The MKE440 Video Camera Microphone Review

Individuals are increasingly using cameras to shoot video, and we often receive requests to improve the sound quality as well. I would like to introduce the SENNHEISER MKE 440 stereo microphone, which can collect sound in the targeted area.

Why an External Microphone is Necessary

Why does a camera need an external microphone? First, let me explain.
Most cameras for general home use basically have a built-in microphone. However, when video is taken, it is often the case that the quality of the video is high but the sound quality is not so good. An external microphone can easily improve the audio quality to a sufficient level. Note that the camera must be equipped with an external microphone jack input to use an external microphone.

Types of Microphones

There are a number of microphones available that can be connected to a camera, and each microphone is chosen for a different purpose. The following is an introduction to the features of each type of microphone.

■Stereo Microphone

These microphones are suitable for collecting audio over a wide area using two microphones. Since stereo sound is outputted from the microphones, a stereo input terminal is required for the camera to be connected.

Examples of use

Competitions, arts and crafts events, live performances

■Shotgun Microphone

This type of microphone is suitable for collecting only targeted sounds from a distance. This type of microphone is often used by TV sound engineers.

Examples of use

Drama and movie shooting, location shooting, video distribution on Youtube, etc.

■Wireless Microphones

Lavalier microphones are mainly used for shooting, and they provide clear sound quality because they transmit and receive audio wirelessly even when the camera and microphone are located far away from each other. The receiver of a general wireless microphone requires a power supply from an outlet, but the one for a camera is powered by a battery.

Examples of use

Filming of TV programs, filming with motion

About MKE 440

I would like to take a closer look at the MKE 440. Although this microphone is classified as a stereo microphone, it has advantages not found in general stereo microphones, and I will introduce its characteristics in detail.

■Contains the targeted sound in the angle of view

General XY stereo sound collectors have such a wide directivity that they record sound outside of the camera's angle of view, and even sound that is not in the video image can be collected.
The MKE 440 is equipped with two matched shotgun microphones that are optimized for the angle of view of an SLR camera (35mm equivalent).

Mismatch between angle of view and sound collection range

Angle of view and sound collection range are matched.

■Product Features

Stainless steel micro-mesh wind protection reduces wind noise and protects high-frequency sounds. Unlike typical foam windscreens, metal mesh does not suppress high-frequency sound and does not affect sound. In addition, metal mesh also provides protection against electromagnetic interference.

It covers a stereo range equal to the image of a typical 35mm camera lens. The sound spread is extremely even and features high speech intelligibility of the person speaking.

Patented shock mount. Shock mounts developed for the weight and size of shotgun microphones reduce handling noise to a minimum. Protective metal mesh with rubber suspension.

Adjusts the output signal of the MKE 440 to match the input sensitivity of the camera and can be used with any microphone input. Low-cut filter reduces low-frequency wind noise.
In addition, two AAA batteries provide over 100 hours of ultra-long continuous use.

What do you think? The MKE 440 is an ideal microphone for stereo because it accurately captures the target sound in stereo and reduces unwanted sound contamination. If you have never used an external microphone before, this is a good opportunity to consider purchasing one.