high quality, and easy to use is always a plus, and of course this little beauty performs marvelously well.
