- For Indie Films, TV & Documentaries
- AA Battery or Phantom Powered
- Selectable 100 Hz Low-Cut Filter
- Resists Structure-Borne Noise
- Low-Noise Circuitry, Mild Presence Boost
- High Sensitivity Requires Less Gain
- XLR to 3.5mm TRS Cable for Cameras
- Windscreen Reduces Wind Noise
- Lightweight and Rugged Metal Housing
- Includes Shoe/Tripod Shockmount
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 20,073 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sennheiser MKE 600. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Sennheiser MKE 600. For example, 84% of 5,732 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Sennheiser MKE 600 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 218 Reviews
The best audio of video choice I've made
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Matthew on B&H Photo Video
I used to use WL lavs for all interviews. The sound was good, but not great. Being and audio guy-turned-video guy, I knew that I wanted a shotgun mic to make my audio more natural-sounding. I initially looked into the Rode Videomic series, but I knew that I wanted to us it in boomed situations as well as on-cam, so I ruled them out early because they are less-than-ideal for that context. So,knowing that I wanted an XLR mic, I then looked at the Rode NTG series. After listening, I found the Rodes to be decent, but a bit too tinny or thin-sounding. A lot of people who talked about the Rodes also talked about the MKE-600, so I listened to some clips recorded with this mic. Immediately, I hear the full-bodied sound, warmth and clarity for which I was searching.I purchased it from B&H about 2 months ago and, as mentioned, I use the MKE-600 in a boom and as an on-cam mic. When boomed, I plug into my Tascam DR-60D (also highly recommended for DSLR use and purchased from B&H), through which I monitor with its headphone out and send audio to my Rebel T4i with its camera output. I thought that I wasn't going to be able to get a clean sound recorded directly to the T4i. But I can get a very clean and full sound! It's all about gain structure. I simply max out the level of the camera output on the Tascam DR-60D and turn the T4i's audio input down to about 25%. This almost completely bypasses the DSLR's terrible audio preamp and all the sound recorded is from the Tascam. As an audio tech, I am very happy.When I use this on-cam, I plug directly into the T4i's mic input using the Kopul LMT-100 cable (also highly recommended for DSLR use and purchased from B&H). I believe this cable has an impedance-matching XFMR in it, but I'm not quite sure. I do know that, when using only this cable to connect the MKE-600 to my T4i, with the cam's audio input set to 50%, I get VERY clean, full-range sound. Again, as an audio tech, I am very happy.I love that I have the same single AA batt installed since day 1 and it is still going strong. I even left it on overnight once...I am not a fan of the shoe shock mount, but I still use it because it is adequate. Although I fear that it may not last very long. The jury is still out on the Senn version of the deadbeat. Not sure about my thoughts on that... Seriously, the best audio for video choice I've made. Second best if the Tascam DR-60D. I mount them all to the same rig using shoe mount rails. I mount the Tascam behind the camera instead of underneath it. This allows me to have everything in one neat and compact package. ... More
No disappointments
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Bad Rabbit on B&H Photo Video
I use this with my dslr for off-cam audio to sync later using a sony PCM to record. I was so close to going with Shure or Rhode, but after researching this mic, for the extra dollars its really worth it. Good, crisp, clean sound. Runs for days on a single AA battery. All in all it was exactly what I was looking for, something to pick up acceptable sound to sync with my dslr footage. I played around with the Rhode series and wasn't impressed, especially with the build quality. This mic is nicely built and looks saucy. The shock mount that comes with it is a joke, I went ahead and bought a Rycote mount for it and it is perfect. I do wish that it came with the xlr to male mini cable needed. I am very happy with this product, and while it is not perfect, it suits my needs beyond expectations. I first used this for a wedding and reception and was very pleased. Not the mic I would use for say filmmaking, but very good for capturing sound during a live event and interviews ... More
Very Happy with the MKE 600
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Reidowitz on B&H Photo Video
I purchased this to be dual purpose. One as an on-camera mic for my D800 run n' gun shoots. I'm very happy. I tested this next to the Rode Video Mic and was much happier with the build. I also like the sound quality. It's a little more open/live than the Rode, but has a very clean open sound to work with. Next, I use it a b/u during on-camera interviews. I run this to my 2nd or 3rd channel on a Sound Devices 302 mixer. One thing I really like is the battery power. It saves the batteries on the mixer so I don't need P48. I've run almost all day on 3 AA re-chargables on the 302. I haven't used it next to a 416 yet, but for the price, I'd say it's the best on-camera alternative to a 416. During the interviews, I could almost toggle between the tram hidden on the talent and the MKE 600. That would be the best description I could give you next to a sound sample. I was really surprised I couldn't find a sample of this on-line to compare to the 416 and say a Rode Video Mic. The build is excellent Sennheiser quality and I think you can't go wrong. I also like their mount. Very simple and effective. The coiled adaptor cord for going to a DSLR should have a 90 degree bend on the back instead of being straight. That would be my only complaint. The included mount works great on my KTek Tadpole for a b/u boom. Also, get the Senn dead cat as it's less than buying the Rode and effectively does the same. With the included pouch it stays with my Nikon D800 ready to go at all times. Enjoy, I think you'll be happy with your purchase. Nice job Sennheiser! ... More
Solid Shotgun Mic
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by AudioMan on B&H Photo Video
I searched and narrowed down to the Rode NTG series (1,2,3) and the ME-66. My buddy said Sennheiser released this mic @ IBC 2012. Now, since it just came out at the time, I took a leap of faith from the word of mouth reviews like how warm it sounded compared to the ME-66 and bought it, not knowing what it would sound like. I'm glad to say this mic is amazing! The mic exceeded my expectations. Here are the benefits I found:- I can use this on a boompole and grab dedicated sound or it can be mounted onto a DSLR, which my team uses alot.- The price is really affordable considering it's a Sennheiser. The school provided ME-66 and were okay. I definitely can't afford a MKH-416 yet but working towards it. For now, the MKE 600 is a solid work horse shotgun mic for anything I need.- Battery power is a nice option to have.I use this mic with a Rycote Windshield #4, a Rode boompole (10ft), and record into a Roland R-44. I honestly think this is a worthwhile mic to get if you are starting out or looking for a solid shotgun mic. The mic is hotter than say the Rode NTG-2. The build is solid and I am very happy with it. Best investment I've made! ... More
Audio clarity
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Glen on B&H Photo Video
I'm using the MKE 600 as an on camera shotgun mic for my Canon XA20, as a handheld microphone in the field and as a desktop mic in a shock mount for narration work with an old Marantz PMD 600 recorder. Because of the small size of the camera, I needed a relatively short mic, but wanted high quality sound. Among the other microphones I seriously considered: - Audio Technica AT875 - Shorter with good sound - Rode NTG-2 - Battery or phantom power and better sound - Sennheiser Me66 - Longer and great sound The Rode NTG-3 and Sennheiser MKH 416 offered teriffic sound but were outside my price range. The Rode Video Mic Pro and Sennheiser ME64 both sounded a little tinny compared to the better mics. The sound from the MKE 600 is crisp but very natural, and it is sensitive enough that I don't have to use as much gain as I would on some of the other mics. Overall a great value in a somewhat short shotgun mic. ... More
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Waited 7 mos. to write this ...
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by t2 on B&H Photo Video
Doing DSLR video on 5D mk. III ... the audio normally had to be recorded on a separate audio recorder. A royal pain for simple interviews, etc. Waited for a quality on-camera mic that was BATTERY, not phantom powered. Reviews of cheap existing mics were NOT encouraging. Finally this model came out... and I have used it constantly. Up to about 8 ft. from the camera, its STUNNING on voice and good at off-axis rejection. At 12 ft from the camera there is definite ... too far awayness sound. But way better than the other shotguns I have and paid much more for. it works flawlessly with the Mk. III's auto level control as the Mk III is another royal pain to try to manually adjust audio levels. You want to move up with your DSLR's audio (or any voice work with any video camera)? This model is a Bargain! ... More
Great mic - surprising connection
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Ron on B&H Photo Video
Pros: Professional mic at a pro-sumer price Tight pattern to reject side noise Phantom power or AA battery for hours Indicator light for when its powered Sturdy, metal chassis Con: 1/4-20 connection for the mount If youre planning to use this on your camera, then the quarter-twenty thread is exactly what you want. Im using this on a boom mic stand and expected a standard mic stand threading. Thankfully, I had an adapter to convert mic stand thread to 1/4-20 so I was able to use the mount and the mic on day 1. Using the mic from above - just out of the shot. Its picking up voice and rejecting outside sounds really well. Using a Zoom H4n Pro to provide phantom power, adjust gain, and record. Set the Zoom gain level to 80 to get best balance between volume and noise. Like all other audio, run it through leveling and noise reduction to improve sound. The mic is being used in a studio so there is no need for the windscreen. ... More
The best small shutgun mic for the money
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Sound Mixer on B&H Photo Video
I'm a professional Sound Mixer/Recordist for films and TV production. I have several much more expensive mics I use regularly, but I was impressed with the MKE 600--especially for the price. I use this as one of my backup mics, but I also use it with a shock mount on my DSLR for personal use. The mic is small and light enough to easily fit on a DSLR and provides excellent, deep, rich tones. You can't beat this mic if you are using it with a DSLR. Compare it to any mic made for DSLRs out there, and this blows them all away. It's a litle more pricey then the entry level low end DSLR mics out there, but it is worth every penny. ... More
Best Shotgun Mic For The Price
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Steve the sound guy on B&H Photo Video
I do a lot of professional sound mixing for films, TV shows and commercials. The MKE 600 is a great addition to the other mics I use. I was at B&H's store in NYC around the time the MKE 600 first came out. I was able to compare this mic to several much more expensive shotgun mics, and I was surprised how well it performed against the others. It is by far the best mic for the money you can buy, and a Sennheiser at that. It is especially perfect for amateur/novice users looking for a mic to use with DSLRs. It has very good directive capture and off axis rejection for a short shotgun mic. The low cut filter is a nice feature, and having battery power is key to save on phantom power. The sound wave it captures brings out the rich, deep tones of voice recordings you don't normally get from mics in this price range. I highly recommend this mic for novices and professionals as an addition to their sound kit. ... More
Great sound, great quality, tad long but no issues
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I use this for videography on top of a Canon 5D Mark III camera with a 24-105 F4 lens. This mic sounds great. Much better than the camera mic of course. It picks up great from 3-5 feet away. Nothing to be desired in terms of sound quality fantastic. It does mask noise from other angles, but when I talk behind the camera it does pick it up of course but in a slightly muted way. Love the fact that it uses a AA battery which is easy to replace. Love the fact that phantom power isn't therefore required if using it with a voice recorder or a certain type of sound mixer that requires it. The length however is a bit longer than some alternatives. The good news is it doesn't come into frame with my 24-105 F4 lens. It does stick out a little on the back side of the camera given where it best fits on the Auray Dusm-1 Universal Shock Mount that i use. But given that it just sits on a tripod and isn't often used on a skateboard or something, there's no issue. I use it walking around the house on my DSLR too. The fit of this mic with a third party Auray Dusm-1 Universal Shock Mount is a bit snug. It takes some minor effort to slide it in there, but then again it gives me great confidence that the mic won't slide out - very important. One behavioral downside is that i sometimes forget to turn the mic on before I shoot. So there are some clips yesterday that didn't have any sound. Oops. I would definitely purchase this mic again. ... More
Wonderful mic if properly used
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Zach on B&H Photo Video
I've used this mic for many offsite video projects recording into an H4N recorder alongside close miking to great success. All negative ratings I've seen on this microphone seem to be due to poor recording technique or based upon features they want that weren't advertised. A decent external mic pre will lower the noise floor and make this microphone shine as it does; using a dslr onboard mic pre all but guarantees a subpar recording and its on the writers for garbage recordings. As with all shotgun style microphones, using them in a reverberant small enclosed space will make for a boxy recording, so it falls again on user error. Rate the item as it is and not your ability to use it. This item is wonderful for the price and I heartily recommend it above any similarly priced shotgun microphones or cheaper. ... More
Performs as you'd expect
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Thad on B&H Photo Video
I usually use this on my Panasonic HC-X1000 camcorder as either the primary mic when using the built-in mic as secondary, or as secondary when I'm using a lav with a stand-alone recorder. It captures clean sound and has the benefit of either using phantom power or a AA battery in the tube. Comes with a nice pouch and just a foam windscreen. I've found that even activating the wind reduction switch is not enough to totally counter the effect of wind when just using the foam windscreen, but I won't ding it star for that -- my Rode Videomic suffers the same performance in the wind with just foam. Plan to buy a dead cat if you shoot outside in windy conditions. For the quality of sound, I consider this a good value. ... More
Sounds great, well built
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Alberto on B&H Photo Video
I have it hooked up to my Nikon D7100, and the audio sounds much better. The camera's preamps are still noisy, so I plan to get a preamp to get even better sound out of this Sennheiser. I like it that it takes a single AA battery, alkaline or ni-mh, and it lasts a long time. It's lightweight but well built. It captures crisper vocals than the Rode Video Mic my coleagues use, and it also captures good low end - something my camera's built-in mic sorely missed. Very happy with it.
Very clean, good dyn range, low noise
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Dale on B&H Photo Video
My primary reason for purchasing this mic was as a reasonable cost mic for targeted nature recording, after reading numerous blogs from nature recorders. I've been using Shure SM57 mics for all around nature recording (as well as recording a band I play in), using the Zoom F8n, and with really good results (yes, portable is relative, it all packs into a huge backpack, portable enough for me). When I needed to zoom into a narrower area sound wise, I was using a shotgun mic that had more than triple the noise of the SM57 mics (which are fairly low noise). This basically ruined recordings where I had to step up the gain for distant sounds - in other words, the SM57s still sounded good at high gain, the shotgun I was using before the Sennheiser was sounding like the ocean at high wind. Now, with the Sennheiser MKE 600 shotgun, I can step up the gain and there's less noise even over the SM57 mics. And the sound is very compatible with the SM57s. Basically, the MKE 600 is a really nice mic. I'll be purchasing another for stereo feed when it makes sense. So, regarding nature recording and with just the MKE 600 and a good field unit (like the Zoom F8n), it's a great match. ... More
Well worth the Price
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by G on B&H Photo Video
I stopped in to B&H to talk to a few store associates on getting sound advice. Needed a shot gun and had a price range up to $. Had an old $ cheapo that I could finally begin hearing why it was the price it was.After listening to all of the mics in this price range, including the Rode I came in to buy - I very happily found the sound quality of this mic to be superb for the price range. Sennheiser doesn't make cheap mics - but this one is (price wise). Love the sound - clients love the sound - and I didn't have to spend 3k to get there.Use it right, and you will love this. ... More
Great ENG/EFP mic
Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone and Auray Windshield Kit
Reviewed by Brad on B&H Photo Video
Love it. It's a great replacement for my old Sennheiser mics that saw years of great service. It took a bit of creative engineering for it to sit in the mic holder of my Sony camera, but not all that surprising for Sony. It sounds great and the included windscreen provided great protection with little audio coloration, even during a rather windy outdoor shoot.
Professional sound, awkward for camera-top use
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Jim the Runner on B&H Photo Video
Before you buy, you should know that this microphone is enormous compared to the various Rode videomics, it extends over both ends of my D810 and 24-70 with the lens hood and I have to kind of duck under it to see the LCD. Otherwise it's pretty great but could probably benefit from a preamp. What makes this mike a better choice than the alternatives is that it renders voices with a very professional sound; I don't know how else to describe it, it just sounds like NBC or Universal rather than a cheap local commercial. Of course it sounds MUCH better when you get it off the camera, so buy a boom pole at the same time. ... More
Narrow Band Shotgun Microphone
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Cowboy Ken on B&H Photo Video
I am an audio and video producer. I recently bought the Sennheiser MKE 600 microphone with professional windsock, mount and pole. I also purchased the 10 and 2 ft cords. I do audio with a Roland digital recorder and found the audio to be very crisp and clean. In recording on the boom at full extension over a choir with piano, guitar and trumpet, I found that the direction of the mike was very important as it does not blend sounds when give the chance to separate them. What you point at is what you get. The minister, about 100 feet away, was easily understandable with the shotgun as well. There was in house amplification of him but this mike bore down on the actual sound he was putting out and came through loud and clear. You've got to ante up for this unit but it sounds quite good so far. ... More
Great Sound Quality
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by EWP on B&H Photo Video
I liked this mic so much I bought two of them. The sound quality and sensitivity is excellent. I use these to record wildlife. I use two connected to my Tascam PCM recorder which then connects to my DSLR to record a separate audio track for my video recordings. I do not get any hollow sounds and the mics are super directional. I typically use these two mics mounted onto a 6 hotshoe rail and aim as needed to preserve the best stereo separation. They are lightweight and come with a nice cordura carrying case. However I wish the case was large enough to enclose the included foam wind screens. That should in no way sway you from this purchase. The mics are top quality and you will be pleased with their performance. ... More
A year of excellent audio!
Sennheiser MKE600 Podcasting/Zoom Kit with Gator Cases Tripod Tabletop Stand, USB Interface Cable & Headphones
Reviewed by Garet J. on B&H Photo Video
I got to use my school's mke 600 for an entire year before I bought my own, and I have never been displeased because of it. It currently replaced my Rode NTG2, which was falling apart constantly and was very unpredictable in the quality of sound it captured. The mke 600 has been used on every shoot where I need audio. It was even used over the Rode NTG3 because of it's superior quality. If you can get the microphone within a meter of your subject, it sounds like Hollywood. If it's at any other distance, it still sounds remarkably good! Don't use AA batteries in the mic if you can, especially if you're using it with a blimp. The hassle of turning on/off the mic while it's fully encased in something is a bit annoying, so as long as you use phantom power you can avoid that and just leave it on. I feel like I won't need another shotgun mic for a long time now that I've got this. ... More
