Sennheiser MKE 440 Camera Microphone

Sennheiser MKE 440 Camera Microphone

DSLR filmmakers have always had a hard time getting good sound from their camera-mounted stereo microphone. The new MKE 440 achieves this task: Thanks to two mini-shotgun microphones and a new stereo technique, it records the sound from within the camera angle, beating any mini AB, MS or XY arrangements. While these classic stereo set-ups also capture sound and noises from the sides – including any comments from the camera operator or people next to them – the two mini-shotguns of the MKE 440 are mounted in a V-shape arrangement that predominantly picks up the sound from within the direction of filming and rejects the majority of off-axis noise from outside the camera focus.

The matched mini-shotguns of the MKE 440 feature super-cardioid pick-up patterns that overlap to create a front focus. “The result is what I would call picture-matched stereo ambience,” said Kai Lange. “For example, this lets filmmakers capture comprehensible dialogue with just enough ambient sound to preserve the atmosphere of a scene.”

The microphones are shock-mounted internally to reduce any handling noise and are protected against wind noise by a stainless steel micro-mesh. For strong wind, a special hairy cover is available as an accessory.

The compact, all-metal MKE 440 attaches to standard camera shoe mounts. It features a three-level sensitivity switch to adjust to softer and louder sound sources and has a switchable low-cut filter to eliminate low-frequency noise such as wind noise. The microphone is powered by two AAA size batteries, with the green LED of the on/off switch doubling as a low-batt indicator. The LED will turn red approximately four hours before the batteries run flat, ensuring sufficient time to finish shooting.

Pick-up pattern

stereo, super-cardioid

Frequency response

50 to 20,000 Hz

Max. sound pressure level

132 dB SPL

Sensitivity

23 42 63 mV/Pa, switchable

Equivalent noise level

16 21 40 dB (A)

Power supply

2 × AAA batteries

Operating time

> 100 h

Connector

3.5 mm jack plug

Dimensions

67 × 106 × 128 mm (HxWxL)

Weight

approx. 165 g without batteries

Operating temperature

-10°C to +55°C

Storage temperature

-20°C to +70°C

Relative humidity

max. 90% at 40°C