MKE 440

The MKE 440 has two aligned and matched mini shotgun mics ensuring that the MKE 440 captures the audio you want. The stainless steel micro-mesh wind protection reduces wind noise and protects the fine high frequency details in your sound. The MKE 440 provides nicely balanced stereo ambience and amplifies the sound source in front of your camera.

A new, patented V-shaped design of two shotguns is Sennheiser’s fantastic solution for stereo audio captured by camera shoe-mounted microphones. This configuration covers a stereo width equivalent to the image created by common 35-mm camera lenses. The spread is very uniform and delivers high speech intelligibility in its focus.

The Stereomic MKE 440 operates with two short shotgun mics, mounted in a unique “V-stereo” configuration. It highlights the sound of the video image while rejecting off-axis noise from outside the camera focus.

For generating stereo sound, where two microphones are needed, shotguns are not commonly used. Thus, many stereo videos sound rather distant and reverberant while a lot of unwanted off-focus noise is captured unsuppressed.

Our solution is a new, patented V-shaped design of two shotguns. This configuration covers a stereo width equivalent to the image created by common 35-mm camera lenses. The spread is very uniform and delivers high speech intelligibility in its focus.

Microphones are susceptible to create structure-borne noise when being handled, e.g. when the camera they are mounted to is moved. That’s why the MKE 440 is fitted with a specially developed patented shockmount. Exactly adjusted to the weight and dimensions of the shotgun microphone tube, it ensures optimal rejection of handling noise. The rubber suspension is secured within the protecting metal mesh.

A very robust and durable stainless steel micro-mesh protects the microphones and provides wind noise suppression. As opposed to regular foam windscreens, the metal mesh will not influence the sound by muffling high frequency clarity. Furthermore, it serves as a shield against electromagnetic interference.

The integrated battery-powered, high dynamic electronic circuit matches the output signal of the MKE 440 to the camera’s input sensitivity. Thus, handling a dynamic range from the most delicate sounds to screaming-loud rock music. The low cut filter reduces structure-borne noise and low-frequency wind noise. The MKE 440 offers extra-long operation time of more than 100 hours on a pair of AAA batteries¸ and even delivers full audio performance on lowbatt operation.

Technical Data

  • Dimensions
    67 x 106 x 128 mm
  • Connector
    3.5 mm jack plug
  • Frequency response
    50 Hz to 20 kHz
    • Max. sound pressure level
      132 dB SPL
    • Weight
      approx. 165 g (without battery)
    • Pick-up pattern
      Stereo, Super-cardioid
    • Operating temperature
      –10 °C to +55 °C
    • Operating time
      > 100 h
    • Power supply
      2 x AAA
    • Low-cut filter
      switchable
    • Sensitivity
      switchable