Sennheiser MKE 2 Gold Series Subminiature Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone

Product Overview

The Sennheiser MKE 2 Gold Series is a broadcast-standard subminiature omnidirectional lavalier microphone engineered for professionals who demand transparent, natural sound in demanding environments. At just 3 mm in diameter, it virtually disappears on camera while delivering the pristine audio quality required for television, film, theater, and documentary production. The Gold Series designation reflects a gold-plated capsule that provides superior corrosion resistance, dramatically extending the microphone's lifespan even under the stress of perspiration and high-humidity stage environments. Multiple connector variants — including EW, EW-3, 3-pin, and 4-pin configurations — ensure seamless compatibility across virtually all professional Sennheiser wireless bodypack transmitter systems.

Product Description

The MKE 2 Gold Series represents the pinnacle of Sennheiser's lavalier microphone engineering, combining broadcast-grade sonic performance with exceptional physical durability in a package small enough to conceal anywhere on a performer or presenter. The gold-plated capsule at the heart of the MKE 2 Gold is not merely cosmetic — it actively resists the oxidative effects of sweat and moisture that routinely damage standard capsules, maintaining consistent frequency response and sensitivity over years of heavy professional use. Sennheiser's proprietary Umbrella Diaphragm protects the capsule from direct moisture contact while preserving the microphone's omnidirectional pickup pattern and extended frequency response. The omnidirectional polar pattern captures clear, consistent audio regardless of head movement or microphone placement, making it the go-to choice for broadcast journalists, documentary subjects, and theatrical performers who cannot restrict their natural movement. The MKE 2 Gold's extremely low self-noise floor ensures clean recordings even in quiet studio or intimate theater environments where any noise floor would be audible. Seven connector variants — MKE 2-EW, MKE 2-EW-3, MKE 2-P-C, MKE 2-4 Gold-C, MKE 2-4-3 Gold-C, MKE 2-5 Gold-C, and MKE 2-5-3 Gold-C — provide plug-and-play compatibility with the full range of Sennheiser EW, EW-D, EW-DX, Digital 9000, and SK bodypack transmitters without adapters or modification. A comprehensive ecosystem of clips, mounts, and wind protection accessories from Sennheiser allows the MKE 2 Gold to be optimally positioned for any application, whether hidden beneath clothing, clipped to a lapel, or mounted on an instrument. The rugged housing is designed to withstand the rigors of touring productions, daily broadcast use, and outdoor documentary work where exposure to the elements is unavoidable. For production professionals, the MKE 2 Gold Series delivers the reliability of a workhorse microphone with the sonic transparency of a studio condenser.

Key Features

• Gold-Plated Capsule — Resists corrosion from sweat and moisture, maintaining consistent performance through years of professional use.
• Umbrella Diaphragm Protection — Sennheiser's proprietary moisture barrier shields the capsule without compromising the omnidirectional pickup pattern.
• Subminiature 3 mm Profile — Virtually invisible on camera, ideal for broadcast, documentary, and theatrical applications where concealment is critical.
• Omnidirectional Polar Pattern — Captures consistent, natural audio regardless of head position or microphone placement angle.
• Seven Connector Variants — EW, EW-3, 4-pin, 3-pin, and 5-pin configurations cover virtually all Sennheiser bodypack transmitter systems.
• Very High SPL Handling — Handles loud sound sources without distortion, suitable for instrument miking as well as speech.
• Broadcast-Grade Transparency — Flat, natural frequency response delivers audio that sounds like no microphone is present at all.
• Rugged All-Metal Housing — Built to withstand daily professional use, touring, and outdoor production environments.
• Extensive Accessory Ecosystem — Compatible with Sennheiser's full range of clips, mounts, and wind protection accessories for versatile placement.
• Theater and Sweat Resistance — Specifically engineered for theatrical applications where performers perspire under hot stage lighting.

Typical Applications

• Television broadcast — news anchors, on-camera reporters, and interview subjects requiring discreet, reliable miking
• Film and documentary production — talent miking where microphone visibility would break the visual frame
• Live theater and musical theater — performers requiring secure, sweat-resistant lavalier miking under costumes and stage lighting
• Corporate presentations and conferences — executives and speakers needing hands-free, natural-sounding amplification
• Houses of worship — clergy and speakers requiring discreet miking for services and recorded broadcasts
• Instrument miking — acoustic instruments, choirs, and orchestral applications requiring a transparent, close-placement condenser
• Reality TV and documentary — subjects wearing microphones for extended periods under varying environmental conditions

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the "Gold Series" designation mean on the MKE 2?

The Gold Series refers to the gold-plated capsule used in these variants. Gold plating provides superior resistance to corrosion caused by sweat and moisture compared to standard capsule treatments, making these microphones especially well-suited for theatrical productions, live performance, and any environment where the microphone is exposed to perspiration over extended periods.

Q: Which connector variant do I need for my Sennheiser wireless system?

The correct variant depends on your bodypack transmitter. The MKE 2-EW and MKE 2-EW-3 variants connect directly to Sennheiser EW-series bodypacks. The 4-pin Gold-C and 5-pin Gold-C variants are designed for SK/Digital 9000-series transmitters. If you are unsure which connector your transmitter requires, check your transmitter's input jack type or contact Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net for assistance.

Q: Is the MKE 2 Gold suitable for instrument miking as well as speech?

Yes. The MKE 2 Gold's high sound pressure level handling capability and transparent omnidirectional response make it equally effective for miking acoustic instruments, choirs, and orchestral sections as it is for speech and vocal applications.

Q: How does the Umbrella Diaphragm protect the microphone?

The Umbrella Diaphragm is a physical moisture barrier built into the capsule assembly. It deflects droplets of sweat and moisture away from the diaphragm surface before they can cause corrosion or membrane damage, while still allowing sound waves to reach the capsule with minimal coloration.

Q: Can the MKE 2 Gold be hidden under clothing?

Yes. At just 3 mm in diameter, the MKE 2 Gold is one of the smallest professional lavalier microphones available and is routinely concealed under clothing in broadcast, film, and theatrical applications. Sennheiser's accessory ecosystem includes mounting clips and fabric-friendly adhesives designed specifically for this purpose.

Q: Is the MKE 2 Gold compatible with non-Sennheiser wireless systems?

The MKE 2 P-C variant uses a standard 3.5 mm locking jack that is compatible with many third-party bodypack transmitters. Other variants use Sennheiser-specific connectors. Contact Creation Networks for compatibility guidance if you are using a non-Sennheiser transmitter system.

Q: What accessories are available for the MKE 2 Gold?

Sennheiser offers an extensive range of accessories for the MKE 2 Gold, including multiple clip types for clothing attachment, foam and fur windshields for outdoor use, mounting kits for instrument placement, and replacement cables. Visit creationnetworks.net to browse compatible accessories.