Hit for Six
Posted on Jul 15, 2024 by Pro Moviemaker
Sound powerhouse Sennheiser muscles in with half a dozen audio products shortlisted in the Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards
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With a range of audio kit that includes smaller mics ideal for mirrorless, XLR shotguns for large cameras, wireless units and high-quality tabletop mics with plug-and-play ease for podcasters, Sennheiser has you covered. And this is no ordinary equipment, but high-quality, cutting-edge kit packed with great tech that delivers every time.
It’s no surprise, then, that six of Sennheiser’s most popular products have been nominated by experts at Pro Moviemaker magazine for the annual Gear of the Year Awards. That’s because Sennheiser has options to enhance the audio quality of whatever device you’re filming on. It’s the brand professionals trust for video productions of all kinds.
Nowadays, that often includes the booming area of podcasting and streaming – and the Sennheiser Profile USB microphone has a cardioid condenser capsule for maximum audio quality. It’s built to be easy to use for those who may be less experienced in advanced audio kit.
The Profile USB features three main adjustments: gain control to change the level of the microphone; mix control to balance the microphone with the device audio; and volume control to set the headphone monitoring level.
It features an adjustable tilt with a self-locking joint, and comes with either a table stand or boom arm if you go for the Profile Streaming Set. This is tailor-made for getting content creators’ stories out to the world in great quality, as easily as plugging into a computer or smart device.
The compact solution
If your mission is to stay as light on your feet as possible, but without giving up on audio quality, Sennheiser’s super-stylish and stealthy options are simply incredible. Pop a Sennheiser mic onto the hotshoe of your mirrorless camera and then prepare to be impressed.
One stunning option is its MKE 400, which weighs in at just 93.5g and comes with high-quality 3.5mm coiled cables for compatibility with DSLR and mirrorless cameras as well as mobile devices. And a headphone output allows for levels to be monitored while recording. There is built-in wind protection and integrated shock absorption, and a furry windshield is included for blustery conditions.
There is a three-step gain sensitivity switch and a switchable low-cut filter for clear and intelligible speech. Power comes from a pair of AAA batteries. The small, yet powerful MKE 400 microphone is designed to isolate and enhance audio and is leagues better than any internal mic your camera might have.
Even smaller and more compact at a mere 48g and 69x60x39mm, the Sennheiser MKE 200 is incredibly simple to use, and doesn’t even require batteries to run. This is a directional on-camera microphone with coldshoe mount, built-in wind protection as well as a shock mount. Like its bigger brother MKE 400, the MKE 200 comes supplied with 3.5mm TRS and TRRS coiled cables to offer compatibility with cameras and mobile.
Power comes to the camera through its lead, so you’ll never be without mic power so long as your camera is working. The microphone is surprisingly directional despite its short length, thanks to a clever design – and it features a supercardioid capsule for capturing crystal-clear sound in noisy environments.
XLR-ation of technology
At the higher end of production, XLR-fit shotgun mics are often seen as the gold standard – and Sennheiser has options that work in even the most demanding filmic challenges. Such as the compact, supercardioid/lobar MKE 600 shotgun mic, which has achieved legendary status.
This popular, highly directional mic focuses on where it’s pointing, effectively reducing noise from the sides and the rear to keep the attention on the subject. Wind noise is combatted by a switchable low-cut filter and foam windshield that comes with the mic. A blimp is available separately.
As many smaller cameras don’t provide phantom power, the MKE 600 can also be AA battery powered, with a useful ‘Low Batt’ warning. It has a rugged all-metal housing, and comes bundled with a shock mount and adapter cable for cameras with a standard 3.5mm TRS jack connection. With an approximate operating time of 150 hours, the MKE 600’s weight is a seriously portable 128g without battery, while it measures 20x256mm.
An even more compact high-end XLR is the MKH 416, which measures 19x250mm. This matte-black supercardioid/lobar mic is designed for working outdoors on location and highly resistant to moisture thanks to its RF condenser design. It comes with a windscreen and can be combined with optional windjammer accessories. Of course, it has the typical high directivity and low self-noise typical of the best Sennheiser microphones.
Turn on the wireless
Sennheiser has been a market leader in wireless connectivity for decades, offering ease of use, best-in-class technology and great build quality. Crucially, certain kits have all the technology and adjustments for the highest-end sound engineer, while others are built for supreme usability. That is certainly the case with the XSW-D ENG set, which offers professional-level audio quality in a minimalist set-up. This offers easy plug-and-play kit use that’s a cinch to get going.
The heart of the system is the cylindrical wireless and transmitter packs, which are far smaller than many conventional wireless systems. You plug your mic into the stereo input jack on the transmitter, and the receiver comes with a clip-on hotshoe mount that sits on top of your camera and plugs into the mic socket with the included coiled lead. Turn both the packs on with the single button and they automatically link up together. You are ready to shoot.
The lav mic is crisp and clear and the range is 75m/250ft in ideal conditions. It’s an ideal way to get professional wireless as easily as possible, with no fuss.
Vote for us in the Gear of the Year Awards!
Audio is crucial, and it’s clear Sennheiser delivers pro-quality kit that is innovative and works well for all levels of filmmaker.
Six Sennheiser products have been nominated in this year’s Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards. But the winners are decided by reader votes, so don’t delay and please cast your votes via this link!
This feature was first published in the July/August 2024 issue of Pro Moviemaker.
