Everything and everyone from content creators to vloggers has gone mobile. Sennheiser, one of the world’s most reputable audio brands, is launching its own mobile upgrades with the MKE 400 on-camera shotgun microphone, XS Lavs, and the new mobile kits. Your live streams, videos, and audio content will sound better than ever with these additions.
Here’s everything you need to know about the latest from Sennheiser:
Sennheiser MKE 400 On-Camera Shotgun Mic
Features:
- Super-cardioid, directional shotgun microphone
- Built-in wind protection and internal shock mount
- Low-cut filter and gain switch
- Headphone out jack for monitoring
- 3.5 mm TRS and TRRS connectivity
It’s easy to forget how important audio is. If your audience can’t understand you, then your content is generally considered poor. You always want to capture clean, quality audio directly from the source. That’s where the Sennheiser MKE 400 on-camera shotgun mic comes in. Easily attachable to your favorite camera via a hot-shoe mount, it enables you to easily capture dialogue or sounds directly in front of the camera. Remember that with most shotgun mics, you don’t want to be too far away from your subject to avoid picking up too much environmental noise.
The built-in low-cut filter and three-step gain sensitivity switch help to set proper levels while simultaneously being able to filter out low frequency noise such as car rumbles that sneak into your recordings and make them sound chaotic. The included windscreen also makes shooting in windy situations a breeze (pun intended) by blocking the low end wind rumble, keeping your dialogue clean. A 3.5mm port allows for monitoring so you can keep an ear out for any unwanted noise that you may need to correct for.
Sennheiser XS Lav Mobile and XS Lav USB-C
Features:
- USB C or 3.5mm TRS options
- Omnidirectional mic for audio clarity
- 2M length cable
- Includes mic clip, windscreen, & storage bag
Lavaliers are another great solution when upgrading your audio. They help eliminate room noise and focus on your voice since they’re generally clipped to your shirt, only a few inches from your mouth. By using lavs, you also may hear a bump in the presence of your voice from it picking up the boominess in your chest cavity. You can get creative by choosing to hide them in your clothing so they don’t show up on camera. Just be sure to keep in mind the texture of your clothing so that the microphone does not pick up on the rustle.
The setup is simple. The mic is powered by your phone or laptop and is automatically in use once connected via the headphone jack or USB-C port. If you use the 3.5mm port, your speakers will be disabled but the mic will work. If you go the USB-C route, it works for two-way communication apps such as Zoom.
The XS lavalier microphone is a perfect solution for creators who are constantly on-the-go or for those looking to upgrade their podcasting, vlogging, or video meetings.
Sennheiser Mobile Kits
Features:
- Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod
- Sennheiser Smartphone Clamp
- Omnidirectional mic for audio clarity
- 2M length cable
- Includes mic clip, windscreen, and storage bag
Why settle for piecing out your gear when Sennheiser has specific kits geared for mobile creators? There are several options to choose from: The MKE 200 Mobile Kit, MKE 400 Mobile Kit, XS Lav USB-C Mobile Kit, and the XSW-D Portable Lav Mobile Kit. Each Mobile Kit includes the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod, as well as a versatile Sennheiser Smartphone Clamp.
The Manfrotto PIXI is a durable and lightweight mini tripod with a ball-joint head and push-button locking mechanism. Rubber feet ensure stability on most surfaces while foldable legs allow for handheld use and easy storage in a bag or pocket. The Smartphone Clamp is sturdy and has soft rubber grips to hold your smartphone without damaging it. A 180-degree lock enables you to use your phone in landscape or portrait mode. An integrated cold shoe mount makes the Smartphone Clamp an easy choice to also connect the MKE 400.
Great sound quality is key and should never be overlooked. Ditch the built-in mobile phone or laptop microphone and go for something that will seriously upgrade your sound.
Shop all the latest gear from Sennheiser at Adorama.com.
Feature image via Sennheiser.
