Sennheiser MKE1 - Professional Lavalier Microphone for EW Series Wireless

Product Overview

The Sennheiser MKE 1 is a professional subminiature lavalier microphone engineered for broadcast, film, and live theater applications where discretion and audio quality must coexist. With a capsule diameter of just 3.3 mm, it is among the smallest clip-on microphones available while still delivering the natural, transparent sound Sennheiser is known for. Designed specifically for use with Sennheiser EW-series wireless bodypacks, the MKE 1 is the go-to choice for presenters, performers, and broadcast professionals who cannot afford to compromise on sound. Its sweat-resistant construction and robust cable make it equally suited to demanding live environments and controlled studio settings.

Product Description

The Sennheiser MKE 1 sets the benchmark for professional lavalier microphones where invisibility and sonic excellence are equally critical. Its 3.3 mm omnidirectional capsule captures a full, natural frequency response that flatters speech and music alike, while rejecting the proximity effect that plagues directional microphones at close range. The capsule housing is gold-plated, ensuring long-term reliability and consistent electrical contact even under demanding conditions. A newly developed protective membrane provides class-leading sweat resistance, making the MKE 1 durable enough for daily use by performers in physically demanding productions.

The microphone's 1 mm diameter cable is both thin enough to conceal under clothing and strong enough to withstand the repetitive bending and handling typical on busy sets or stages. A moulded anti-kink sleeve at the cable entry minimises mechanical noise transmission, keeping your audio clean even during movement. Flexible tubes allow the capsule to be attached using included clips or medical-grade adhesive tape, adapting to skin tones and wardrobe requirements. The MKE 1 is available in multiple connector variants compatible with different Sennheiser EW wireless bodypack transmitters, ensuring you can match it to your existing system without adapters or workarounds. With a maximum SPL handling of 142 dB, it handles loud theatrical environments and close-miked instruments without distortion. Whether you are outfitting a choir for a televised performance, wiring an actor for a West End production, or producing a documentary interview, the MKE 1 delivers broadcast-standard audio from a microphone that is virtually invisible on camera.

Key Features

• 3.3 mm Subminiature Capsule — Virtually invisible on camera and easy to conceal under clothing or hairline.
• Omnidirectional Polar Pattern — Captures natural, full sound from all directions with no proximity effect, ideal for moving presenters and performers.
• 142 dB Maximum SPL — Handles loud theatrical and broadcast environments without clipping or distortion.
• Gold-Plated Capsule Housing — Ensures consistent electrical contact and long-term reliability across years of professional use.
• Sweat-Resistant Protective Membrane — Keeps moisture from degrading capsule performance during physically demanding performances.
• 1 mm Ultra-Thin Robust Cable — Thin enough to hide under wardrobe, strong enough for daily professional use.
• Moulded Anti-Kink Sleeve — Minimises handling noise transmitted through the cable to the capsule.
• Flexible Mounting Tubes — Compatible with clip or adhesive tape attachment for versatile placement on skin or fabric.
• Multiple Connector Variants — Available with connectors for a range of Sennheiser EW wireless bodypack transmitters.
• Natural, Transparent Frequency Response — Delivers clear, pleasant treble and full low-end, faithful to the original sound source.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast television news and talk shows
• Live theater and musical productions
• Documentary and reality TV production
• Film and episodic television on-set audio
• Corporate presentations and live events
• House of worship services and pastoral microphone
• Sports commentary and sideline reporting

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which wireless system is the MKE 1 designed for?

The MKE 1 is designed specifically for use with Sennheiser EW-series wireless bodypack transmitters. Multiple connector variants are available to match different EW bodypack models — select your variant from the dropdown before adding to cart.

Q: What does the connector variant number mean?

Each variant suffix (e.g. MKE 1-EW, MKE 1-4, MKE 1-5) refers to the connector type and pin configuration. Match the variant to your specific Sennheiser bodypack transmitter model to ensure compatibility.

Q: Is the MKE 1 waterproof or just water-resistant?

The MKE 1 features a sweat-resistant protective membrane designed to handle perspiration from performers and presenters. It is not rated for submersion, but it is built to withstand the moisture conditions typical of live stage and broadcast applications.

Q: Can I use the MKE 1 for singing as well as speech?

Yes. The MKE 1's natural, full frequency response makes it suitable for both speech intelligibility and musical applications. Its 142 dB maximum SPL rating means it handles loud vocal performances without distortion.

Q: How do I attach the MKE 1 to a performer?

The microphone ships with flexible mounting tubes and is compatible with both clip-style attachments and medical-grade adhesive tape. The capsule can be positioned at the chest, hairline, or forehead depending on the production's needs.

Q: Is the MKE 1 available in different colours?

Sennheiser offers the MKE 1 in colour options suited to different skin tones and wardrobe requirements. Check the variant selector for currently available options, or contact us at Creation Networks for more details.

Q: Does the MKE 1 come with a windshield?

The MKE 1 ships with a multi-purpose cap that provides additional protection from breath noise and light wind. Additional windshields and accessories are available separately.

Q: What is the price of the MKE 1?

The Sennheiser MKE 1 is priced from $449.00 at Creation Networks, with price varying by connector variant. It is sold as a microphone only and does not include a wireless transmitter or receiver.