The new MKE 600 shotgun microphone from audio specialist Sennheiser provides video journalists with a microphone that can master even the toughest video sound challenges. Its high level of directivity ensures that it picks up sound from the camera direction with minimal background noise. The switchable low-cut filter makes sure that handling and wind noise is also minimized. Users can expect a very lifelike, full-bodied sound with good bass response, as well as pleasant speech reproduction with high intelligibility.

“Reporting and media productions have an increasingly broad base nowadays, with information needing to be transmitted extremely quickly. This means that the technology used has to be as uncomplicated as possible,� explained Kai Lange, Product Manager Wired Microphones at Sennheiser. “With the MKE 600, we are presenting the ideal microphone for video journalists who want to produce a report or a film in perfect video and audio quality but do not wish to resort to highly professional shotgun microphones or a separate wireless link. In developing the MKE 600, we paid particular attention to achieving a high level of directivity and a balanced sound.�

A shock mount with an integral flashmount adapter is included to enable the sturdy MKE 600 to be fixed to a video camera without difficulties. The special design of the shock mount prevents handling noise from being transmitted to the microphone. Like any other shotgun microphone, the MKE 600 can also be used on a microphone boom.

Independent of phantom powering
For cameras that do not provide phantom power, the MKE 600 can be powered by a standard AA battery. A switch is provided to deactivate the battery power when the camera is not in use, thus preventing the battery from being discharged. An LED on the battery switch (“Low Batt�) indicates when the battery voltage is low, at which point the video journalist still has a reserve of around eight hours – “built-in recording security,� as Kai Lange explained.

Professional accessories
The MKE 600 comes fully equipped with a foam windshield that reduces wind noise by around 25 dB; the shock mount and a carrying case are also included. For outside broadcasting, a ‘blimp’ basket windshield (MZH 600) – a combined foam windshield and hairy cover that reduces wind noise more effectively than a foam windshield – is available as an optional accessory. A further option is a coiled connecting cable (KA 600) from an XLR-3 connector to a 3.5 mm jack plug.

The MKE 600 will be available in the U.S. at B&H Photo / Video in late September.