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 121 to 140 of 222 Reviews

Small but handy

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Feb 7, 2010

Reviewed by stf_teacher on B&H Photo Video

It's so small & easy to mount that it's quite handy and I end up using it in situations where setting up a more involved mic system is not practical. So basically it's my substitute for the camera's internal mic - and small enough to fit easily into the small carrying case I have for the camera.

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.

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 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.

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.

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Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
$199.95
B&H Photo Video
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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

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.

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.

Great Microphone

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Dec 14, 2014

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

The MKE 400 is definitely compact, which is great for videography when you want to be as mobile as possible. The design is simple which makes it easy to use. The results are great too, my camera feels naked without it now.

Sennheiser is always premier

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jan 6, 2014

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

The product is well manufactured with the user in mind. All items are easy to access and understand. The size is so much better and the noise reduction is also so welcoming.

Great Mic

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jan 1, 2014

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

I have already used to record multiple auditions and am quite pleased by the quality of the recordings. I would recommend to anyone wanting a good mic at a good price.

Good Audio for your DSLR

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Dec 28, 2010

Reviewed by Robert on B&H Photo Video

We use the MKE 400 on our DSLR's mainly when shooting receptions, speeches etc when the built in mic is hardly sufficient for audio purposes. The extra weight is barely noticeable which is a big plus.

Surprised by the features

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Dec 14, 2013

Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video

It only takes a shoe and an extention cable to turn this mic into and overhead. I like it can attenuate. And, I really love the shock mount.

Smaller than expected

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Dec 18, 2010

Reviewed by Blue Penguin Pictures on B&H Photo Video

The microphone was smaller than what I expected and a bit flimsy but I am hoping it is a good design for the rubber shock absorbes. Overall it is good with clean sound and filtering. The only gripe I have is the On/Off switch is easily left on when you forget and thus drains the battery.

terrible hiss even set to -30db level

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Feb 11, 2021

Reviewed by pei-cheng on B&H Photo Video

the first one and the replacement from Sennheiser both hiss like crazy. Test on my Fuji H1, T-3 , Canon m5 and 5d mark III. Bring down level to -30db on Fuji can't help. My other cheap mic works much better than this Germany made mic.

great little mic for interviews, theater

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Mar 26, 2009

Reviewed by pploco on B&H Photo Video

this thing is great for avoiding the pro look and getting anywhere to shoot. its no substitute for serious audio, but I think its the best small hotshoe mounted mic for small camcorders like my HV-20 its so good, I lost mine on a (photo) shoot, and I bought another one right away to replace it

Camera Motor Noise a Deal Breaker

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Apr 5, 2009

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

Motor noise overwhelming in sensitive mode and evident in normal mode in tests on Sony cameras Nice size. Maybe OK on a camcorder with a silent motor. Also picked up ambient noise very near the camera. Needs an on-off light.

Cheapest - NO. Great quality - YES

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Jul 21, 2010

Reviewed by B Double H on B&H Photo Video

You can definitely find cheaper mics on the market but I really feel like I got a real bang for buck with this one. I just wish it was designed a little different to allow my SLR to use the flash.

Very good sound & build quality

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Aug 12, 2013

Reviewed by Alan on B&H Photo Video

I tried another brand of small lightweight mic. This is lighter still and produces crisper, more full sound. I also like the features and the fact that it takes a AAA battery

Worth the money

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Aug 9, 2010

Reviewed by Scott of Many Trades on B&H Photo Video

I purchased this microphone for use on a small MiniDV camcorder that had a built in microphone. This mic eliminated the camera noise from being recorded to tape while providing clean, clear, stereo sound. It is small, lightweight, and simple to use.

Great mic for a great price!

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone Review

Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone

Dec 11, 2014

Reviewed by Sean on B&H Photo Video

I got this mic on sale for $$. It's a great little compact mic with good full-range audio pickup. I'm sure there are better mics, but it's great for my uses and I would buy it again...especially for the price I paid.

Showing 121 to 140 of 222 Reviews