Sennheiser MKE 400 Review

Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

6,530 reviews
sennheiser.com
Sennheiser
  • 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.

80%
Value for money
80% of users are satisfied, based on 907 reviews
76%
Sound quality
76% of users are satisfied, based on 621 reviews
82%
Durability
82% of users are satisfied, based on 299 reviews
100%
Light weight
100% of users are satisfied, based on 286 reviews
Average Rating (6,530 ratings)
85%
Amazon.ca ( 693 ratings )
88%
Amazon.ae ( 640 ratings )
88%
Amazon.sg ( 331 ratings )
84%
Amazon.com ( 322 ratings )
82%
Amazon.de ( 299 ratings )
84%
Amazon.co.uk ( 291 ratings )
84%
Amazon.fr ( 291 ratings )
84%
Amazon.co.jp ( 287 ratings )
84%
Amazon.it ( 286 ratings )
84%
Amazon.com.mx ( 285 ratings )
84%
Amazon.sa ( 285 ratings )
84%
Amazon.com.tr ( 285 ratings )
84%
Amazon.es ( 285 ratings )
84%
Amazon.in ( 285 ratings )
84%
Amazon.nl ( 285 ratings )
84%
Amazon.se ( 285 ratings )
84%
Amazon.pl ( 285 ratings )
84%
Amazon.com.au ( 285 ratings )
84%
Amazon.com.br ( 281 ratings )
84%
B&H Photo Video ( 221 ratings )
80%
Thomann ( 20 ratings )
92%
SweetWater ( 2 ratings )
100%
Reverb ( 1 ratings )
100%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 61 to 80 of 222 Reviews

Excellent product

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jan 31, 2011

Reviewed by Voyageur on B&H Photo Video

I am using the mike to do video interviews of our church elders. I am using it with a Canon 7D and also with a Canon VIXIA HFR10. I originally ordered a Pearstone lavaliere mike but the cord picked up radio interference. The MKE 400 did not have that problem. The sound quality is good on both cameras.

Good

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

May 9, 2010

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Super light and small, so it doesn't really add any weight to the camera. I am going to look into getting a fuzzy cat for it though for outside, it seems to attract wind noise. Wish the connection cord was a bit longer for my use, I use an audio recorder that is on my hip and not one attached to the camera to cut down on the weight of the camera. But strong design, seems like it will hold up. I did put it in a small case though to keep it protected inside my bag.

I dont care what people say ITS THE BEST

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jan 4, 2009

Reviewed by Nalyd11 on B&H Photo Video

I bought this for christmas and its is the best i mean the best mic ever. I Took it out of the box thinking it was going to be bigger than my hv30 but its so small. I LOVE IT!!. It sounds amazing and its picks up everything i want it to. It has no hum and dosen't pick up the dv motor which is usually a problem when buying a new mic. Its a perfect mic because you dont look like a... with a mic that weighs as much as you camera. It may be a little expensive but it is so worth the price. ... More

great little mic

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Mar 16, 2009

Reviewed by pploco on B&H Photo Video

I do pro photo work, and am of course the designated home videographer, this mic is used mainly to tape my kids performances at school events. In My opinion is unbeatable for this tasks, due to the small size, sound quality, battery life, looks, etc. would not use it for pro work, unless portability is a must. as almost everyone else here, the only complaint is the lack of a power on indicator light, so you dont forget to turn it off.

Great mic

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Oct 7, 2014

Reviewed by Joe on B&H Photo Video

I like the smaller form factor that keeps my DSLR rig compact and unimposing, while still picking up good audio without too much mechanical noise. I learned the hard way (even after reading about it!) that the battery will die just from staying put inside the mic-always take it out when you stow it or it won't be there for you when you pull it out next. Off axis rejection is not as noticeable as you may want, it's not a true shotgun, but does favor what's in front of it.

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Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
$199.95
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Kit with Rycote Windshield
$234.9
B&H Photo Video
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Kit with Rycote Windshield
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-mount Compact Shotgun Microphone
$199.95
SweetWater
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-mount Compact Shotgun Microphone
Sennheiser MKE 400
169€
Thomann
Sennheiser MKE 400
Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Mic
$166.8
Reverb
Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Mic
Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Condenser Microphone
$199.95
Zzounds
Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Condenser Microphone

Good size, sound & price

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jul 23, 2015

Reviewed by Colum O'Dwyer on B&H Photo Video

The compact size versus other pics is what made me want to get this. It's proven to be a sturdy, well made piece of kit that I use on my backpacking adventures and for my paid work also. Noise is fine - at a level that cane easily be dealt with. The battery lasts forever and the controls for noise/quiet environment work a treat. Does everything it claims. One gripe is with the windshield which has a tendency to pop off.

Great little mic

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

May 26, 2014

Reviewed by NLuc on B&H Photo Video

I used to have the Rode Video Mic and purchased the MKE400 recently. Wow the size difference is amazing - This is so much smaller. I love how the AAA battery lasts 300 hrs. The sound pickup is great. So far so good.

Great quality from leading brand

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jun 8, 2015

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I have used Sennheiser for sound for several years and this addition to my equipment does not disappoint. it is small, light and gives great quality. the distance button is useful and allows you to 'zoom' in on sound from objects further away. There is a little background noise but for getting good ambient sound without using radio mic kits etc it does the job really well. I use it on my DSLR and it's fine

Great little mic.

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Sep 5, 2010

Reviewed by Cowboy Yogi on B&H Photo Video

I used the mic this weekend during a wedding and the rehearsal dinner happened on a boat on a breezy lake. The sound was great even with the wind especially in that 6 to 10 foot range from the subject. I really like the size because I travel a lot. I haven't found much to not like about it. I only shoot small amounts of video for my shoots so the sound doesn't have to be as good as you could get from a truly pro mic. I would definitely buy it again.

Great Little Mic

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Mar 16, 2011

Reviewed by Ryan on B&H Photo Video

I have switched from using the Rode Videomic mainly because of size. I love the MKE 400 because it is much less intimidating when you are dealing with camera shy bridesmaids. I now own 2 MKE 400 and will continue to use them on all of my DSLR Cameras. Sound quality is as good or better than the Rode.

great mic

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Dec 22, 2009

Reviewed by arthur j. on B&H Photo Video

I bought this mic for my new Panasonic AG-HMC40 AVCCAM HD Camcorder. The sound doesn't live up to a full sized shotgun mic, but it's sooo much more discreet and the sound for all but situations in which you can get away with a big fuzzy monster. This mic is very nice and very sensitive indoors, if it's turned on to the plus setting. Definitely better than the mic which comes with the camera. The only other problem that I found with the MKE 400 is its tendency to pickup wind noise. The noise suppression switch helps, but it is far from perfect. 4 stars out of 5. art jacobitti ... More

Great audio for R&G, B Roll, reference

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Aug 3, 2011

Reviewed by Nathaniel on B&H Photo Video

Great little mic for run and gun audio solutions, b roll footage, and solid reference audio for later sync with external audio from a zoom, etc. Get the optional dead cat windscreen and you won't regret!

Great Value, Incredible Quality

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Feb 9, 2014

Reviewed by Junction Software on B&H Photo Video

In-house video production for training and sales videos. This microphone provides us with incredible flexibility and amazing recording quality - without ruining our entire video production budget for the year! I personally also use a Sennheiser Bluetooth microphone for my laptop and mobile phone, and it too has been an incredible purchase. Great value and quality from this company.

Unimpressive

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Aug 29, 2012

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.

great compact mic

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Dec 17, 2010

Reviewed by annaymisun on B&H Photo Video

The best compact choice for dslr video. Installs to hotshoe adaptor, plugs into camera (canon 5dmark2) If you don't mind the size and pay extreme care to quality; rode shotgun mic must be your choice. you will be stunned with the quality of the sound it delivers. I also both zoom1 to have stereo background sound in my video shoots. you will need a flash bracket and 1/4-20 hotshoe adaptor to use them in a compact solution.

Great device

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Nov 11, 2010

Reviewed by Pablo on B&H Photo Video

Great sound, I use it under windy conditions in the mountain and it works great. The battery seems to last for ever, even in real cold. Small, compact, and with an excellent metal body. Very easy to forget it turned on or off since it doesn't have a led indicator. And the battery can get out by accident since the box is not very safe.

Great on-camera mic for DSLR video

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jul 9, 2011

Reviewed by Dave on B&H Photo Video

For good on-the-fly sound for your dslr, this is really the way to go. This helps get WAY better sound than just the built in microphone. Even when working with a complete crew, my sound mixers usually ask me to use this on-camera just in case.

Noise with Canon DSLR

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Dec 17, 2011

Reviewed by TC in NYC on B&H Photo Video

Unavoidable white noise when used mounted on Canon T2i. Noise not present when using internal mic. Sound quality richer than internal mic, but the noise is not acceptable. Some suggest that turning off Image Stabilizer on lens is a solution, but did not work for me. Might be ok for loud environments. Comes with battery and regular windscreen. Super easy to use, plug and play, basically. Too bad. Expected more.

Great improvement!

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Dec 28, 2010

Reviewed by Rascal on B&H Photo Video

Perfect fit to my Canon 7D, in size and weigh, I use the MKE400 strictly on the hot shoe. Sound is greatly improved from the in-built mic. Totally out of frame with any lens I know and use. Fish-eye remains to be tested in that regard. I noticed that another brand also available for a lesser price at B&H could be mounted as well on a boom-pole but I'm not here yet...

Excellent, though not cheap

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jul 22, 2013

Reviewed by Robert H. on B&H Photo Video

Using the shotgun on a small Canon Camcorder to do interviews. Excellent quality, compact size and excellent Sennheiser name. Comes with a windscreen and audio levels show up on the camcorder which is very useful. However, it is pricey at $$ and don't forget the adapter you need for it to attach to the camcorder.

Showing 61 to 80 of 222 Reviews