Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone Review - The Best Microphone for Video Cameras and Camcorders
Introduction
The Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone is a top-notch audio solution for videographers and filmmakers. Designed to handle the most challenging filmic situations, this microphone offers high directivity, effectively capturing sounds coming from the direction the camera is pointing while minimizing noise from the sides and rear. With a switchable "Low Cut" filter, wind noise is significantly reduced. Whether you need phantom or battery power, the MKE 600 has you covered. It comes with a foam windshield and shock mount, ensuring excellent audio quality in any shooting environment.
Product Description
The Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone is the perfect solution for capturing high-quality audio for your video camera or camcorder. Designed to handle the most demanding filmic challenges, this microphone delivers exceptional audio performance to enhance your video production.
One of the standout features of the MKE 600 is its high directivity. It effectively picks up sounds coming from the direction in which the camera is pointing, while attenuating noise from the sides and rear. This ensures that you capture clear and focused audio, even in noisy environments.
To further enhance audio quality, the MKE 600 is equipped with a switchable "Low Cut" filter. This filter minimizes wind noise, allowing you to record crisp and clean audio even in windy conditions. Whether you're shooting outdoors or in a controlled studio environment, this microphone ensures that your audio remains clear and free from unwanted noise.
Another notable feature of the MKE 600 is its versatility in power options. It can be powered by either phantom power or batteries, making it compatible with a wide range of video cameras and camcorders. This is particularly useful for videographers using equipment that does not provide phantom power.
Included with the MKE 600 are a foam windshield and a shock mount. The foam windshield helps to reduce wind noise and other unwanted disturbances, while the shock mount provides stability and minimizes handling noise. These accessories ensure that you have everything you need to capture professional-quality audio in any recording situation.
With its exceptional audio performance, high directivity, and versatile power options, the Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone is a must-have for any videographer or filmmaker. Whether you're shooting documentaries, interviews, or narrative films, this microphone will elevate the audio quality of your videos and enhance the overall viewer experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Excellent sound quality: The Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone delivers exceptional audio performance, making it perfect for professional use. It captures clear and crisp sound, even in outdoor or noisy environments. Buyers have praised its ability to minimize ambient noise and produce high-quality recordings.
Well-made and durable: This microphone is built to last. It is constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring its longevity and durability. The included accessories, such as the MZS 600 shock mount and MZW 600 foam windshield, enhance its performance and protect it from external factors. Users appreciate its sturdy build and reliable performance.
Versatile compatibility: The MKE 600 is compatible with various devices, including Canon DSLR cameras like the 7D, 5D III, 6D, and 60D. This versatility allows users to easily integrate the microphone into their existing equipment setup without any hassle. It is a versatile solution for filmmakers, videographers, and content creators.
Cons:
Pricey: The Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone comes with a higher price tag compared to other options in the market. While its performance justifies the cost for professional users, it may not be the most budget-friendly option for casual users or hobbyists.
Requires additional accessories: Although the microphone itself is of high quality, it requires additional accessories, such as the shock mount and foam windshield, for optimal performance. While these accessories are included with the product, some users may find it inconvenient to carry and attach multiple components.
Limited color options: The MKE 600 is only available in black, limiting the aesthetic choices for users who prefer other color options. While the color may not affect the microphone's performance, some users may prefer a wider
Customer Reviews
The Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers. With an average rating of 5 stars, it is clear that users are highly satisfied with this product.
One customer praised the microphone's performance outdoors and in sound-treated rooms, stating that it produces great sound quality without causing reverb. Another customer mentioned the microphone's excellent build quality and its ability to reduce ambient noise with the included cover.
One particularly enthusiastic customer shared their experience of using the microphone in a feature film, highlighting its amazing sound quality even in windy and loud environments. They even claimed that it surpassed their previous Rode microphone.
While the majority of reviews are in English, there is also a positive review in Spanish, which translates to "Small but powerful - undoubtedly a fantastic option." Unfortunately, the full review is not provided.
Overall, customers are highly satisfied with the Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone. Its impressive performance, build quality, and ability to capture clear audio in various conditions have garnered praise from users.
Conclusion
The Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone is a powerful and versatile microphone that is perfect for video camera and camcorder use. It excels in handling challenging filmic situations and delivers exceptional audio quality. Its high directivity ensures that it picks up sounds coming from the direction in which the camera is pointing while effectively attenuating noise from the sides and rear.
One of the standout features of the MKE 600 is the switchable "Low Cut" filter, which minimizes wind noise, making it ideal for outdoor use. Additionally, this microphone can be powered either by phantom power or a battery, making it compatible with a wide range of video cameras and camcorders.
The MKE 600 comes with a foam windshield and shock mount, adding value to the package. These accessories help to further reduce wind noise and vibrations, ensuring clean and clear audio recordings.
Overall, the Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone is a top-notch choice for filmmakers and videographers who prioritize high-quality audio. It delivers exceptional performance, versatility, and convenience, making it a worthwhile investment for professionals and enthusiasts alike. With its positive feedback from buyers and its reputation as a reliable brand, we highly recommend the Sennheiser MKE 600 for anyone looking to elevate their video production with superior audio quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the recommended use for the Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone?
A: The Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone is recommended for singing. It is designed to pick up clear and crisp vocals, making it perfect for singers looking to record their performances or for use in live settings.
Q: What is the connectivity technology of this microphone?
A: The Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone features wired connectivity technology. This means that it needs to be physically connected to the device you are using, such as a video camera or camcorder, using the included XLR-3 to 3.5mm connector.
Q: What devices is this microphone compatible with?
A: The Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone is compatible with a range of devices including Canon 7D, Canon 5D III, Canon 6D, Canon 60D, and Canon 5D II. It is specifically designed to work seamlessly with these cameras, ensuring high-quality audio capture.
Q: Does the microphone come with any additional components?
A: Yes, the Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone comes with several additional components. These include the MZS 600 shock mount for camera light-shoe, MZW 600 foam windshield, and an instruction manual. These accessories enhance the microphone's performance and provide added convenience during use.
Q: What is the polar pattern of this microphone?
A: The Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone features a super-cardioid polar pattern. This polar pattern is ideal for capturing sound from a specific direction while minimizing background noise and unwanted sound from the sides. It ensures that the microphone focuses on the desired sound source, resulting in clearer and more professional audio recordings.
Q: What do buyers say about the Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone?
A: Buyers have been highly satisfied with the Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone. They have praised its great sound quality, especially when used outdoors or in sound-treated rooms. The microphone is also appreciated for its durability and the included cover, which helps reduce ambient noise. Buyers have even compared it favorably to other popular microphone brands like Rode, highlighting its superior performance in windy and loud environments. Overall, the positive feedback from buyers emphasizes the importance of sound quality and the microphone's ability to deliver exceptional results.
