Sennheiser MKE 440 vs. Sennheiser MKE 600

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Thomas... thumbs UP of course, no one will ever hit the "other one"... my question is this, do both of these mics cut out the lens focusing sounds? I'm doing video grabs often with the Nikon D5 and often when the camera focuses with auto-focus, I have to edit that sound out... do these improve on that, or even eliminate it? Manual focus is of course silent... thanks in advance!

[@TomasVillegas]

Yes, both of these microphones will eliminate that sound you get when using AF feature of your camera. Thanks for stopping in and checking out my work!

[@FrederickDunn]

Tomas Villegas Thanks Tomas, just ordered it from Adorama :) much appreciated!

[@nikonprofessional5286]

You're the man!

[@blainecovert8374]

It will pick up sounds from my canon 24-105 f4 L lens (w/the 440 model) in a quiet environment. Mostly the stabilizing.

[@nycvideoauditions]

Great video, Tomas! I already own the 600 but I use that mic going into an XLR adapter (with +20db) into my DSLR. In certain situations where I want to shoot more discreetly, lighter AND to capture ambient sound for B-roll, I thought I'd search for a nice sounding stereo mic with +20db that could connect directly to camera. I just bought the 440 today. Thanks for helping make this decision. (Even if I don't plan on using the audio for certain scenes, it's STILL good to have to option of using it - and I think the 440 is a good choice for solo shooters.)

[@DVZNMedia]

wow, both of them sound amazing. Is it me or did the 440 sound a bit fuller?

[@TomasVillegas]

It's probably due to the stereo recording ability.

[@dizzyshimmy]

Hey Tomas, another awesome video as always! But I just have one thing to add, I think when you are referring to the "low pass" filter on the microphones, I think you mean the "high pass" filter? As a low pass filter would make the microphones would sound very muddy and of poor quality, as only lower frequencies are being let through.

[@TomasVillegas]

+Hamish McGrath thanks for the feedback, but low pass (low cut) filters are used primarily for recording dialog as voices fall in the mid/high range. Low pass takes out all the rumbling and low frequencies as stated in the video.

[@dizzyshimmy]

Ah ok, low pass is the same as high cut and high pass is the same low cut, I think there was just a bit of confusion with the wording.

[@galwaynews5690]

You are correct Hamish. Low pass means it just passes the lows through, hi pass means just passing the high through. So the switch Tomas is using is a low cut not a low pass.

[@ImprovUnedited]

@@galwaynews5690 Yep, a slip of the tongue at 3:58 where "low pass filter cut on" is confusing.

[@ernie548]

This is an old post, but to note, outdoor wind noise can be a real struggle with this 440 mic. There is no Rycote wind shield for the 440 either.

[@terenceho3162]

thanks for the great review, thomas. i went with the mke 600 cause i do a lot of short films

[@GeekyNerdDad]

A comparison video so they can make a 'sound' decision...I see what you did there

[@TomasVillegas]

+Larry Dickerson ah yeah!

[@ToddsNerdCave]

Interesting video. This is just what I was hoping to see. I have been on the fence about a new mic and had narrowed it down to the MKE 440 and MKE 600. I think I might pick up a 600 and give it a try. In your opinion, between the two, does either one have an advantage once you get further than arms length away? Lots of on camera shotgun microphones fall flat once you get more than 3 or 4 feet away from them.

[@TomasVillegas]

That's similar here as well, the 600 does a better job, but they both fall a part at distance farther than 4 feet. Hope this helps.

[@JacksonJDoyel]

Which one would be better for capturing the sounds of wildlife in the distance

[@TomasVillegas]

600 for sure 👍

[@153grover]

I'm trying to decide what mic to buy. I have a Rhode mic now. I want to upgrade. I do short films and sound is very very important. I'm leaning on the MKE 600.

[@nikonprofessional5286]

Hey Tomas! I learned about this video after Frederick Dunn posted your link on the PPA member loop. Very VERY nice review and I'm glad I found your channel. Thank you for such comprehensive review!

[@TomasVillegas]

Thanks for the feedback, appreciate the sub 👍

[@aneesh_0725]

The MKE 600 sounds really good when compared to MKE 440.

[@TomasVillegas]

It definitely does. That's why it's my go to mic.

[@aneesh_0725]

Hiii.. thanks for replying!

[@fumiyakinoshita8918]

Thank you so much for the video I was wondering which one I should get for wedding film

[@TomasVillegas]

I would go with the MKE 600 personally, thanks for watching.

[@fumiyakinoshita8918]

@@TomasVillegas i thought MKE440 was a better option cause it captures the sound around the subject. what made you choose MKE600?

[@raybroomall8383]

Thanks Thomas. great presentation. I was wondering if the 440 would be more universal...but it looks like I'm going with the 600.

[@TomasVillegas]

Same decision I would make. The 600 just works in more situations.

[@opthepianogodness]

Keep up the good work ! You are few of those tech reviewer that do honest and no bla bla reviews !!! One question here does the length of the MKE 600 bothers you alot ? I am thinking of buying this mic for vlogging. Would you recommend it ? Thanks !

[@TomasVillegas]

For vlogging I wouldn't recommend it. The length really bugs me when I'm shooting on the move with it mounted on top of my camera. Thanks for the comment!

[@opthepianogodness]

Do you have experience with the shure vp83/83F ? I would really love to get the MKE 440 but from your video I heard excessive back ground noise (to my taste) and that's why I am leaning toward a shotgun mic. Thanks !

[@MyExpatDiary]

I opted for the 440

[@TomasVillegas]

Not a bad choice 👍

[@scrollop]

Excellent review, thank you. Are you still using the 440? Would you recommend it?

[@TomasVillegas]

I'd recommend the 600 over the 440. It's just more practical and usable for me. I don't use the 440 at all really.

[@scrollop]

@@TomasVillegas Thanks. I'm looking for a mic to record a group of 3 people, so perhaps the 440 is better suited for that.

[@deepahs]

Hi Tomas nice reviews you are doing.I did actually purchased the 600 based on your reasoned opinion.However after testing it on a Nikon d5200 directly I noticed that the static is more pronounced with the Mke 600 than with the onboard of the camera. Is this normal? Directional pick up works fine but the static is really more audible with pe mic. Any ideas? Propably should keep testing it (mixers, recorders etc) but was wondering if there is like a definite test to check if it is anything with it. Thanks

[@AquariusRising]

Tomas! Hey, I just purchased the Sennheiser MKE 600, so thanks for the review and samples. However, do you have a preAmp connected with your shotgun mic's?

[@TomasVillegas]

Nope they are direct connected to the camera in both test for this video.

[@AquariusRising]

From your experience, do I need one? I'm really new to everything when it comes to reviews, so your videos have helped a ton. Thanks for the feedback man!

[@Film4Peace]

Outdoors the 440 actually sounded just as good without the low cut than the 600 with it's lo cut engaged.

[@TomasVillegas]

The 600 is a fantastic mic that I still use to this day. 👍

[@HowardOlsen]

Thanks for this comparison - I just received my MKE 600 which I bought in part because of your awesome video! I'm hugely disappointed with it and think I may have received a defect. I first hooked it up to my audio interface and it requires almost as much gain as my "gain hungry" SM57 dynamic mic - there's just no reason for a condenser to need as much gain as a dynamic. When you recordeed with your 600, how much gain did you need to give the preamp or zoom recorder (or whatever device you used?) Thanks. I'm trying to figure out whether to send it back or not.

[@TomasVillegas]

Barely any needed. Sounds like you may have a defective mic. Contact Sennheiser, they have great customer service.

[@HowardOlsen]

Thanks. Really appreciate the reply.

[@HowardOlsen]

Thanks. I've already reached out to them and they have responded. It does look like I got a defect ... I've got good sound running but I need to run 7 out of 10 gain on my interface which isnt right for a condenser. I appreciate your videos and your reply / input.

[@shilpagowda8402]

Very detailed and awesome thank you. today I got to know about 2 awesome microphones.

[@TomasVillegas]

Thanks for watching!

[@shilpagowda8402]

I'm glad you replied😊

[@diegopalma5123]

Hi! can i use the mk440 in a side of the cam or with only works right in the middle up the lens? thanks

[@NetvoTV]

If I want to film everyday life, travel, environment walk tour, product reviews where the talking is behind the camera mostly and sometime at a distance away, elements record for game making and singing and instrument too, the videos will be shot with a Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder and Sony A7RV, what multi use cases no show on screen 3 audio setups are right for me, should I get just one stereo super cardioid shotgun mic or an omnidirectional audio recorder to do it all or just one/both of them with additional of a shotgun mic and a pencil condenser mic to cover stereo and mono needs? That camcorder has an optional handle with LED and 2 XLR inputs but will be tall, is XLR necessary and will the XLR handle can be use as music recorder? The gear I have in mind are the unique looking stereo Sennheiser (MKE 440, MKE 600), Deity (V Mic D4 Duo, S Mic 2, HD-TX), Sony (ECM-B1M, PCM-A10), Zoom (H2n, H3-VR), Saramonic SR-VRM1 and Roland R07. For photography, I shoot mainly for document life and creative shots and potentially photograph for photorealistic shots, I haven't know how to get photography gig yet, I will use the A7RV to shoot photo but do you think it's for me I should go for RX100 VII, or something in between, but I think there's no much reasons other than weight to get unpocketable compact cameras because you get less handling and EVF but still need to carry with a bang or hang on neck, I know I can get great shots with RX100 VII or Lumix LX10 but I have some photographs ideas that might only able to achieve with interchangeable camera which is full body person with background blur from a distance, ultramacro and I want to try to join competitions. I not a bokeh person but a story and creativity driven person and prefer most of my shots to be fully in focused, and sometime I wonder do I really need to put so much effort into carry these gears when I can just google the photos I want to look at that other people already took, what you guys think, X2D, A7RV, G9 ii, G95, GX9, RX10 IV, LX100 ii/D Lux 7, LX10, RX100 VII or something else? I was plan to get the Sony 16-35 F4 PZ & 70-200mm F4 MACRO ii with 2X tele converter which can get 1:1 macro and 600mm digitally too but that camcorder can reach that hence it's less needed and just I need to figure out ways I can get more magnification of macro hopefully with a tele lens too to reach things further away. I hope there is a camera I can use with my left hand while using the camcorder at my right hand!

[@Rascallucci]

If I am using it on my DSLR with a long zoom for filming birds, which mic is more sensitive or better for such situations?

[@TomasVillegas]

Neither of these will be a good solution, but if I had to pick it would be the 600.

[@georges8408]

You are so close to mic that we cannot see(hear) the real beam capabilities of the mic. If you go 10 meters away from the camera, can this mic record you voice without capturing the sourounding noise ?

[@pineapple3037]

George S : no mic can do that

[@josephbohme7917]

Tomas have you ever used an insulated =sound funnel megaphone in reverse but padded with foam

[@TomasVillegas]

Only 1 or 2, I haven't used too many.

[@jellybeanbaby6405]

love the videos always informing me

[@TomasVillegas]

Thanks!

[@Jarhead6]

cool vid Marine!

[@TomasVillegas]

Thanks brother!

[@jeffbenjamin7986]

Excellent video.

[@TomasVillegas]

+Jeff Benjamin thanks for stopping in man!

[@Tech4YourNeeds]

Great comparison!

[@TomasVillegas]

Thanks Luis

[@maxpeguero7516]

both are really dope man

[@TomasVillegas]

Thanks!

[@aakashchndr]

what all mic do you use?

[@TomasVillegas]

I use the MKH 416 in most of my videos.

[@aarvin1]

What you clicked on is the High Pass Filter ... not the Low Pass Filter.

[@TomasVillegas]

Sorry you're incorrect, they both feature low pass/cut filters.

[@aarvin1]

A high-pass filter is an electronic filter that passes signals with a frequency higher than a certain cutoff frequency and attenuates signals with frequencies lower than the cutoff frequency. The amount of attenuation for each frequency depends on the filter design. I'm a sound engineer.

[@TomasVillegas]

That's great you're an engineer, but these microphones have low pass/cut switches on them. Regardless of what you're saying, I'm going off of what Sennheiser has posted about their products - I try and thoroughly research and use products before I post any thoughts on them.

[@aarvin1]

The microphone offers a stereo, super-cardioid pickup pattern and features a frequency response of 50 Hz to 20 kHz, as well as a maximum sound pressure level of 132 dB. The mic includes a 3-level sensitivity switch and a high-pass filter to remove rumble. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1248110-REG/sennheiser_506258_mke_440_compact_stereo.html

[@aarvin1]

There is a big difference between a LOW CUT and a LOW PASS filter. High pass filter = Low "cut" filter

[@PeterMossUkulele]

Hi - Great video Tomas. I am torn between the Stereo MKE440 and the Mono MKE600. I am generally doing taking head style videos from a small desktop set up. If I mount a microphone on top of my camera, it would be (at most) 1 metre away. I would value your response if you have the time, thanks. I have subscribed to your channel. Peter.

[@TomasVillegas]

I would go 600 10 out of 10 times if that helps. 👍

[@PeterMossUkulele]

@@TomasVillegas Definitely - Thank you.

[@diegofianza3525]

Smart and helpful vid. Thx.

[@TomasVillegas]

Thanks for watching.

[@gracepoulson6026]

I want this soooo bad

[@PowerPlayHK]

Tomas, you did the good job

[@TomasVillegas]

Thanks!

[@michaelcorle0ne]

Hi tomas, i have unboxing channel. which microphone would be better for product unboxing videos? ty for your comment

[@TomasVillegas]

The 600 is more versatile and will work great for you and your channel. I still have mine and use it on most all of my videos.

[@michaelcorle0ne]

Thank you for your answer. @@TomasVillegas Is there anything better than this microphone?

[@margaretteerin822]

you're videos are awesome

[@Huzuproductions]

MKE 600 Hands down for that price range.

[@TomasVillegas]

Agreed 👍

[@kennethcaloun5138]

NICE VIDEO THANKS FRIEND

[@TomasVillegas]

Thank you.

[@rekinnu]

Hardly heard the difference Perhaps in reality is different

[@TomasVillegas]

+Calin Pavelia they're both awesome mics.

[@millieholder7311]

Love your videos 😍😘❤️

[@TomasVillegas]

Love y'alls comments!

[@alexdonis8499]

hi

[@tawaallen9154]

I love this video

[@maishar4203]

Hey

[@TomasVillegas]

+Maisha Haque hi!

[@fatimatorres1783]

i want a matte blck i phone 7

[@TomasVillegas]

Wrong video.

[@Geziryy]

Matte black 😅

[@TomasVillegas]

Huh?

[@olivierlavoie123]

too expensive :(

[@JesusTorres-up7cw]

hey

[@TomasVillegas]

hi

[@JesusTorres-up7cw]

hi thomas

[@JesusTorres-up7cw]

hi Tomas how r you doing

[@TomasVillegas]

Good thank you!

[@JesusTorres-up7cw]

how is ur day going