Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone

The 10″ long MKE 600 uses an interference tube and a supercardioid/lobar polar pattern to provide pronounced directivity on-axis along with significant attenuation of sound entering at the sides and rear, making the MKE 600 far more effective at capturing distant sources than the omnidirectional mics found in most cameras.

The MKE 600 naturally reduces sub-bass frequencies below 40 Hz to prevent unnatural bass buildup. Activate the switchable low-cut filter at 100 Hz to roll off more low-frequency noise from common sources such as air conditioners and traffic.

Thanks to its 3-pin XLR output and compliance with 48 VDC phantom powering, the MKE 600 is compatible with a variety of handheld audio recorders, field recorders, and mixer adapters, as well as built-in preamps on many camcorders and cinema cameras.

When using devices that don’t offer phantom power, the MKE 600 may optionally be powered for up to 150 hours by a single AA battery (available separately). Approximately 8 hours of operating time remain once the low-battery indicator lights up red. Use the on/off switch to prevent unnecessary battery drain.

The MKE 600 includes a shoe shockmount for easy placement on your camera or a tripod. To mount the MKE 600 on a boompole or mic stand, use the Rycote InVision INV-HG mkIII shockmount (available separately), which will also impede the transfer of vibrations between your boompole/stand and the mic.

Included with a MKE 600 is a short coiled adapter cable—XLR female to 3.5mm TRS male—that lets you connect the mic directly into a mini-jack mic input on a camera.

The MKE 600 has a foam windscreen to reduce unwanted wind noise from breezes, fans, heaters, and air conditioners by up to 25 dB. Enhanced attenuation of wind noise is possible with the addition of an optional windshield such as the Rycote 15cm Super-Softie, which also provides high immunity to rain.

For maximum reduction of handling noise and wind noise in indoor or outdoor environments, consider a complete windjammer, windshield, and shockmount suspension system such as the Rycote Super-Blimp NTG or the large Rycote Super-Shield Kit (both available separately).