Customer Reviews

Sennheiser MKE 300 Super-Cardioid Film & Video Microphone

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I have had this mic for about a year now. it worked great for a while and gave really impressive audio quality. Unfortunetly this didn't last long.

I have to disagree with the reviewer above, as I treat my camera and audio equipment with care, yet this microphone failed me twice. The problem is the cable from the mic that plugs into your camcorder...it's way too sensiitive. My cable stretched and there was a short....it didn't pick up any audio and I took it to an authorized Sennheiser repair department where they replaced the item with a brand new one. Since then I used the mic once, and later discovered when capturing my footage onto pc that all the audio came out mono. I confirmed that it wasn't human error by plugging in the mic and testing the audio with my ear phones...and confirmed that auro was only coming through one channel.

I really am fed up with this mic, Sennheiser needs to use a thicker gauge cable to resolve this problem or come up with a new design. I do not recommend buying it as you will only be frustrated.

Cable is junk, mic is OK. The cable is very thin and does not hold up, we've had 2 of these fail. I also know a couple other people who have had this happen to them. The mic works OK before the cable fails. It is directional and the wind screen works well.

You'll be a 1/8 mono to stereo adapter for sending the mono signal to both channels on your camcorder.

Sound quality is excellent for a non-XLR microphone. Very good rendition of full range of highs and lows. Other positives include a very good unidirectional shotgun pick-up pattern and a decent (but not fantastic) windscreen that is quite effective in low to moderate conditions. The only negative is the all plastic construction, especially at the back end of the mic. Hence user needs to be a little gentle, especially when connecting and removing from camera. In terms of reliability, other than this issue, have never had a problem. Have had the camera for about 2 years and used it extensively. All and all an excellent mic for a serious amateur looking for a non-xlr mic to use in place of cheap mics normally built into nearly all consumer and prosumer video cameras. Highly recommend.

Had this microphone been stereo and not monaural, I might have rated it higher. The sound quality wasn't bad, but it was only in one channel. For this price, you shouldn't have to add a stereo adapter to the mike's plug or mix the audio to stereo in post. I sent it back and bought another Rode Videomic. Very pleased with the Rode.

I have used Sennheiser MKE 300 mics in my business now for many years. I am very happy and impressed with the sound quality of the MKE 300. We did comparison recordings with some of the other similarly priced camcorder mics on the market, and the MKE 300 blew them all away. I was leary of the MKE 300 when I first bought it - it seemed so light weight and fragile - but as soon as I heard the sound I was hooked. I highly recommend this microphone for professional videographers as well as serious enthusiasts who want their camera-recorded audio to be crisp and clear.

I only got to use this mic a few times but those few times it seemed to work extremely well. I was extremely surprised at how well the mic DID NOT pick up any of the camera noises, considering that the mic was attached to the camera. Overall this is a good buy for any one on a budget. Low price plus great sound equals GOOD VALUE in my book.

This was my first foray into used goods of this type so I was a little nervous to order a microphone used.

It came in good condition, the corner of the box was slightly worn but otherwise fine. Seems to work well. Nothing else to report