The Sennheiser MKE 400 is a mini-shotgun condenser microphone with a 1/8 (3.5mm) connector. It is an add-on to replace the on-board microphone on most camcorders.

Now when I say mini, I mean mini. The MKE is 6″ long and attaches to your camcorder’s accessory shoe (That little silver thing at the top). I used it with both my Kodak Zi8 and on my laptop. It is powered by a single AAA battery and is stated to run for 300 hours on a single charge. As with most battery run devices, I would recommend that you bring an extra just in case. However, the manual states that the battery light will come on when there are approximately 50 hours left on a charge. In addition to the long battery life. The MKE 400 has a few settings to help further improve the audio quality. These setting include a low and high volume, as well as a low pass filter to help with typical wind noise.

One advantage of the MKE 400 over similar camcorder based microphones is the 1/8 mini jack. You can even buy an 1/8 to XLR adapter that will allow you to connect the microphone to prosumer model cameras. There is also a sort of shock mount on the bottom of the mic made of plastic. Not the best shock mount in the world, but it is definitely better than nothing.

As far as sound quality goes, the MKE definitely cleans up the audio. I have posted a few test clips below for you to compare for yourself. I just used the normal settings and you can clearly hear the difference in the sound. I have not been to film school, but I have always been told that fidelity trumps believability. In other words, a crappy picture with good audio is always better than a good picture with crappy audio.

Sample Audio Files

Background noise (Gardener)

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Background noise (Gardener) With MKE 400

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Sound from speaker

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Sound from speakers with the MKE 400

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Final Thoughts

Priced at $199, the MKE 400 is a bit more expensive than other models I have seen online, but based on my experience, the audio quality is a bit better. This is not the mic for everyone. Most video cameras people buy these days are in the $300-$500 dollar range, to buy a $200 dollar mic would be a little over kill. However, I will say that folks that are planning on archiving footage or who need a small mobile set-up, this is the perfect tool. It will definitely make your on-camera audio better, and considering its size, is very convenient.

For you super techy types, here are the line by line specs:

* Dimensions (incl. foam windshield): 130 x 21 x 62 mm
* Weight (w/o battery): approx. 60 g
* Pick-up pattern: super-cardioid / lobar
* Frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz
* Frequency response (with wind noise filter): 80 Hz – 20 kHz
* Self-noise level: 21 dB (A), 32 dB (CCIR)
* Power supply: 1.5 V battery (AAA)
* Operating time: more than 300 hours
* Length of helical cable: approx. 200 mm, 3.5 mm stereo mini jack

[Sennheiser] *Music by U-N-I Land Of The Kings. Available at Green Label Sound

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