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

BH #SEMKE400M • MFR #508898
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 2nd Gen Overview

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, 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 2nd GenSpecs

Key Specs
Element Type
Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Controls
Gain/Sensitivity, Low Cut/HPF
Frequency Response
50 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
132 dB (1 kHz)
Analog Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female (on Mic, Locking)
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Male (on Included Cable)
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS Male (on Included Cable)
Power Sources
Plug-In Power
Microphone
Sound Field
Mono
Element Type
Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Orientation
End Address
Circuitry
Solid-State
Pad
No
High-Pass Filter
200 Hz
Filter & EQ
Low-Cut Filter: 200 Hz
Gain Adjustment
-20 to +20 dB
Controls
Gain/Sensitivity, Low Cut/HPF
Performance
Frequency Response
50 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
132 dB (1 kHz)
Connectivity
Analog Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female (on Mic, Locking)
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Male (on Included Cable)
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS Male (on Included Cable)
Power
Power Sources
Plug-In Power
Operating Voltage
2 to 10 V (Plug-In Power)
Battery Type
2x AAA (Included)
Physical
Color
Black
Mounting Thread Size
1/4"-20 Female in Cold Shoe
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 2nd Gen Reviews

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Will this be compatible with the Panasonic ...

Will this be compatible with the Panasonic DMW-XLR2 XLR Microphone Adapter, or is there a better choice?
Asked by: Barbara
The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone (2nd Generation) will work with the Panasonic DMW-XLR2 XLR Microphone Adapter via its 3.5mm stereo input jack or via XLR when using an adapter such as the RODE VXLR 3.5mm TRS Female to XLR Male Adapter (B&H # ROVXLR). However, to gain the benefit of the Panasonic adapter's balanced audio, we recommend using an XLR shotgun microphone like the Azden SGM-250CX Short Shotgun Microphone (Shockmount, Phantom Only), which is B&H # AZSGM250CX.
Answered by: Elliot A
Date published: 2024-09-24

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 S
Date published: 2022-11-08

CAN THIS MICROPHONE BE CONNECTED TO THE XLR MIXER ...

CAN THIS MICROPHONE BE CONNECTED TO THE XLR MIXER IN ANY WAY?
Asked by: Janko
The Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone can be connected to an XLR mic input using an adapter such as B&H #ROVXLR.
Answered by: Calvin M
Date published: 2024-07-19

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&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&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&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&H # SECL35TRR).
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2021-07-05

Does this microphone support the Minolta MN4K25NV ...

Does this microphone support the Minolta MN4K25NV UHD 4K IR Night Vision Camcorder ??
Asked by: josue
Yes the Sennheiser MKE 400 is directly compatible with the Minolta MN4K25NV UHD 4K IR Night Vision Camcorder.
Answered by: David M
Date published: 2023-12-21

Would I be able to mount this on a mini-tripod ...

Would I be able to mount this on a mini-tripod and use at my desk for podcasts?
Asked by: Michael
Yes, the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone (2nd Generation) can be mounted to any mini tripod with a 1/4"-20 thread.
Answered by: Michael S
Date published: 2024-08-18

can this microphone be attached to a r5 using the ...

can this microphone be attached to a r5 using the smallring camara cage?
Asked by: Antonio David
Yes, the Sennheiser MKE 400 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone can be used with the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera and mounted on a compatible SmallRig camera cage, either in a cold shoe mount or by using a thread adapter. The MKE 400 has a 3/8" female thread on the bottom of its shoe mount and the camera cage has 3/8" and 1/4"-20 female mounting threads. You can use an adapter like the Impact 3/8" to 3/8" Adapter Spigot (B&H # IMCA115) or the Kupo 3/8"-16 Male to 1/4"-20 Male Thread Adapter (B&H # KUKG007512).
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2023-10-22

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: 2024-03-28
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