Good Find. US EDITION
Microphones / A CLOSER LOOKSecond-generation black Sennheiser MKE 400 camera microphone508898 microphone; camera is separate.

LISTEN WHILE YOU SHOOTMicrophones

A small mic with useful controls.

Sennheiser MKE 400

Second generation · 508898

4.6 out of 5598 ratingsBuyer feedback ↓

The second-generation MKE 400 combines a directional microphone, built-in suspension, a low-cut filter and a headphone output. Included cables cover camera and compatible phone mic connections.

  • 126 mmMicrophone lengthSecond-generation body
    ≈ 1.5 bank-card lengths
  • 93.5 gMicrophone weightManufacturer specification
    ≈ 18.7 nickels
  • 2 AAABattery powerSeparate headphone monitoring output
$199.99

Amazon US · Second generation · 508898 · Retailer link

THE QUICK TAKE

Is it right for you?

Choose it for camera-mounted recording with direct headphone monitoring. Physical gain and filter switches are handy when you want to adjust a small rig without digging through an app.

Choose a lavalier or closer microphone when the speaker is far from the camera. Directional pickup does not remove room echo or make distant speech sound close. Phone adapters also need to support microphone input.

01 / BUYING NOTES

Before you buy.

01

Use the right cable.

The box includes camera TRS and phone TRRS cables. Match the input on your device; a USB-C phone needs a suitable microphone-input adapter.

Source ↗

MKE 400 mounted on camera with blue coiled audio cable
Check the input, not just the plugCamera connection example. Image source ↗
02

Use the wind cover outdoors.

The mic has built-in wind protection plus a supplied furry cover. Fit the cover for outdoor recording and keep it clear of the lens.

Source ↗

Furry cover fitted over a camera-mounted MKE 400
Extra protection in moving airCamera shown for context. Image source ↗
03

Listen before the take.

The headphone output has its own volume control. Check for wind, clothing noise and excessive levels before recording something you cannot repeat.

Source ↗

Camera operator wearing headphones while using the MKE 400
A quick listening checkManufacturer recording example. Image source ↗

Sennheiser MKE 400 ↗ · Second-generation specifications ↗ · RØDE VideoMicro II comparison ↗

02 / AMAZON REVIEWS

The buyers’ view.

AMAZON CUSTOMER RATING

4.6out of 5

598 global ratings

  • 5 star77%
  • 4 star10%
  • 3 star9%
  • 2 star2%
  • 1 star2%
Read customer reviews ↗

Owners appreciate the portable size, and one upgrading from an entry-level mic values the extra audio adjustment and headphone monitoring. Another praises clear sound with a steady camera but hears camera movement and cable noise in recordings.

A studio user finds speech falls off at their camera position despite acceptable sound at arm’s length. An owner of a used unit likes the audio upgrade but wants stronger directionality and reports mounting looseness, possibly involving their camera cage.

Customer reviews on Amazon ↗ ·

What buyers like

  • microphone quality36
  • sound quality23
  • Value for money14
  • compact size6

Mixed feedback

  • noise cancellation11
  • audio quality6

The small numbers are review mentions. Topics and sentiment are from Amazon’s customer-review overview.

Amazon US · Checked . Ratings may include other colors and sizes.

View source ↗

03 / REVIEWS & VIDEO

See it in use.

See how it works, then read the findings behind the buying advice.

B&H Photo VideoRetailer demonstration · second generation

A closer look at the MKE 400

See the body, camera connection and wind-protection setup.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Video and written sources are labeled by creator and tested scope. Manufacturer demonstrations explain use; they are not independent tests. No in-house hands-on testing is claimed.

Read source summaries Product scope is labeled · key findings in bold

The demonstration introduces the second-generation body, camera connection and wind protection. It is useful for seeing the controls and mounting format.

B&H Photo Video

Retailer demonstration · second-generation MKE 400 · summarized

This model includes direct monitoring, adjustable sensitivity and a low-cut filter. It is different from the earlier, smaller MKE 400 design.

Sennheiser

Manufacturer specifications · 508898 · summarized

04 / COMPARE

Different priorities.

Choose the tradeoff that fits how you will use it.

Swipe to see every alternative →

Sennheiser MKE 400 Second generation versus RØDE VideoMicro II Microphone with HELIX mount
Sennheiser MKE 400 Second generationTHIS GUIDE

Sennheiser MKE 400

Second generation
RØDE VideoMicro II Microphone with HELIX mountALTERNATIVE

RØDE VideoMicro II

Microphone with HELIX mount
Amazon price
$89.00
Best forA simpler battery-free camera mic
How it worksPowered by a compatible mic input
ConsiderNo built-in headphone monitoring output
ExploreView on Amazon ↗Source ↗
About these everyday comparisons

Approximate comparisons to familiar objects: a bank card’s 3.37-inch long edge, a Letter sheet’s 11-inch long edge, or a US nickel’s 21.21 mm diameter / 5 g weight. Water comparisons exclude the container’s weight. Capacity comparisons describe volume, not exterior size or how food fits. Reference pictures identify the object; use the labeled ratio for the comparison.

US Mint ↗ · NIST conversions ↗

05 / PRICE HISTORY

The price over time.

Sennheiser MKE 400 · Second generation · 508898 · Amazon US

Amazon / new offers · see legendOne-year view · available observations · USD
Keepa price history for Sennheiser MKE 400, exact ASIN B08YS34YRS
Source: Keepa · Captured

The chart legend identifies Amazon and new-offer prices when available. New offers can include marketplace sellers. Coupons, shipping and size/color selections can change the final price. Blank periods are missing observations, not a zero price.