Sennheiser MKE 400 II On-Camera Shotgun Microphone for DSLR, Mirrorless, and Mobile Video

Elevate your video content with the second-generation Sennheiser MKE 400, a compact and lightweight directional shotgun microphone designed for use with DSLR cameras, mirrorless systems, and smartphones. Whether you're a vlogger, mobile journalist, or run-and-gun filmmaker, the MKE 400 delivers clear, focused sound in a travel-friendly form, without the need for bulky wind protection or suspension gear.

Built for creators on the move, it offers 3-stage gain control, a low-cut filter, built-in shock absorption, and integrated wind protection, giving you the tools to record high-quality audio right at the source.

Compact, Lightweight, and Ready to Travel

At just 5 inches long and weighing only 3.3 ounces, the MKE 400 is unobtrusive and effortlessly mounts to your camera or smartphone rig. Its integrated shoe mount allows for quick setup without additional accessories, keeping your setup lean and out of frame. Whether you're shooting handheld or on a gimbal, this mic is built to stay out of the way.

Directional Pickup for Cleaner Sound

Most built-in microphones pick up sound from all directions, often resulting in ambient noise and room echo. The MKE 400 uses a supercardioid pickup pattern, enhanced by an acoustic interference tube, to focus on sound directly in front of the mic. This design greatly reduces background noise from the sides and rear, making it ideal for dialogue, interviews, and voiceovers in uncontrolled environments.

Dual Output Cables for Camera and Smartphone Use

To give you maximum flexibility, the MKE 400 includes two locking 3.5mm audio cables. One cable has a TRS connector for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, while the other features a TRRS connector for direct use with smartphones and tablets. The secure locking mechanism at the mic end helps prevent accidental disconnection during recording.

Built-In Headphone Monitoring

Monitoring audio levels is essential when recording in the field. The MKE 400 features a built-in 3.5mm headphone port with adjustable volume control, allowing you to monitor your sound directly from the mic, even if your camera doesn’t have a headphone jack. This feature gives you confidence that your audio is clean before you hit record.

Long Battery Life and Smart Power Management

Powered by two AAA batteries, the MKE 400 offers up to 100 hours of operation. A low-battery indicator alerts you when you have about three hours left. The mic also features an auto-power function, turning on and off based on your device's plug-in power (2 to 10V), which helps extend battery life and prevents accidental drain.

Internal Shock Mount and Integrated Wind Protection

Sennheiser designed the MKE 400 with internal shock absorption to reduce noise caused by camera handling or vibrations. It also includes built-in wind protection, making it ideal for shooting in light breezes or indoor environments with fans or HVAC systems. For outdoor shooting, use the included furry windshield for even greater wind noise reduction.

Adjustable Gain for Versatile Recording Scenarios

Not all environments are created equal, which is why the MKE 400 features three gain settings to help you dial in the perfect level. Use -20 dB for loud sources, 0 dB for standard speech and ambient sound, and +20 dB when recording soft voices or using cameras with weak preamps. This flexibility helps prevent clipping and ensures clean, balanced audio.

Low-Cut Filter for Reducing Low-End Noise

Environmental noise like traffic or air conditioning can muddy your audio. The built-in 200 Hz low-cut filter reduces low-frequency rumble while preserving midrange and high-frequency detail, keeping your recordings crisp and intelligible.

Second-Generation Enhancements

The updated MKE 400 brings a host of improvements over the original version:

• Swappable TRS and TRRS output cables for use with both cameras and mobile devices

• 3.5mm headphone output with onboard volume control

• Three-stage gain adjustment for better level control

• Auto-power feature for battery conservation

• Integrated wind protection and internal shock mount

• Furry windshield included for outdoor use

• Optional USB-C connectivity (via Sennheiser CL 35 cable, sold separately)

Ideal For:

• Vloggers and YouTubers

• Travel and lifestyle creators

• Mobile journalists and reporters

• Filmmakers using DSLR and mirrorless setups

• Anyone looking for professional audio in a compact, camera-mounted mic

With its lightweight design, flexible outputs, and professional-grade features, the Sennheiser MKE 400 (2nd Gen) is an essential upgrade for content creators who want directional, high-quality sound without complicating their workflow.