Sennheiser MKE 300 Super-Cardioid Film & Video Microphone

by Sennheiser

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 6 inches ; 2.1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005UQIH
• Item model number: MKE 300
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 29, 2002

Product Description

The MKE 300 is a compact and lightweight microphone especially designed for video cameras. Its tight, supercardioid polar pattern ensures high directivity and attenuates the sounds made by the autofocus and zoom motors now found on almost all video cameras. The electret condenser microphone element delivers sonic clarity and high output. Connection to video cameras is via an integrated shoe assembly and 1/8 plug. Features: High directivity Spring-mounted capsule ensures effective suppression Integral power supply using an LR 44 battery On/off switch with battery status indication Flashmount adapter Quality sound with picture

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars phenomenal!, December 9, 2006

By 

James S. Dodds - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sennheiser MKE 300 Super-Cardioid Film & Video Microphone (Electronics)

I'm sorry the previous reviewer had problems with his/her unit. I don't believe that experience is typical. I and my colleagues have used these in tough expeditionary situations all over the world. The directionality and quality is phenomenal. They do seem cheaply constructed - so much so that I avoided getting one in favor of much more expensive, heavier mics, until I used a friend's on a shoot and was sold. In my experience they are excellent in every way.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Sennheiser Mic failure - Bad Cable, September 23, 2007

By 

S. K. KOELLE - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sennheiser MKE 300 Super-Cardioid Film & Video Microphone (Electronics)

I purchased the Sennheiser shotgun microphone last December 2006. It Just stop working during the filming in the middle of a "Once in a Life Time" event. Lost all the audio for the video I shot that day. Yep that's right BAD cable. This microphone has a major problem with the cable. I have been very careful using the microphone. The cable was never stretched or abused. I take very care of all my camera equipment. I don't know what I can do with this broken microphone now but I wouldn't buy another one.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best super-cardoid mic for less than $1000, March 4, 2008

By 

Clark Turner - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sennheiser MKE 300 Super-Cardioid Film & Video Microphone (Electronics)

In the 20 years that I have been doing corporate videography, I have always believed that it's better to invest more and have the best equipment rather than try to cut corners and end up with mediocre results.

The super cardoid pattern is very effective at focusing the sound input and will pick up audio up to 30' in front of the camera very clearly. The sound quality is perfect, excellent tone without noticeable noise.

We have compared this mic to pro mics like the Sennheiser MKH-60 ($1500) and Audio-Technica AT-4073a ($1100) and found the audio quality to be almost the same. The higher end mics will probably hold up better under heavy use, however we have not experienced the issues that some other reviewers have written about. They are only used by qualified technicians that have been trained to respect the equipment so they are not going to strain the cord or bang it around.