Sennheiser MKE 440 Camera-mount Stereo Shotgun Microphone - 506258

Product Overview

The Sennheiser MKE 440 is a professional camera-mount stereo shotgun microphone purpose-built for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Its patented V-shaped dual-capsule configuration captures a natural, focused stereo image directly from the front of your camera — without additional accessories or complex rigging. Designed for run-and-gun videographers, documentary filmmakers, and YouTube content creators, the MKE 440 delivers broadcast-quality stereo audio in a compact, lightweight form factor. Whether you're shooting interviews in the field or capturing immersive environmental audio, the MKE 440 gives your footage a professional sonic dimension that built-in camera microphones simply cannot match.

Product Description

The Sennheiser MKE 440 uses two super-cardioid mini shotgun capsules arranged in an XY stereo configuration, angled to create a stable, consistent stereo image. Unlike larger dual-mic rigs, the V-shaped housing keeps both capsules co-incident at the mic's sweet spot, resulting in a precise and phase-coherent stereo field that translates accurately on speakers and headphones. The integrated high-dynamic-range electronics are specifically tuned to match the input sensitivity of consumer and prosumer camera mic inputs, so you get a clean, properly leveled signal without needing an external preamp or attenuator.

A built-in highpass filter reduces structure-borne rumble and low-frequency wind noise, while the rugged stainless-steel micro-mesh grille both suppresses wind turbulence and shields the capsules from electromagnetic interference — a common problem when shooting near lighting rigs or wireless equipment. The patented internal shockmount with rubber suspension minimizes handling noise and vibration transmitted through the camera body, so quick camera movements don't ruin your take.

Power is supplied either by a standard AA battery or via phantom power from a compatible camera or recorder, giving you flexibility in the field. Output is via a single stereo 3.5mm mini-jack that connects directly to your camera's mic input. The MKE 440 ships with a windshield and a standard cold-shoe mount, making it ready to use straight out of the box for camera-top audio capture.

Key Features

• XY Stereo Dual-Capsule Design — Two co-incident super-cardioid mini shotgun capsules deliver a natural, phase-coherent stereo image optimized for on-camera use.
• Patented V-Shaped Housing — Compact and camera-friendly form factor positions both capsules for uniform stereo capture without additional rigging.
• High-Dynamic-Range Electronics — Integrated circuitry matches the mic's output to your camera's input sensitivity for clean, properly leveled recordings.
• Patented Internal Shockmount — Rubber suspension system decouples the capsules from the body, suppressing handling noise and camera vibration.
• Stainless-Steel Micro-Mesh Grille — Reduces wind turbulence and blocks electromagnetic interference from nearby equipment.
• Built-In Highpass Filter — Rolls off low-frequency rumble and structure-borne noise for cleaner dialogue and ambient capture.
• Battery or Phantom Power — Operates on a single AA battery or phantom power for maximum flexibility in any shooting environment.
• 3.5mm Stereo Mini-Jack Output — Plugs directly into the mic input of DSLR, mirrorless, and compact cameras with no adapter required.
• Frequency Response 50 Hz – 20 kHz — Wide, flat response captures full-range audio from dialogue to ambient soundscapes.
• Lightweight and Compact — Does not obstruct camera viewfinders or add significant weight to handheld or gimbal rigs.

Typical Applications

• DSLR and mirrorless camera video production
• Documentary and field recording
• YouTube, vlogging, and online content creation
• Event videography and run-and-gun shooting
• Travel filmmaking and solo-operator productions
• Interview and talking-head video shoots
• Nature and wildlife audio capture

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the MKE 440 work with mirrorless cameras?

Yes. The MKE 440 is designed for both DSLR and mirrorless cameras with a standard 3.5mm mic input and a cold-shoe mount. Its electronics are tuned for camera-level mic inputs, making it a plug-and-play solution.

Q: What is the XY stereo configuration and why does it matter?

XY stereo uses two directional capsules positioned at the same point in space but angled outward. This creates a stable, phase-coherent stereo image that collapses cleanly to mono — avoiding the phase issues common with spaced-pair microphone setups.

Q: Can I use the MKE 440 with an external recorder instead of a camera?

Yes, as long as the recorder has a 3.5mm stereo mic input. The MKE 440 outputs a stereo signal on its 3.5mm connector, so it is compatible with portable recorders that accept that format.

Q: Does the MKE 440 require phantom power?

No. It can run on a single AA battery, which makes it fully self-powered in the field. Phantom power is supported for use with compatible recorders, but a battery is all you need when shooting with a standard camera.

Q: Will the shockmount reduce camera noise during recording?

Yes. The patented internal rubber suspension shockmount is specifically designed to decouple the capsules from camera body vibrations, button clicks, and handling movement — significantly reducing those sounds in your recordings.

Q: What windshield is included, and is an upgraded windshield available?

The MKE 440 ships with a foam windshield for light outdoor use. For more demanding wind conditions, a furry windshield or blimp system compatible with the MKE 440's form factor can be used for additional attenuation.

Q: Is the MKE 440 compatible with smartphone filmmaking rigs?

The MKE 440's 3.5mm output is compatible with smartphones and adapters that support an external microphone input. However, it is optimized for camera-level mic inputs, so results may vary depending on the smartphone's input sensitivity.