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 101 to 120 of 222 Reviews

Compact Design with Good Sound

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Apr 26, 2010

Reviewed by Mammal on B&H Photo Video

I use the mic with my Canon 5D Mark II. It sounds good even in auto sound mode. It does pick up some noise from image stabilized lenses but overall sounds good. I somewhat overcame this with a Rycote shoe extension that I use to fly the mic off to the left.

Small but big on audio

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Oct 31, 2010

Reviewed by Clam the Dee on B&H Photo Video

This was recommended by friends who have used this tiny little microphone before. I was also swayed into buying because of the really great reviews found on this site. I have only tried it out twice and of couse did a comparison of the video with and without the MKE400. Both attempts yielded a very good improvement of sound quality coming from the speaker. I am very happy.

Great Quality in a Compact Design

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

May 15, 2010

Reviewed by Stephen on B&H Photo Video

Perfect compact mic for consumer handycams. I use it on my Sony XR550V as a secondary camera for field shooting of marching band performances and weddings. Works great with an added wind cover. Needs a power on indicator - too easy to leave it on and drain the battery.

Very good with a tripod!

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Nov 27, 2010

Reviewed by Cl! on B&H Photo Video

Used with Steadycam Merlin, tripod, indoors and outdoors. The great thing about it : Real micro captors to get away from the camera micro that fits into it. It does not appear into the field with small camcorder as PANA TM SD SERIES ... Easy to use with a small AA battery. Stable on the flash mount. The thing less great is that it records all your finger moves on your camera. It records anything even what you don't want on you sound file as it is very sensitive and quite simply made.

Small, lightweight and good quality

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Dec 11, 2014

Reviewed by Jason on B&H Photo Video

Although not a pro quality mic, this does a great job for DSLR on camera mics and sure beats the nikon camera mic. Nice sound. Good for interviews. Nice screening out of background sounds.

Ads

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

Was very disappoineted

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Sep 8, 2008

Reviewed by Video Guy on B&H Photo Video

I have an inexpensive Sony digital camcorder. I bought this to improve my sound. I found little difference in it from my built-in mic. If I used it on the loud setting I still heard all my camera's hum. If I turned on the filter that did not help. Plus it pick up all the rooms sound. Going to the lower level meant the camera had to be within 5 feet to get any decent sound and still not good. I tried all that I could to get it to work, but it just never improved the sound enough to warrant the price. I returned it for a Audio-Techica shotgun mic. I it is a little more expensive, but hopefully I will have improved sound. ... More

Great sound, small package

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Aug 2, 2009

Reviewed by Sirfur Productions on B&H Photo Video

I run a small video production company and use this mic in all different kinds of situations. I very much like this mic, and love the great audio. Very good alternative to using a cameras on-board sound. My only complaint is that it picks up a little more off-axis sound than it claims.... still an excellent buy.

So good I now own 7 of them.

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Feb 23, 2021

Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video

I operate 2 1,200 sq ft classroom/studios where woodworking classes are conducted in front of live audiences. The recorded classes are then edited to post to YouTube. Unscripted audio from a live audience presents some real challenges. The MKE 400 has satisfied my needs where microphones costing 5 times as much have failed.

Good Product

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Mar 24, 2010

Reviewed by Half Strut Productions on B&H Photo Video

Alot of product in a small package. The only concern I have is the durability of the mount. Seems a little on the light side considering its location on the camera. Battery life has been good. Like many have said before, there is no indicator light for the power and you have to remind yourself to power the unit up and down.

A really great shotgun microphone!

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Apr 24, 2014

Reviewed by Carlton on B&H Photo Video

I have been using Sennheiser microphones for over 25 years and this recent acquisition of the MKE 400 compact shotgun microphone is no different than all of the previous mics from Sennheiser. This mic is well made, durable and sounds great! You can't go wrong with a Sennheiser!

Poor product

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jan 9, 2012

Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video

I bought a nikon 1v1 and thought a small shotgun would add to the quality. I did a test using just the camera then the mic on both settings. I turned on the tv in a room behind the camera on a level the would sound as if it were people talking at low volume. I then stood in front of the camera about 10 feet away and did a basic mic test. After loading into my final cut pro I discovered the nikon mic was as good or better. Good for the nikon, bad for this product.

Excellent mic in a small compact package

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Apr 1, 2014

Reviewed by Crickcrick1 on B&H Photo Video

I use the mic on my Canon 7D and it has greatly increased the quality of my video recordings. The sound is much more clearer now and my customers do not have to speak nearly as loud to be heard.

Great miniature shotgun microphone!

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

May 22, 2015

Reviewed by Richard on B&H Photo Video

Incredibly small, light but wonderful shotgun mic. I have three now and use them on my DSLRs and Sony DEV5 recording binoculars. For the price they this mic cannot be beaten. Battery life is extremely good as well.

Good mike for price

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Aug 7, 2011

Reviewed by MD Looker on B&H Photo Video

This an very small and high quality mike built in Germany. Sound is good for on camera uses. Good for casual use but should not be used in pro applications. You will need a off camera shotgun microphone.

Great Mic for Nikon D300s

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jan 5, 2011

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Used this mic on a Nikon D300s to shoot a New Year's Eve event for a city. It worked great and I got great sound reproduction from it for the videos I shot. The only drawback to the mic that I see is that it is rather lightweight and fragile. I think I will just be extra careful with it. Other that that, it is a great addition to my equipment.

Perfect for DSLR Skateboarding!

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jan 3, 2011

Reviewed by ahhjlodge on B&H Photo Video

I use it on my Canon 7D combined with a fisheye and the mic doesn't hang over the lens at all. The sound is pretty good but I definitely want to work on setting up a dual system. The on/off LED indicator is useless and doesn't continually display if the Microphone is on or off. Pretty fair price as well.

Great Mic

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

May 23, 2011

Reviewed by Jeffrey on B&H Photo Video

I use this mic for when i film bands playing live shows. Its metal construction is nice to have because it gives me peace of mind when its getting thrown around. Overall this mic is outstanding for price and perfect for its uses. I have yet to find any Cons with this mic.

Not bad for size and price

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jan 12, 2011

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

This is a discrete little mic that will do the trick. It sounds better than the Rode, as far as I could tell from online testing (google for some videos), plugs right into the stereo mini-jack on your 5d or what have you, and won't break the bank. I wouldn't use it for shooting people very far away, but it's a great option over built-in mics for a small room.

Excellent little mic

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Nov 30, 2016

Reviewed by Weston A. on B&H Photo Video

Excellent little mic, low end drops of faster than I like but that's good for masking handling noise ... always a trade off. Sennheiser comes thru again. I use it on my Canon 6D

Good for what I needed

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Apr 4, 2011

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

This was great for capturing audio right to my DSLR. If I could change anything about it would be a light to let me know it's on so I don't forget to turn it on or off.

Showing 101 to 120 of 222 Reviews