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

Sennheiser MKE 400 (2nd Gen) Shotgun Microphone: Professional Audio in a Pocket-Sized Package

When you’re filming on the go—whether it's for vlogs, interviews, travel content, or mobile journalism—clear, professional audio can make all the difference. The second-generation Sennheiser MKE 400 is a compact, camera- and smartphone-ready shotgun microphone designed to give your productions a noticeable upgrade in sound quality without adding bulk to your gear. It’s lightweight, travel-friendly, and engineered to reduce ambient noise so your audience hears what matters most: your voice.

Designed for creators who need great audio in unpredictable environments, the MKE 400 delivers focused sound pickup using a supercardioid polar pattern and interference tube technology. Unlike most built-in mics that capture everything around you, the MKE 400 hones in on your subject while minimizing distracting background noise. Whether you’re filming in a crowded city or a quiet indoor space, you’ll get cleaner, more detailed audio that complements your video quality.

This mic is packed with useful features tailored to real-world shooting. It includes a 3-stage gain control that lets you adjust recording levels to suit different sound environments. You can dial it down to prevent distortion during loud scenes or boost it when you're working with a quieter subject or camera with low input sensitivity. A built-in low-cut filter helps eliminate unwanted rumble from things like traffic, HVAC systems, or footsteps, so your dialogue comes through more clearly.

One of the biggest advantages of the MKE 400 is its truly portable design. It weighs just 3.3 ounces and is only 5 inches long, making it easy to keep on your camera, gimbal, or smartphone rig without blocking your shot or weighing you down. It mounts directly using a standard cold shoe and has internal shock absorption to reduce handling noise during movement. With built-in wind protection and an included furry windshield for harsher conditions, you’re ready to shoot indoors or outdoors without needing extra bulky accessories.

The second-generation MKE 400 also adds flexible connectivity for modern workflows. It comes with two locking coiled cables: one with a TRS plug for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and another with a TRRS plug for smartphones and tablets. This makes switching between devices simple and secure, whether you're capturing content with your phone or a professional camera. You can even upgrade with an optional Sennheiser USB-C cable for a direct digital connection to mobile devices.

For monitoring your audio on the spot, the MKE 400 includes a headphone jack with volume control—perfect for cameras that don’t offer headphone output. Just plug in your headphones and get instant feedback on your sound before, during, or after recording. Long shooting days are no problem either, thanks to a battery life of up to 100 hours using two AAA batteries. The mic also features an auto-power function that turns the mic on or off with your device to help conserve energy.

Whether you're shooting YouTube content, on-location interviews, or quick social media updates, the Sennheiser MKE 400 is built to meet the needs of creators who demand great audio in a streamlined setup. It’s a smart, compact shotgun mic that makes your content sound as polished as it looks.