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Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone (2nd Generation)

BH #SEMKE400M • MFR #508898
 247 reviews
Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone (2nd Generation)
Key Features
  • Mobile Journalist, Vlogger, Run & Gun
  • For Cameras and Smartphones
  • 100-Hour Run Time via AAA Batteries
  • Built-In Wind Protection and Shockmount
Add the compact and lightweight second-generation Sennheiser MKE 400 directional shotgun microphone to your camera- or smartphone-based shooting rig to make an easy upgrade in sound quality, even in noisy environments, without having to carry around a cumbersome windscreen and suspension system. Plus, it offers a 3-stage gain control and a low-cut filter so you can optimize the sound of your recording right at the mic.
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Sennheiser MKE 400 Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Second-Generation Upgrades
  • 3Compact and Lightweight
  • 4Highly Directional Sound Pickup
  • 5Quick and Secure Hookup to Camera, Smartphone, or Tablet
  • 6Headphone Monitoring Port
  • 7Long Battery Life
  • 8Internal Suspension Mount Minimizes Handling Noise
  • 9Built-In Wind Protection Minimizes Wind Noise
  • 10Adjustable Gain
  • 11Low-Cut Filter

Add the compact and lightweight second-generation Sennheiser MKE 400 directional shotgun microphone to your camera- or smartphone-based shooting rig to make an easy upgrade in sound quality, even in noisy environments, without having to carry around a cumbersome windscreen and suspension system. Plus, it offers a 3-stage gain control and a low-cut filter so you can optimize the sound of your recording right at the mic.

Thanks to its integral wind protection, built-in shock absorption, long battery life, and headphone monitoring port, the MKE 400 is a truly capable solution for capturing clear audio—a perfect companion for vloggers, run-and-gun videographers, and mobile journalists who need a quality camera-mount mic that will never get in the way of the shot.

To ensure that you're prepared for any shoot, the MKE 400 includes two locking 3.5mm audio cables—one features a standard TRS plug for compatibility with cameras and DSLRs, while the other utilizes a TRRS plug to connect with your smartphone or tablet. Plus, the supplied furry windshield can be slipped over the MKE 400 to provide increased protection from wind noise when shooting in outdoor environments.

Second-Generation Upgrades
Along with its redesigned appearance, the second-generation MKE 400 boasts significant upgrades over the original MKE 400 to make it even more effective and versatile.

  • Swappable 3.5mm TRS and TRRS output cables
  • 3.5mm headphone port with volume control
  • 3-stage gain control (the original MKE 400 had two gain positions)
  • Auto-power function
  • Integrated wind protection
  • Furry windshield included for outdoor wind protection
  • Compatible with Sennheiser's CL 35 USB-C cable (available separately) for direct digital connection to a mobile device's USB Type-C port
Compact and Lightweight
Measuring just 5" long and weighing only 3.3 ounces, the MKE 400 is an unobtrusive companion for your camera- or smartphone-based video rig; it will never intrude on the shot and it's so light that you'll forget it's even there. Also, the integral shoe mount allows the MKE 400 to be attached directly to your camera, no external hardware required.
Highly Directional Sound Pickup
Most built-in camera and smartphone microphones are omnidirectional to pick up sound from all directions, which results in undue noise and ambience. The MKE 400 uses a supercardioid polar pattern enhanced by an acoustic interference tube to focus on sources in front of the mic while attenuating side- and rear-entry sound. Low-noise electronics and a sensitive condenser element allow it to deliver more detailed audio than the mics typically found in cameras, mobile devices, and portable recorders.
Quick and Secure Hookup to Camera, Smartphone, or Tablet
The MKE 400's 3.5mm output port can be connected to a range of devices using the two supplied coiled cables, each featuring a locking 3.5mm TRS plug on one end that prevents accidental disconnection at the mic.

One cable is terminated with a standard 3.5mm TRS plug for compatible hookup to your camera, DSLR, or portable handheld audio recorder, while the other cable has a 3.5mm TRRS plug to allow direct connection to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Headphone Monitoring Port
A vital step before recording audio is to check your levels and monitor your sound. While some cameras have a headphone jack, not all do, and that's where the headphone monitoring output comes into play. Plug any 3.5mm headphone directly into the MKE 400 and use the integrated volume control to make sure the sound is clear.
Long Battery Life
The MKE 400 can run for up to 100 hours on a pair of AAA batteries (available separately), so you'll be able to knock out plenty of shoots before needing new batteries. The low-battery indicator lets you know when you have approximately three hours of operating time remaining. The MKE 400's auto-power function uses plug-in power (2 to 10V) from your device to automatically turn it on and off, preventing unnecessary battery drain.
Internal Suspension Mount Minimizes Handling Noise
The MKE 400 incorporates internal shock absorption to reject the transfer of vibrations such as camera/smartphone handling noise. Plus, the bottom of the MKE 400 features a camera shoe mount, ensuring simple attachment to your camera or shoe-equipped stand or gimbal.
Built-In Wind Protection Minimizes Wind Noise
Knowing that the MKE 400 may be used in challenging shooting conditions, Sennheiser designed the MKE 400 with built-in wind protection, enabling the mic to lessen undesirable wind noise from breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners without requiring that you slip on a separate foam windscreen. For maximum reduction of wind noise in outdoor environments, use the included furry windshield.
Adjustable Gain
Achieving proper recording levels is crucial to avoiding distortion. The MKE 400's adjustable sensitivity provides three settings to optimize the mic's audio signal volume. The -20 dB setting is ideal when capturing loud sounds that could distort your recording. The 0 dB position is recommended for normal dialogue levels or when using a high-quality external preamp. Select +20 dB when miking quiet sources or using cameras with low input sensitivity.
Low-Cut Filter
When excessive low-frequency noise from HVAC systems and traffic interferes with the clarity of your audio, activate the 200 Hz low-cut filter to attenuate bass frequencies while letting crucial midrange and high-frequencies pass through unaffected.
UPC: 615104346888

Sennheiser MKE 400 Specs

Key Specs
Form Factor
Camera-Mount / Shotgun Mic
Element Type
1 x Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Frequency Range
50 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
132 dB SPL (1 kHz)
Output Connector
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female (Locking, on Mic)
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Male (on Included Cable)
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS Male (on Included Cable)
Microphone
Form Factor
Camera-Mount / Shotgun Mic
Intended Sound Sources
Vocals, Speech/Voice Over
Sound Field
Mono
Operating Principle
Pressure Gradient
Element Type
1 x Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Windscreen
Built-In
Windsock/Windjammer (Included)
Performance
Frequency Range
50 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
132 dB SPL (1 kHz)
Sensitivity
-23 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz (Max Gain)
-63 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz (Min Gain)
THD
< 1%
Connectivity
Output Connector
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female (Locking, on Mic)
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Male (on Included Cable)
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS Male (on Included Cable)
Power
Operating Voltage
2 to 10 V (Plug-In Power)
Battery Type
2 x AAA (Not Included)
Approximate Battery Life
100 Hours
Physical
Color
Black
Mounting
Camera/Shoe-Mount (via Integrated Hardware)
Included Case
Pouch
Included Filters
None
Dimensions
H: 2.6 x W: 1.5 x L: 5" / H: 67 x W: 37 x L: 126 mm
Weight
3.3 oz / 93.5 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.78 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.8 x 4.5 x 2.8"

Sennheiser MKE 400 Reviews

Best of the videomic products for run and gun

By Steve
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-07-29

I own the Rode Videomic Pro +, the Rode Videomic NTG, a Rode NTG 3 XLR mic, the DJI and RODE Wireless mics and now this MKE400. The best sound, looks and design are from the MKE400 for me. The sound is crips, clean and a touch beefy. Easy to use, and looks great on camera. If you need an on cam mic I feel this is a superior choice to the Rode mics due to the way they mount. This also has a cleaner sound so if your camera has a noisy preamp, jack this mic up to 20+ db and lower your camera gain. You will get clean audio. Love this mic and the windscreen is nice to be included. I may buy the stereo version to have both.

Nifty little shotgun mic

By Douglas
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-12

This is a little shotgun mic specifically designed or mirrorless or DSLR video shoots. It's easy to set up and has a low profile. Insert the batteries and you're ready to go. One of the best features is that it turns on when you turn on the camera, or in my case, my little camera-mounted mixer, then shuts off when the camera is off. Sound is clean and clear if you're in a good range from your subject. The added fuzzy wind screen is a bonus!

Pretty powerful punch in small size

By Zacharie
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-11-29

Yeah so I wanted something small size, but with the capture ability of the Node NTG videomic. That one with the shock mount is too bulky when you're mounting it to your camera cage and it's butting up against the monitor. Enter this. It's more minimalist, not as much customization, and I was worried the pickup will be shorter. But after a couple events, I really am impressed by its ability. Sounds good too. A little on the expensive side, but if you're undecided, you should still go for it!

Can't get good audio

By Monica
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-28

I have no idea what I'm doing wrong, but I can't get decent audio on my Sony A7SIII. I tried multiple settlings... watched many youtube videos. Perhaps I have a defective order. I don't know. The audio has a weird reverb like it is inside a barrel.

Good shotgun mic

By Cheng
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-06

Multiple purpose, you can use it as streaming mic too. Frees like a little bit lack for bass, but you can fix during post production. Clean voice recording.

For camera operator interviews

By RICHARD
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-22

This is a great mic for a single camera operator because it is really two mics in one; one in front and one in back. So you can interview and get responses both recorded.

Exactly what I was looking for.

By Gary
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-05-21

Originally I ordered a Rode VideoMic Pro+ for use with my Fujifilm X-T4. When I opened the box I did not even bother to take the mic out of the plastic. The VideoMic Pro+ is huge! That, coupled with the gaudy RODE emblazoned on the side, made me decide to send it back. Instead I bought the Sennheiser MKE 400 and it is perfect. It sounds good, the size and weight are a perfect fit for the Fuji, and there is only a subtle Sennheiser logo on the side. I love the way the mic turns on and off with the camera. My only very minor complaint is that the coiled cord is blue. Black would have been better.

Love it!

By DAVID
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-05-17

What a great addition to my kit. A full-sized shotgun just doesn't work for many situations and can be intimidating to your subject. This sucker delivers CLEAN sound - I'm getting zero self-generated noise. With my SONY A7SIII no hint of any RF noise, either. I love the simple but vital controls. One thing is baffling however - WHY did Senneheiser have any sound pickup from the side AND rear??? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the whole point of a shotgun is to NOT have pickup from rear / sides. WHY SENNHEISER, WHY? TBH, even with the rear / side pickup, it still rocks, and that hasn't been much of a problem. My partial solution: a little gaffer tape on rear to attenuate that rear pickup. Hey Sennheiser: maybe you could design and offer (at very low cost) a simple sound baffle that users could put on the rear?? Please? Even still, I have to give this FIVE stars.

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How is the shielding on this mic? My Rode Video ...

How is the shielding on this mic? My Rode Video Mic Pro picks up RF spray from my Hollyland 400S transmitter. I need a better mic!
Asked by: David
The manufacturer has not provided any details regarding the internal shielding used in the construction of the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone. Since cables can often be susceptible to RF, you could test the microphone using a high quality cable that is constructed with better shielding than the molded cable that is included with the mic. That may be all you need to resolve the issue.
Answered by: Lisa
Date published: 2022-11-08

In the basic microphone product pictures, the ...

In the basic microphone product pictures, the last picture shows the locking TRS plug terminating to a lightning plug in the iPhone picture. Is that included???
Asked by: Christopher
No, the cable that is shown in the last photo terminates to a USB-C connector and it is the Sennheiser CL 35 USB-C Locking 3.5mm TRS to USB Type-C Coiled Cable (B&amp;H # SECL35USBC) which is sold separately. Sennheiser does not offer any cables that terminate to a Lightning connector but we do have a compatible Lightning cable that will work which is the Saramonic LC-C35 Locking 3.5mm Connector to Apple-Certified Lightning Output Cable (B&amp;H # SALCC35). The other option for connecting the mic to an iOS device with a Lightning connector is to use the Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter (B&amp;H # APLAADAP) together with the TRRS cable that is already included with the mic, which is the Sennheiser CL 35 TRRS Locking 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRRS Coiled Cable (B&amp;H # SECL35TRR).
Answered by: Lisa
Date published: 2021-07-05

Is it able to use phantom power when plugged into ...

Is it able to use phantom power when plugged into XLR and avoid using battery power?
Asked by: Diego
The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone (2nd Generation) uses AAA batteries as its power source as opposed to plug-in power through its input connection. While phantom power could be converted to plug-in power using an adapter such as the Rode VXLR+ 3.5mm TRS Female to XLR Male Adapter with Phantom Power Converter (BH #ROVXLRP), this would only trigger the MKE 400's auto on/off function but would not power the microphone without batteries.
Answered by: Matt Z
Date published: 2022-07-19

Is there anyway to use this with the Blackmagic ...

Is there anyway to use this with the Blackmagic Cameras via mini XLR?
Asked by: dan
Yes, you can connect the Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone to the mini-XLR input on Blackmagic cameras using a cable like the Kondor Blue Mini-XLR Male to Locking 3.5mm Stereo Cable for BMPCC 6K &amp; 4K (B&amp;H # KOMINIPLSBK).
Answered by: Lisa
Date published: 2022-01-30

How does this turn on and off?

How does this turn on and off?
Asked by: Christian
From the product page: &quot;The MKE 400's auto-power function uses plug-in power (2 to 10V) from your device to automatically turn it on and off, preventing unnecessary battery drain.&quot; In other words it will turn on and off automatically when you turn the camera on and off.
Answered by: James Cruz
Date published: 2021-09-07

One of the common complaints about the original ...

One of the common complaints about the original &quot;Gen 1&quot; MKE400 was sometimes white noise from the mic preamp. Does the electronics on the current Gen 2?) MKE400 solve that problem?
Asked by: Eric
Yes, the updated design of the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone (2nd Generation) addresses noise issues found in the first generation model.
Answered by: Matt Z
Date published: 2022-05-29

What is the MKE 400 shotgun microphone origin? ...

What is the MKE 400 shotgun microphone origin? Thanks.
Asked by: Anonymous
its a German product , but origin is in Romania.
Answered by: Raul M
Date published: 2022-01-09

Hello! Anyone know if I can use this mic with an ...

Hello! Anyone know if I can use this mic with an iPhone to stream directly to Instagram or Facebook Live?
Asked by: Adan
Yes you can use this mic with an iPhone as an external mic for apps, such as Instagram and Facebook Live. A cable comes with the mic for this purpose, but you would require an Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter, BH #APLAADAP as well.
Answered by: Steve
Date published: 2021-07-30
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