MKE 600 shotgun microphone for video journalists

Sept. 7, 2012 - PRLog -- Old Lyme, Conn., September 7, 2012 — The new MKE 600 shotgun microphone from audio specialist Sennheiser provides video journalists with a microphone that can master even the toughest video sound challenges. Its high level of directivity ensures that it picks up sound from the camera direction with minimal background noise. The switchable low-cut filter makes sure that handling and wind noise is also minimized. Users can expect a very lifelike, full-bodied sound with good bass response, as well as pleasant speech reproduction with high intelligibility.  

“Reporting and media productions have an increasingly broad base nowadays, with information needing to be transmitted extremely quickly. This means that the technology used has to be as uncomplicated as possible,” explained Kai Lange, Product Manager Wired Microphones at Sennheiser. “With the MKE 600, we are presenting the ideal microphone for video journalists who want to produce a report or a film in perfect video and audio quality but do not wish to resort to highly professional shotgun microphones or a separate wireless link. In developing the MKE 600, we paid particular attention to achieving a high level of directivity and a balanced sound.”

A shock mount with an integral flashmount adapter is included to enable the sturdy MKE 600 to be fixed to a video camera without difficulties. The special design of the shock mount prevents handling noise from being transmitted to the microphone. Like any other shotgun microphone, the MKE 600 can also be used on a microphone boom.

Independent of phantom powering
For cameras that do not provide phantom power, the MKE 600 can be powered by a standard AA battery. A switch is provided to deactivate the battery power when the camera is not in use, thus preventing the battery from being discharged. An LED on the battery switch (“Low Batt”) indicates when the battery voltage is low, at which point the video journalist still has a reserve of around eight hours – “built-in recording security,” as Kai Lange explained.

Professional accessories
The MKE 600 comes fully equipped with a foam windshield that reduces wind noise by around 25 dB; the shock mount and a carrying case are also included. For outside broadcasting, a ‘blimp’ basket windshield (MZH 600) – a combined foam windshield and hairy cover that reduces wind noise more effectively than a foam windshield – is available as an optional accessory. A further option is a coiled connecting cable (KA 600) from an XLR-3 connector to a 3.5 mm jack plug.

The MKE 600 will be available in the U.S. at B&H Photo / Video in late September.



The Sennheiser Group, with its headquarters in Wedemark near Hanover, Germany, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of microphones, headphones and wireless transmission systems. The family-owned company, which was established in 1945, recorded sales of around €531 million euros in 2011. Sennheiser employs more than 2,100 people worldwide, and has manufacturing plants in Germany, Ireland and the USA. The company is represented worldwide by subsidiaries in France, Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark (Nordic), Russia, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Japan, China, Canada, Mexico and the USA, as well as by long-term trading partners in many other countries. Also part of the Sennheiser Group are Georg Neumann GmbH, Berlin (studio microphones and monitor loudspeakers), and the joint venture Sennheiser Communications A/S (headsets for PCs, offices and call centres).

You can find all the latest information on Sennheiser by visiting our website at www.sennheiserusa.com.

Rachel Smolin      
Public Relations         
Sennheiser Electronic Corporation   
(860) 434-9190, Ext. 180            
rsmolin@sennheiserusa.com
Jeff Touzeau
Public Relations
Hummingbird Media, Inc.
(914) 602-2913
jeff@hummingbirdmedia.com

Captions:

MKE 600 shotgun mic.jpg: The MKE 600 is a reliable shotgun microphone for video journalists

MZH 600 blimp.jpg: The MZH 600 ‘blimp’ basket windshield ensures perfect outdoor recordings


Technical Data MKE 600
Pick-up pattern   super-cardioid/lobar
Frequency response   40 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity with P48 phantom power   21 mV/Pa
Sensitivity with battery power   19 mV/Pa
Max. sound pressure level with P48   132 dB SPL
Max. SPL with battery power   126 dB SPL
Equivalent noise level with P48   15 dB (A)
Equivalent noise level with battery power   16 dB (A)
Power supply   48 V ± 4 V (P48, IEC 61938) via
   XLR-3 or AA battery/rechargeable
   battery (1.5 V/1.2 V)
Current consumption with P48   4.4 mA
Operating time with battery   approx. 150 h
“Low Batt” indicator   < 1.05 V; approx. 8 h remaining
   operating time after initial
   indication
Diameter   20 mm
Length   256 mm
Weight   128 g (without battery)
Operating temperature   –10 °C to +60 °C