Sennheiser MKE 40 - Cardioid Lavalier Microphone with Hardwired 1/8" TRS Connector for EW Series Bodypack Transmitter

A Solid Choice for YouTube Creator

After using the MKE 40 microphone extensively for nearly three weeks, I've found it to be an excellent choice for voice recording, particularly for YouTube content. The microphone might seem relatively large, but this is not an issue for me since I use it primarily on camera, where it doesn't appear out of place. I chose this lavalier mic over a larger condenser mic because I prefer not to have a barrier between me and my audience—I want to face them directly. Despite being designed quite some time ago, the MKE 40 delivers a sound that feels reminiscent of the audio qualities from 10-20 years ago. It offers a robust midrange, slightly compressed low frequencies, and a lifted high end, resulting in a sound that is solid and thick yet has a dry, old-school quality. To bring its sound closer to a more contemporary feel, I experimented with various post-processing techniques. A key step involves de-essing, followed by a boost around the 5800 Hz frequency range with a Q of 0.6, increasing by about 3-6 dB. After this, I run the signal through a compressor. However, it's crucial not to over-compress the signal. The MKE 40 seems to have some built-in compression, and overdoing it can make the sound overly flat and dry. Additionally, I recommend cutting frequencies below 80 Hz to maintain clarity, as the mic's low-end performance isn't its strongest point—likely due to the smaller diaphragm size typical of lavalier mics. One important aspect to consider is that this microphone requires about 7V bias voltage for optimal operation, though it can work at 3V or 5V. When using it with the Tascam DR-10L recorder, which supplies a lower voltage, the output level tends to be lower, introducing a slight noise floor. However, with some basic noise reduction, the results are still very usable. I've had better results using the Tascam X8 recorder with a Rode 48V phantom power adapter, which converts the power to a 5V bias. This setup significantly improves clarity, eliminating the overly compressed, flat sound I noticed at 3V. I haven't tested the microphone at 7V, so I'm unsure if it would further enhance the sound. But overall, I'm very satisfied with the audio quality the MKE 40 delivers. I appreciate its larger size—it doesn't look as inconspicuous as smaller lav mics, which I find adds a certain gravitas to the on-camera presence. The build quality is also commendable. In conclusion, I highly recommend the MKE 40 for YouTube creators like myself. However, it’s essential to understand that to truly harness this microphone's potential, some post-processing knowledge is necessary. Straight out of the box, without any audio processing, the MKE 40 may not deliver its best sound.