Best Microphone for YouTube: Sennheiser MKE 440 Review

Review of the Sennheiser MKE 440 Microphone
The Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone is in my opinion the best microphone for KZbin videos if you want rich quality audio.
Sennheiser MKE440 Mic amzn.to/2nECQno
Our friends at Sennheiser sent this Sennheiser MKE 440 Microphone over for me to check out and also answered a ton of my questions about improving audio quality in my videos. I'll be covering those tips in some future tutorials.
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Sennheiser MKE440 Mic amzn.to/2nECQno
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Disclaimers: all opinions are my own, sponsors are acknowledge. Affiliates are: Amazon, BHPhotoVideo, MyFonts, Bluehost and Lumoid.

[@TechLineHD]

Awesome audio quality. However, you should mention that placement of the mic and acoustic properties of the room can be even more important than an expensive mic. A lot of people don't use the mics right (I'm still working on my audio too).

[@RobertoBlake]

+TechLineHD will be working on that for an audio Tips video. I don't have any padding to absorb reverb unlike most KZbinrs who prioritize high quality sound, but possibly in the future.

[@charbax]

I use the stereo MKE440 on all my videos over the past 6 months, and for 10 years before that I was using the mono MKE400, sennheiser audio quality is reliable. Only downside seems that my voice volume when I interview people coming from behind the camera seems lower on MKE440 compared with MKE400. For that, I am considering mixing a lapel mic on myself with the MKE440 once I find a good dual mini jack on-camera mixer (hoping that Panasonic releases a dual-minijack at half the price of their dual-XLR for GH5)

[@ExploreWithUs]

How does it handle high wind situations? Do they offer any windsocks for it? 🙂

[@RobertoBlake]

It handles it okay and they do offer windsocks for it. My collab with Sunny Lenarduzzi had high wind etc and I didn't have the windsocks with me for that.

[@ExploreWithUs]

I love everything about this mic. I currently use a Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R with Rycote Lyre Shockmount, and tried the Rode Deadcat furry. The Rode Deadcat did very little for the wind noise, but then I tried the Micover and it made a huge difference. Seems the noise was coming through the back of the microphone, where the Rode Deadcat didn't offer any protection. I am going to have to pick up this MKE440 mic, it looks like the perfect microphone. Thank you for posting the review, it was very helpful. 🙂

[@RobertoBlake]

+Explore With Us no problem, the quality speaks for itself!!!

[@derleukos77]

Amazing!!! How long was the distance You have recorded (please in centimeters) to get this results? It sounds like a MKH-415/416. And it was not boomed - just on camera?

[@techreviewsfromthebathroom]

keep doing your thing your advice is really helping me tune up my channel. Btw do you have a pony tail? Sort of remind me if that guy from the ESPN commercial LOL

[@SaithusX]

What was the main camera you used for this video? Sorry new to the channel.

[@1001Hobbies]

You show the mic on a Nikon DSLR. Did you record any of your online videos with that Nikon and this mic? Is this mic just 2 shotgun mics or is it something else?I use a D5100 and even just a lav mic plugged into the mic jack and mounted to the camera sounds better than the camera's mic. Not wonderful, but better.For audio I use an Azden SGM-1X shotgun mic on a boom with a Zoom H4n. I recently got a Focusrite Saffire 24 Pro audio interface for my editing computer and I am going to try recording through that to a laptop while on set for films. The better preamps of the Focusrite should sound really good.I like the sound of the MKE-440 too. Nice video.

[@zunighacom]

I understand how this would be good for an on camera microphone, but what would you suggest for a a dedicated microphone for voiceovers in edited videos instead of speaking directly to the camera?

[@RobertoBlake]

For that kind of thing I use a desktop microphone, in my case the Audio Technica ATR2100 which is like $60 but I've been looking at an upgrade and considering the Blue Yeti Pro or Rhode Procaster or a Sennheiser equivalent.

[@zunighacom]

thanks for replying! I've been nerding out on your videos for so long, it made my day. thanks!

[@VidasAkmantas]

Hi. Sound writing manual or auto? Thank you

[@DarkBlueNutrition]

I have a canon g7x mark II, but it doesn't have an audio jack. Is there anything I can do to improve my audio?

[@StultusMagnusBellus]

Do you know from any experience if Sennheiser headphones are comfortable? Also to answer the gear question, I am using my microphone on my Razer Kraken Pro headset and I do definitely need an audio upgrade.

[@RobertoBlake]

An in expensive pair I had were great, I gave them to my brother when I won a pair of more robust headphones. But I'm looking forward to checking out some Sennheiser monitor headphones for when I'm editing the podcast.

[@StultusMagnusBellus]

Okay. Thank you :)

[@ebeast5805]

Each one of your videos is so informative . Much Thanks man!

[@BigPhilidelphia]

I've been using a Rode Videomic Go for a while but I'm thinking about upgrading. Would you recommend this mic over a Rode Videomic Pro?

[@vegetablepolice]

Sounds great man. I've been waiting for the new Rode videomic pro plus. No idea when they will announce that though. I've been using the Mic J 044 lav mic plugged directly into the Panasonic G85. It's kind of annoying being tethered to the camera like a toddler, but it sounds pretty good ;) Tried the Rode videomicro but it sounded much worse than what I'm using now.

[@RobertoBlake]

The new RODE looks impressive

[@mrmivisuals]

Hi, was the audio in this video recorded with the specified mic?

[@mrmivisuals]

As a shotgun mic i'm currently using the Rode Video mic go and i really despise the quality of it for some reason it has this background noise and when i research how to get rid of that noise, i usually come back with very little information. I decided to buy an Audiotechnica at2020 usb mic which i use for any seated shots, it's great and alot better than the cheap clip on mic i've resorted to using for any other shots. The canon100d i'm using isn't too great for videos but i'm making use of it. I just wish i could find a way to optimise the rode video mic go to work without the background noise it produces.

[@HeroVange]

I was looking to upgrade actually. Last year I blew out my usb audio interface. Now I just use USB mics. Any recommendations in that realm of audio?

[@RobertoBlake]

+HeroVange Yeti typically performs best on the USB side though I prefer XRL

[@wcsdiaries]

@@RobertoBlake did you use denoise effect in post? or is this straight from camera?

[@jasalva100]

Roberto, nice review i've been using the ME-1 for NIkon D750 not bad, but I need to stay with a shot gun mic as my photography & video is all music bands. I need something for upclose sound that eliminates people talking around you. I agree with with you on build quality I bought the ME-1 used from B&H but had the mount brake after 6 months I believe it's an import. I had to buy an after version for the part to continue to use it. I don't get paid to do this as of now & i've been out of work for a few months, but I agree with you poor sound is a turn off for me I won't even look at the video. Anyway, thanks for your insight much appreciated!

[@mydee12]

Just curious about the battery life because AA batteries don't have the best longevity. How many cumulative hours of use can you get out of the microphone on AA batteries?

[@RobertoBlake]

I've changed them maybe once a month and I shoot almost everyday....

[@mydee12]

Good to know...thank you!

[@olimueller]

how about a short video about the geni.us link shortener? Seems interesting.

[@AmberHenderson]

Just starting out and am using my iPhone until I decide if this is something I want to keep doing. What mic works best with iPhone 6s? Thanks.

[@UnboxJunction]

Nice video Roberto, I wish you made this video few weeks earlier. Rode videomic pro give us 10 years warranty, don't know about this one.

[@Julia-sk6zt]

Hi Roberto, I am a singer. Could you please list your top 5 favorite microphones for singing/music videos? Right now, I am using the built in mic on my Nikon. Thanks!

[@Elemino]

Was this recorded with your GH5? I'd like to know what cam is processing the audio.

[@RobertoBlake]

+Elemino Musgrove GH5

[@micky2be]

What do you use to edit your Audio? Adobe Audition?

[@RobertoBlake]

Yes I use Adobe Audition and Premiere Pro.

[@micky2be]

Roberto Blake I really like Audition. Using a modified version of the Podcast preset in the effect rack. And like how easy it is to remove unwanted sound (mostly siren for me)

[@RobertoBlake]

Yeah I'm getting better with Audition and I've been using it for my Podcast as well.

[@NachoTV]

Currently I have the RodeMic Pro but highly agree with you that the Sennheiser Microphone sounds great. I have another German brand, Beyerdynamic M58 and was amazed by the quality. The day my Rode breaks down I'll have to pick up one of these Sennheiser's.

[@Jburgos1993]

What would you decide between a mke 440 vs mke 600

[@FunWithTheBugs]

Money invested in a good mic is definitely money well spent. When I first started our channel I didn't even think or care about the audio. The camera had a built in mic so why would I need a microphone. I am not making a feature film or anything like that. 7 months later I sold my camera simply for the fact it didn't have a mic jack. 😁

[@pineapple3037]

Wish it had a detachable cable, I’m sure it’s gonna give out long before the actual mic itself.

[@jamesrobson8774]

It sounds treble heavy to me and there is some weirdness where the left and right channels appear to go out-of-sync (around the 22 seconds mark is an example).

[@RobertoBlake]

Keep in mind I did almost no processing and that may just be how sound is in this room, for every single mic I use unless I process the audio the left and right channels are never exact when i record in this room.

[@RangeWilson]

I'm using a Rode VideoMic Pro (like many others) for synced sound. It's good enough for my purposes. For voiceovers, I use whatever vocal mike I have handy.

[@Mntdewmania1]

It sounds wonderful for sure!

[@hearguitar262]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Fiberific]

I use a Shure PGA58 mic, on a stand over my table... connected into a Zoom H5, I do a little tweaking of the audio in Audition, but my skills are not quite there yet.. more practice required. I also just use the zoom straight up for my live streams as it also acts as an audio interface.

[@RobertoBlake]

Audio is a skill all by itself that takes a lot of time to get right.

[@EposVox]

Stereo mics for one-person talking head shots just make little sense to me :/

[@RobertoBlake]

I also am doing collabs like the one I did with Sunny, and again, richer and fuller sound quality is always a good thing and you always want to have and not need instead of need and not have....

[@hglfarms]

A good stereo microphone is an excellent choice. A good clean stereo signal is more pleasing to the ear. You can go into Audition and duplicate the left or right channel whichever you have and offset one by about 80 to 120ms and create a nice replacement for that but, time and content are KING. Keep up the Awesome work Roberto thanks for all you do.

[@SleepingElephant]

Looks nice...didnt know about this

[@JackyLi]

Roberto can you make a video of top 10 or 5 best starter camera under hmm...$700 budget?

[@JamesRobertOsborne]

I know you asked Roberto, but for video, the Sony FDR-AX33 is awesome. 4k, excellent image stabilization for on-the-go stuff.

[@RobertoBlake]

+Jacky Li not a bad idea to update last years video

[@MelMelx365]

high quality audio can't be stressed enough

[@RobertoBlake]

+Mel Mel indeed

[@tangiechapman6219]

what are the best camera that T5i or the T4i for video

[@RobertoBlake]

For price there isn't much difference between the two.

[@DenysPeel]

Would this work on my Nikon D500 ...

[@RobertoBlake]

As long as it has a mic input jack

[@DenysPeel]

@@RobertoBlake yep stereo input

[@BrickTsar]

One thing for sure - you can buy cheaper mics - but if they do not last long and still have bad audio, it is not worth it. Best to get a good mic. This one sounds great. Spend once as you said

[@RobertoBlake]

Yep and I also believe in spending less time too.

[@MindfulnessTarot]

I use my iphone, just turn on the recording app and then sync up the audio during editing. It works great for now, but the goal is to get something like this at some point.

[@createdbyrohan]

I use a Rode Video Micro with my GH5 and I love it. $60 and I get great audio because of the preamps in the GH5, not to mention I don't need a battery for it.

[@RobertoBlake]

It's a good option on a budget, but if you have the GH5 I'd go an invest nearly as much into audio since budget isn't the variable for you...

[@TommyMillerVlogs]

Love it...

[@GonzaloRm]

Never had issues with the RHODE video mic PRO like you mentioned, you may be doing something bad mate. Tech is as good as the user is, by that i mean that you can have a 1000 usd microphone but still not use it properly and someone with a 150 usd microphone can have better results.

[@RobertoBlake]

Its the physical aspect of the RODE on the camera when it comes to the way it mounts. Nothing to do wrong there, its just how they designed it as not all one piece.

[@GonzaloRm]

Roberto Blake oh yes, you're right about that mate. Good video Btw, keep it up your content is awesome.

[@BeanieDraws]

Pretty expensive, but sounds like you get a lot for the money. It also just LOOKS really nice and crisp, not just sounds.

[@RobertoBlake]

Build quality is a big deal, and in my case with travel it's even more important.

[@ywuongywuong2577]

I don't know where to start , you have a lot of videos, I just want to make few cents online. I have been trying for the last 4 years without success. Only waste of money. Do you have a plan to follow. I have websites, I am affiliated to amazon and alibaba but I need a system, or a mentor. I am tired to jump from one program to another one. Any advice Roberto?

[@funnymanclayman]

and of course it's 350 bucks

[@RobertoBlake]

It's one of those you get what you pay for things. I started with a $20 clip on microphone from Sony that wasn't horrible, but I had to spend time tweaking the sound. I spend money on things rather than time now because I can make up one and not the other. Making more money is not tremendously difficult and I've covered many ways to do that here on the channel...

[@funnymanclayman]

Roberto Blake ok I'll check those out 👌

[@ImprovUnedited]

all things are relative. In someone else's video of some apparently awesome, must-have mic, I click on it, and it was well over 1K. My MacBook Pro was about 4K, so ain't no way I was going to drop another K on a mic. But this stereo mic seems to be priced right for what it does and how it's built. Still undecided myself if I shouldn't find two different mics (mono + stereo) that amount to the same.

[@mrwoo40]

That audio sounds good except for the little background noise I am hearing..

[@TwoBitDaVinci]

Great review Roberto! We've been looking for a simple on the go solution for Audio. When we're in our studio, or shop, we are super happy with our little setup. We have a Tascam Dr-60DmkII recorder, with an XLR AudioTechnica AT875 shotgun mic, and a G85 for video. What's cool is we got a 20,000mAh USB battery pack to power both, and so we got this awesome rig (4k vid + xlr audio inputs) that gets over 10 hours of battery life! Check out our video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4KwepiGrN1jfKs

[@AUPackmule]

Its a pretty expensive mic. I am sure its a good mic, you sound great.

[@RobertoBlake]

It's solid, literally and it has produced the best audio experience out of all the things I've tried.

[@hglfarms]

You get what you pay for. That being said, it sounds like you get every penny in this mic. There is so much to be said for, it taking less processing of audio at the end. For the same reasons, you buy a better camera you should also consider this mic.

[@RobertoBlake]

Exactly. That is also why got the Panasonic and Sony cameras, less work in the end for me, and less to think about.

[@MrAnuragindia]

the 60fps looks weird

[@RobertoBlake]

Deciding if I like it or not. KZbin favors videos with 60 FPS on some level and I want to see how much of a difference it makes for a view videos.

[@MrAnuragindia]

Roberto Blake plz throw some light on this? y does KZbin favour 60fps? the movements look so weird. maybe it's just me

[@RobertoBlake]

+Anurag Sharma can't say why but they favor certain things like 4k, live ,360 and so on...

[@casperthuresson862]

34!!!!!

[@vincentmatthewbenito6797]

Hii

[@secondstory2678]

If you're going to spend $350 on a microphone, you'd have to be very serious about making videos... Way more than just a hobby or pastime activity.

[@gameplay4you578]

First

[@imgonnapackit]

Talking about this $350 mic on an island is useless. Comparisons to other $350 micd? This spot did not help your brand.

[@RobertoBlake]

You do indivdiual reviews and products test and then you do compairsions, so that is practical and it's what I've always done.

[@RobertoBlake]

My brand is doing just fine thanks for the concern.

[@NIOMI4U]

- Uhhhhhg.... WHAT does his ''brand'' have to do with the review Garage Flips????

[@imgonnapackit]

Came off as more of an advertisement than a critical review to me. I'm all about making $$ but calling an advertisement a review can hurt your credibility, which is a big part of your brand. Did have a disclosure up front at least though.

[@Elemino]

It's a microphone and you just heard a recorded demo... I don't think a review can get any better than that. Most reviews you just have to take the word of the reviewer of the experience.