Sennheiser MKE 400 Review
Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
- Pickup Pattern: supercardioid, lobar
- Frequency response: 40Hz - 20kHz
- Max SPL: 126 dB ("vol-"); 118 dB ("vol +")
- Power Supply: 1.5V battery (size AAA)
- Runs for approximately 300 hours from one battery
- Connector: 1/8-inch stereo mini jack
- Rugged, all-metal Housing
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 6,530 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sennheiser MKE 400. 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 MKE 400. For example, 80% of 907 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Sennheiser MKE 400 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 41 to 60 of 222 Reviews
Good mic
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Have just begun to use the microphone. It is very sensitive and does a good job for us. We also purchased a SGM-1X by Azden Mic and a XLRPRO Universal Dual Input Audio Adapter to integrate the two mics with our two camcorders. Both mics enhance the auido over the built-in camcorder mics. We are making educational videos in medical exam rooms. The only issue, which may be the mic or may be the audio adapter is a noticeable hiss in the background. This occurs when we are using the mics separately too. We are trying to figure out how to eliminate this from the backgroud. Overall, we are pleased with the purchases. ... More
Works great
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Kryn on B&H Photo Video
Having used a Rode at work I was concerned that the less expensive Sennheiser would disappoint. I was wrong the MKE 400 works as advertised, I would dare say better. Great audio quality. I was ten feet from the speakers and pick up was better than I expected. I would highly recommend this mic.
This shotgun mic sounds great
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Patrick on B&H Photo Video
I've used this on several shoots now and it has produced very solid audio (a huge improvement from my 7D's onboard mic). Exceptional quality in small rooms, outdoors and in large indoor spaces. There does seem to be a minor buzz present when you set it to high pickup mode, but this can be easily corrected in post with a little finesse and doesn't create a big problem. All-in-all I'd recommend this to anyone doing shoots in the field who needs a fail-safe audio solution. Glad I picked this over the far chunkier Rode mic.
Seems good...
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Greg on B&H Photo Video
I have a couple of K6 capsule mikes, lav mikes, but wanted something for simple & quick. While it's nowhere near as good as my better mikes through my Beachtek, it's WAY better then the D600 body mike.At the sale price of $$, it was an easy buy. The Rode may be better, don't know. This is built well, I don't think it gets 5 stars, maybe realistically 3.5. It's useful for what it is, a compact shotgun, but I'd only use it when I don't want to boom pole a mike. It's going to have a bit of hollow sound reletive to on-camera mikes, sometimes that works in your favor...The gain boost is good on my Nikon, and the focus switch does narrow the field. ... More
Good build quality-indicator light NG
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Gustavo J. on B&H Photo Video
The last thing I want on top of my DSLR is a huge unwieldy mic setup with all sorts of rubber bands, brackets, etc. This fits the build nicely and won't fall apart like another brand I bought earlier. The only thing I don't understand is why the indicator light doesn't stay on while it's on. Very strange and makes it easy to mistakenly leave on and use the whole battery charge by mistake.
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Great sound, a must for the Canon HV20
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by DVDad on B&H Photo Video
I use this for family and our outings. The pro equipment stays at work! he standard Canon HV0 mic picks up the CC noise, is weak and muffled in its ability to pick up any sound. This is why I sought a compact, inexpensive but effective solution. The great thing about the MKE 400 is its sturdy construction, ease of use, and wonderfully accurate and powerful mic capabilities. It pops in and out of the CC bag without difficulty. It maintains, even improves upon the HV20's balance. The MKE 400 does what it's supposed to do so well that I cannot give it any 'cons'. That's a nice problem to have! ... More
Great product for the price
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I purchased this mic for my nikon d7000. I have tested the mic for a few interviews and I am impressed so far in quality this little guy picks up and for the price I would recommend that anyone with an DSLR pick one up. I wish it has an auto shutdown feature, as I'm sure I will eventually forget to turn it off and the batteries will drain. The other weird thing I noticed it the AUX plug seems to be a bit loose in the jack and it has a tendancy to pry its self loose if the cord has too much movement. As I said overall its a great mic and a must have for anyone looking for improved sound quality at an affordable price. ... More
pricey but good quality
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Marek on B&H Photo Video
I bought it for my Canon 5D MKII and used it for over 2 months. Day and night compared to the built in mic. All the camera noises from built in mic went away, sound quality is very good. My only reservation is the price. It might be too pricey for lower end cameras, but it is great for my 5D MKII. Will never record another video without it
Ok, Not great
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Stand-offish Dan on B&H Photo Video
I tried this mic based on the reviews and the fact that I use Sennheiser's portable lave system and that works great. Well, this mic is better than the built-in camera mic but that's about it. It doesn't pick up very well when the subject is across the room and the off-axis cancellation isn't that great. It almost sounds like a cardioid instead of a shoutgun. Hopefully the RODE videomic pro will be better.
Great Mic, Bad Foam Cover
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Karn on B&H Photo Video
I purchased 15 of these mics for the Digital Film Production class I teach at a High School. I love the easiness of use and the durability of the mic. If I have one complaint, and unfortunately I do, it is that the foam sleeve that covers the mic comes off very easily. I have lost 4 of them in the first year. The fact that the replacement costs almost 7 bucks is a bit crazy as well. I have a set of RODE VideoMic Pro Plus that I don't like as well as they are made of plastic. However, I have used the heck out of them and never loose the foam cover. Slight design flaw there Sennheiser. ... More
Non intrusive baby Monster
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Ali on B&H Photo Video
I use it with a Sony A7 II DSLR. Its the perfect complement in terms of size, quality and storage.
Super small mic, but good!
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Kyle on B&H Photo Video
Having not seen this in person before I got it, I was surprised at just how tiny it was! I was thinking it would be the size of a Rode series mic, but it's like 1/3 the size! Not that it matters. I'm actually glad it's this size because it fits perfectly on my Nikon Z6. If you're looking for a small and easy to use shotgun mic, you can't go wrong with this. I also have a Senneheiser ME66/K6 combo that I love, but it was just too big to put on a small camera body. This MKE400 fits the bill perfectly. ... More
Got what I need - simply fantastic
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by apadyy on B&H Photo Video
My sony hdr sr 11 always gave me excellent video but the audio quality was not that great. I heard about this microphone from B&H site and verified with one of my friend who works as professional in films. He backed my decision and i went ahead and bought it. I also got the pearstone universal cold shoe to make this mike work with my sony handycam and my tripod... It works great..Thanks B&H for this awesome product. The only caveat which you should keep in mind is there is no indicator for battery which is not a big deal as the battery lasts for about 4-5 hrs. ... More
Good but not Great
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Timothy on B&H Photo Video
The sound quality is good but not great. The rubber mount does an admirable job of isolating handling noise on a 5DMKII but I don't believe it will prove to be robust enough. Weight and size are great. Better than the built in mike and better form factor than any other competing mike. The optional hairy windmuff falls off easily after clicking it properly into place and unfortunately doesn't do a very good job of cutting wind rumble even in a light breeze.
Leaves much to be desired.
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I used the MKE 400 on my Canon 7D and found it lacking. The 7D on board mike was better on every test. I tried the 400 in a quiet office in an interview situation and outside capturing distant voices and general street sounds using all options. I did not expect this mike to be as good as my other more expensive mikes, but it must be better than the camera mike, if it is to be of use. The size of the 400 was good and the construction was reasonably good. I will be returning this product.
Great basic mic
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by Chaplain Porter on B&H Photo Video
The MKE 400 base is solidly built unlike other models made of flimsy plastic. I could not afford a lavalier and shotgun so I opted for the MKE 400 as an all-purpose mic for the time being. It picked up the speaker's voice loudly, but also picked up background speaking coming from approx. 30 degrees. Only cons are (1) the cable coming from the rear of the mic seems fragile, don't know whether it is but it doesn't feel solid and (2) I've left the mic on several times because it has no on/off light. You're not going to make any Oscar winning productions with this mic but for amateurs like me it is a great value. ... More
Cuts Down Machine Sound: A Nice Addition
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by johnsroost on B&H Photo Video
The shock mounted MKE 400 reduces machine sound significantly, especially when zooming, focusing and general camera/tripod movement. The mic is more sensitive and has a richer texture than the onboard camera mic. It doesn't make up for a quality shotgun mic, though, so if you want great sound you'll still have to get your hands on a cardioid mic and boom pole setup. Overall, it's a good addition if you can afford it--the price is a little high for my taste.
Some good points
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by synchronicity on B&H Photo Video
Good....the sound quality and one AA lasts a long time Bad...cheap construction, must remember to turn it on and off since it doesn't use the hotshoe to power up. Slider switches are very cheap.
Excellent Shotgun Microphone
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by drdancm on B&H Photo Video
I used this attached to a Panasonic GH3 to shoot a short film called Catching Broken Glass.It's great that it uses just a single AAA battery which you can get anywhere. The directional feature worked very well for picking up the actors voices as well as ambient sound, while avoiding any camera or operator sounds.I was fortunate to get this on sale which helped a lot with my limited budget.Here is a link to the trailer for the video------------------
Unimpressive
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Reviewed by jWada on B&H Photo Video
Mildly increased sound quality from an onboard microphone on a T3i. Wasn't too impressed by the Shock mount (two pieces of rubber) as they seemed like they could rip off if the mic where handled incorrectly. Overall Meh.
