Key Features
Comprised of everything you need to capture steady video and clear, focused audio on a smartphone for your next vlog, video shoot, or news piece, the Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit is a comprehensive bundle that features Sennheiser's second-generation MKE 400 camera-mount shotgun microphone, a Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod, a smartphone clamp, two output cables, and outdoor wind protection. It provides content creators with a lightweight and highly portable solution for producing high-quality sound and video anywhere, anytime.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The MKE 400 can run for up to 100 hours on a pair of AAA batteries (available separately), 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Perfect for mobile journalists, YouTubers, vloggers, and more, the Sennheiser Mobile Kit is designed to provide stable mounting and easy positioning for your smartphone and existing microphone or wireless receiver. It includes a Manfrotto PIXI mini tabletop tripod and a smartphone clamp, which has a built-in cold shoe mount to support attachment of Sennheiser's MKE 200, MKE 400, XS Lav USB-C, or XSW-D wireless receiver RX 35 (all available separately).
The PIXI features a locking ball head and rubber feet for secure placement, and its legs can be collapsed to allow handheld videography. Since it supports a weight capacity of up to 2.2 pounds, it can accommodate your smartphone and Sennheiser's lightweight on-camera audio solutions. Whether you shoot in portrait or landscape mode, the smartphone clamp is equally well suited for production. Plus, it offers 1/4"-20 and 3/8" mounting options for affixing a variety of accessories.
The Manfrotto PIXI is a durably constructed, lightweight mini tripod. The PIXI features a ball-joint head with a push-button locking mechanism that enables you to position and lock the ball head in one fluid, intuitive motion. Rubber feet ensure a slip-free grip on most surfaces and collapsible legs allow for convenient handheld vlogging. Thanks to the universal 1/4" screw thread and excellent stability, the PIXI can be used with various digital devices weighing up to 2.2 pounds.
The Sennheiser Smartphone Clamp is made from solid aluminum and features soft rubber grips that provide a secure fit for nearly all mobile phones. A 180° locking dial allows for portrait or landscape positioning so you can switch from one aspect ratio to another with ease. Four 1/4"-20 thread mounts allow you to add additional accessories, while the bottom of the clamp features both 1/4"-20 and 3/8" mounting options to cover a variety of tripod connections as well as an Arca Swiss compatible design. An integrated cold shoe mount makes the Sennheiser Smartphone Clamp the perfect accessory for their on-camera microphones and wireless products.
Microphone
Form Factor | Camera-Mount / Shotgun Mic |
Sound Field | Mono |
Operating Principle | Pressure Gradient |
Capsule | 1 x Electret Condenser |
Polar Pattern | Supercardioid |
Orientation | End Address |
Circuitry | Solid-State |
Pad | None |
High-Pass Filter | 200 Hz |
Tone Adjustment | None |
Gain Adjustment | -20 to +20 dB |
Indicators | 1 x Green Single LED (Power) |
On-Board Controls | Gain/Sensitivity, Headphone Volume, High-Pass Filter |
Windscreen | Built-In Windsock/Windjammer (Included) |
Performance
Frequency Range | 50 Hz to 20 kHz |
Maximum SPL | 132 dB SPL (1 kHz) |
Sensitivity | -23 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz (Max Gain) -63 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz (Min Gain) |
THD | < 1% |
Connectivity
Output Connectors (Analog) | 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female (Locking, on Mic) 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Male (on Detachable Cable) 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS Male (on Detachable Cable) |
Headphone Connector | 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm |
Power
Bus Power | None |
Operating Voltage | 2 to 10 V (Plug-In Power) |
Battery Type | 2 x AAA (Not Included) |
Approximate Battery Life | 100 Hours |
Physical
Color | Black |
Mounting | Camera/Shoe-Mount (via Integrated Hardware) |
Included Case | Pouch |
Included Filters | None |
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" |
Tripod
Construction Material | Stainless Steel and Adapto Polymer |
Maximum Height | 5.3" / 13.5 cm |
Folded Length | 7.3" / 18.5 cm |
Load Capacity | 2.2 lb / 1 kg |
Leg Sections | 1 |
Male Thread Size | 1/4"-20 |
Weight | 0.4 lb / 0.2 kg |
Smartphone Clamp
Construction Material | Aluminum with Rubber Grips |
Mounting Options | 4 x 1/4"-20 Female Threads on Side 1/4"-20 and 3/8" Female Threads on Bottom Cold Shoe Mount on Top |
Packaging Info
Package Weight | 0.95 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 9.6 x 4.4 x 2.7" |