Sennheiser MKE600 || Battery vs. Phantom Power

[@BlackOliveBranch]

I thought this video was about comparing the MKE 600's sound in relation to it's phantom vs battery. I was really excited about that. Thanks for the video though

[@thomasfransson]

Thanks, after those A and B tests in the video between phantom power vs battery power I wasn't sure in what other ways I could compare the two. If you have suggestions on more ways to compare them or general questions about the difference, please let me know. It might be enough for a follow-up. Cheers

[@Veescape]

Agreed

[@urbangearman]

Same

[@thomasfransson]

My Rode NT3 seems to be causing some weird noise. I decided to include the samples anyway to give you guys a wider variety of samples. I hope you don't mind.

[@brandonbarash9177]

Wish I found this sooner…perfect for that I’m looking for as a run and gun filmmaker

[@thomasfransson]

Hey you'll enjoy it for sure. It's a real workhorse. On camera, boomed, VO...

[@Sup90210]

🤘Great video. Would love to see one on the NT3

[@thomasfransson]

That's a great idea. I'll try to make that happen sooner than later. Thank you.

[@DarrenNaylor]

Hey Thomas! I have a big problem I'm hoping you can help with. I just got the MKE600 and had previously used the Rode Video Micro+ for my Sony A7IV. I have a constant humming or buzzing sound when using the MKE600 that I've never had before and I cannot seem to figure out how to get ride of it. Would you happen to know or a solution?

[@thomasfransson]

Hmm, that's not fun. I've seen someone mentioning a little screw near the xlr connector on other microphones from Sennheiser that could cause some humming if it's not properly tightened. It seems to be the ground for the microphone. I don't have my mke600 close by atm so I can't see if there's one on the 600 or not. But worth checking out. Or maybe a similar problem on the KA600 adapter cable? Or if the cable have damaged shielding. If possible, try this and maybe another cable to see if you can pinpoint the problem. I've done a few tests on RF interference and not had any issues. But maybe there's a light or transmitter nearby that could be moved? Sorry that's all I can think of of the top of my head. I hope it's an easy fix like that. Good luck!

[@DarrenNaylor]

@@thomasfransson Thanks for the quick response! So I've figured out it's buzzing when around any lights or other devices but this isn't something I've dealt with using other mics. Is this normal? Obviously I'm around lighting and other things alot while shooting so this is pretty frustrating.

[@thomasfransson]

@DarrenNaylor I'm so sorry about this super late reply. I didn't see any notification. Did you get this sorted with Sennheiser? A workaround is a workaround, but this doesn't seem to be right if there's that much interference in normal environments.

[@DarrenNaylor]

@@thomasfransson no worries! Yep, just had them replace it and problem was solved lol

[@AdamGell]

Great video!! are you familiar with using it with the black magic 4k ? in terms of using the audio settings as XLR 48v ? TY

[@thomasfransson]

I've not used it with that camera sorry. But as the 4K has 48v phantom power, it should be a great fit with an xlr to mini xlr cable as you're obviously getting that little extra out of the mic with phantom power.

[@AdamGell]

@@thomasfransson 🙏

[@gregoryedwards8918]

I bought the MKE 600 when it first came some years ago and got it at a great price at a camera show, they even through in a pair of quite useable headphones. I agree with all you’ve said here even to the point of having bought a better shock mount for boom pole work. Yes, value for money, this is very appealing option. I always appreciate your videos Thomas, you really do put work into them, and they are most helpful.

[@thomasfransson]

Oh wow! Do you still use it? I've found it to be very capable and don't see myself replacing mine for a good while. Thank you Gregory, it's nice to hear that the extra work makes a difference ;) I appreciate your kind comment.

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

what shock mount did u get for this make 600?

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

@@thomasfransson what shock mount did u get for this make 600?

[@raczyk]

Hi what mic would you recommend for a cooking ASMR over the fire in nature channel? I would not mind picking up some of the ambient noise noise nature when cooking also. The fire will be how to mic won't always be able to be very close to the action. Would a MKE600 or MKE440 work well?

[@thomasfransson]

The mke440 would be an interesting choice as it's a stereo microphone. If you’re not using a camera (or recorder) with XLR inputs the mke400 could also be a great option as it would provide a stronger signal compared to the mke600 if you run it on battery power. A mono microphone like the 400 will give you a more directional (and centered) sound being only one channel of audio. The 440 would provide more width and maybe more ambience. But you'd also get slight separation and directional awareness. I'm not an expert on asmr so I'm not sure which one of these characteristics that would be most favorable for asmr though. But I hope this information will help you make a more informed decision.

[@itstartsmedia]

Ultimate combo! I use all the same X-T4, Rode WGII, and MKE600. Thank you for the video!

[@thomasfransson]

Indeed! Great to hear from another Fujifilm user rocking this setup!

[@NecroNicki]

I do whispering asmr videos and really hear my heart beat in them. How far away do you recommend positioning the mic and at what angle to avoid this?

[@thomasfransson]

That's a good question. The microphone obviously is going to pick up more sound in the front. So pointing the microphone towards your mouth and away from any other audible source is going to give you the best isolation of sound. When it comes to asmr, something I'm not too familiar with, but the idea is to have the microphone right up to your mouth as I understand. To get that intimate close up character? So with that type of microphone placement (right up againstyour lips basically) )you'd be using a very low amount of gain on your microphone. Low enough to not pick up your heart at any audible level. Condeser microphones like the mke600 are very sensitive. But with that proximity to the microphone most other sounds, including room sound and faint noises from outside of the room should be rejected by the microphone. If the microphone is placed further away and you are whispering, then you would need to bring up/amplify the level of your microphone quite a bit, and in doing so, you're also going to amplify any other sound with the same amount of gain. Thus being able to hear a pin drop as the sound gets magnified/amplified. So in short, place the microphone as close to your mouth as possible, turn down the microphone gain and you should be in the clear. If you need even more isolation than that. Perhaps try a dynamic microphone like the Shure sm58. Not sure if this answers your question, but hopefully it'll give you a better understanding on how to move things around and refine your recording process.

[@samhoffman4795]

Thanks for the great vid. What audio interface do you suggest? I’m planning to use mke 600 with my iPhone 14 pro. Thanks

[@thomasfransson]

In that case you could use the xlr adapter cable that comes with the mic and use a 3.5mm to iphone (lightning?) adapter cable. I know Rode makes some interfaces for smartphones too. But not sure how they work or if if would be beneficial to get one vs. The adapter cables.

[@samhoffman4795]

@@thomasfransson thanks, appreciate the help. Your audio sounds so smooth, what post processing/software are you using to get that result?

[@tkarim]

Does the Rode Wireless GO II cause interference issues with the MKE 600? It seems as though it’s shielded, but I’m not 💯 sure. VERY nice sounding video BTW 🤙🏻

[@thomasfransson]

I've had one occasion where I think there was some interference and I moved the transmitter away from the microphone. Haven't had that issue since. But I can't say if I just sub concisely have placed the transmitter further away since then when using this combo. Which is not very often. So I'm sorry about the somewhat vague answer 😅 But I feel that being honest instead of guessing is worth more in the long run. It's a great sounding microphone

[@tkarim]

@@thomasfransson I appreciate your honest answer.

[@lukogs]

Nice 👌🏻👏🏻. What type of preamplifier is it? Public audio preamp or voice recording preamp?

[@thomasfransson]

Thank you, it's a preamp I've used for music production/recording in the past made by Mindprint (Di-Port) fairly compact and portable if needed. Unfortunately it's not produced any longer.

[@dag221]

I've never understood the popularity of the Rode Video Micro really. It just doesn't sound that great and you're better off buying a Movo for about $20 less. I guess the Rode logo tax is in full effect. The newer Rode small mics seem much better however.

[@thomasfransson]

I guess brand recognition, availability and those things play a role. And obviously personal taste when it comes to audio and use case. In Sweden, Movo isn't available on the market to my knowledge.

[@JC_CaballeroPerfumes]

The best mic test! ❤ Regards from Mexico!

[@thomasfransson]

Thank you very much!

[@filiplebiecki8382]

Great video! Currently I have Oktava MK-012 cardioid in an untreated room. I'd like to use it for youtube talking head (out of frame). Oktava is not very sensitive and I have to crank up the volume in Scarlett 2i2 and I'm getting quite a bit of background hiss that requires noise reduction in post. Should I consider replacing Okava with MKE600?

[@thomasfransson]

I like the Oktava but yes, the mke600 is a bit more sensitive and will give you a slightly cleaner and hotter signal from my experience. I had some peaking issues when I moved my mke600 to an autopole closer to my desk and had to back away on the gain. Currently I'm running peaks at -40dB to have enough headroom for any spontaneous laughter and enthusiastic loudness which also introduces some hiss when bringing up the levels in audition in post. So it's definitely sensitive ;) and I realize that I can turn up the gain slightly. But the hiss is manageable and I usually don't add any de-noise. Listen to my lastest video. That audio had a peak of -41.3 dB and there's no de-noise.

[@jakeEDITsyt]

I have a Canon EOS R I might upgrade to the Rode Videomic GO ii or the Sennheiser MKE600. Do you think the MKE600 is overkill for filming run & gun style on my camera?

[@thomasfransson]

The mke600 is great and can double as boom and vo mic, you'll probably won't be needing another upgrade anytime soon. That said, for run and gun depending on how you travel and what environments you're working in. The Rode can be easier to work with. MKE600 picks up everything ;)

[@paulbeckmann]

Brilliant test! Very helpful. Thanks:)

[@thomasfransson]

Glad it was helpful! Have a great weekend!

[@simongarbe249]

Hey, i just bought the MKE 600 mostly because of your beautuful made review! Thank you very much. I just dont get it working on the XT4 directly. I think the settings are correct: Internal Mic: off External Mic: Auto or Manual Mic Jack Setting: Mic Level Limiter: Off Wind: Off Low Cut: Off ... Batteries are loaded... Any help out there?

[@thomasfransson]

Looks about right to me at a glance. And you're using the included xlr to 3.5mm cable? Battery switch on the microphone is set to ON and blue diod is glowing? Levels on camera are in manual mode and you've dialed the level up manually while talking into or gently tapping on the microphone? Sadly I can't remember off the top of my head at what level I'm usually at, in camera.

[@simongarbe249]

@@thomasfransson Thank you for your answer! Actually the the led on the mic just goes ok for a second and it's red. I was wondering but thought it has to be like that because I tried all kinds of new and charged batteries! But that might be the problem. Good to know, that the light has to be blue and continues.

[@thomasfransson]

@@simongarbe249 Hmm, I have mine on phantom power in the studio and when on phantom power, the led is a constant blue if I'm not mistaken. Sadly not nearby to double check atm. Have you tried another mic on the Fujifilm, just to confirm your settings?

[@markleethephotographer]

any tips on using this with a Zoom F3 as an interface that send the audio signal through the Wireless GO II? Trying to avoid syncing audio. Do I need the Zoom F3?

[@thomasfransson]

If you run the microphone on battery you could try using the included XLR to 3.5mm cable. And plug the microphone straight into your WGOII I'm not familiar with the output options of the F3 but as the WGOII transmitter don't support line level in (to my knowledge) It could get problematic to set a working signal that's not to hot between the F3 and WGOII

[@IsaacFromHK]

hey man, thanks for the video! that's exactly what I am looking for, I have the same setup like you, however, can you share how much difference in terms of quality in the following cases, would be nice if you can put that in the video so we can hear the difference. 1. MKE 600 --> Recorded directly by your DI / Field recorder providing 48V 2. MKE 600 -- > Rode Wirelss Go --> Fuji XT4 3. MKE 600 --> Fuji XT4 I am wondering if it makes sense to get a dedicate recorder like Zoom F3 for the MKE600, or it's good enough just to use the MKE600 and attach it to XT4 via the Rode Wireless Go. Thanks!

[@thomasfransson]

Awesome setup! 🤟 Yeah, I wish I had included some indoor samples with the microphone plugged straight into the camera. It's not a huge difference between running it via the wireless go and i doubt it's possible to hear on yt. But if you’re using the Wireless Go II, the best option (apart from 48V) is to use the internal recording from the Wireless. Export it Loudness Normalized to -23 LUFS Directly from RODE Central and sync in post. I will do a video testing a deadcat for the mke600, I'll see if I can include a sample there. But the preamps on the X-T4 does a decent job and If I’m using the mic as an on-camera mic I wouldn't hesitate to plug it straight in to the camera. Unless I want the extra safety track from the Rode if there's a chance of clipping. Haha sorry for the long weird answer. But i hope it makes sense to some degree.

[@NetvoTV]

Can any shotgun mic converter to battery powered and connect to camera directly by just get a battery powered adaptor and a XLR to 3.5mm converter? If not then any other same type of battery powered mic suggestions? Do battery power necessary if I will mostly use Sennheiser MKE 440 stereo mic for video shoot and use shotgun mic to record element sound source? Do I really need the MKE 600 for that or I can just use one of the MKE 440 stereo mics by pointing to the source with one of the mic and then extract the mono track from the 2 channels stereo source? Pencil condenser mic seem able to catch the crispier details of sound and I thought to get Line Audio CM4 as well but is it necessary to use it to record source like vocal in indoor include untreated room, how about outdoor? I will get Deity HD-TX as handheld field recorder for these mono mics, it's good right?

[@NetvoTV]

And do all the slight different between these mics even important because non audiophiles and those don't really pay attention to audio peek" won't notice and have things to compare to?

[@NetvoTV]

And can just get the mic base on type, feature and price because there won't be much noticeable differences and just quality vary with price state?

[@thomasfransson]

Pretty much, there are phantom power adapters on the market that makes this possible. As far as quality goes, humans are more sensitive to bad audio than video, even if they're not audiophiles. A quality microphone usually means better performance in terms of self noise, interference from transmitters and a good sounding capsule that needs no to little processing in post. That said, if you are willing to spend time in post and if you feel confident doing so. You can get decent results with a consumer microphone if you know how to process audio. I wouldn't recommend getting the absolute cheapest one you can find as there can be problems with interference and other things that can not be treated in post. Then again, I'm not sure what price ranges we are talking about.

[@ericmindyc]

What kind of mic should I get if I want to record an orchestra concert with my digital camera?

[@thomasfransson]

The best way to go about it would be to use an external recorder with phantom power and an A+B/X+Y or Bluhmlein setup. This will allow for more freedom in movement and less risk of issues caused by handling noise while also getting the mics close to the orchestra while you can be far enough away to get everything in frame. Traditionally/Ideally you'll use a pair of microphones placed above the coductor. If that's not possible you'll at least know what to strave for based on the situation and what areas you have access to for setting up mics. If there's a PA asking the sound mixer for a tap is obviously another option. When it comes to mics there's a whole array of options in varying priceranges. I've only done two recordings like this where I used a matched pair of Octava mics. I believe I used one of them in this video... Rode also offers affordable options that are small and won't draw too much attention.

[@Shalin.S.Shah.]

Have you encountered any noise issues and RF interference issues with MKE600 while having it connected to camera for its use as on-camera shotgun mic vs using it as XLR to XLR? I ask because when you have XLR balanced signal going to TRS, it becomes unbalanced signal and have tendency to pickup lot of RF interference and also have quite a bit noise as the noise signal do not get canceled out (XLR pin 2 "hot" goes to Tip and Ring of TRS connector and XLR pin 1 "ground "and 3 "cold" signal merges and goes to Sleeve of TRS connector providing hot signal to both Left and right channel as expected by camera, this does not eliminate noise as there is no cold signal transmitted like in an XLR to XLR balanced signal)

[@thomasfransson]

Yes exactly. And to answer your question, yes, once when I had a wireless transmitter attached to the shock mount about an inch from the mic I was able to get some RF interference. I believe I had to move the transmitter about 3" before the interference went away. Sadly couldn't use/show the footage from that test. But I hope this information will be helpful.

[@Shalin.S.Shah.]

@@thomasfransson Thank you for your quick response. Much appreciated. Considering your RF interference encounter, Would you still recommend buying MKE600 as On and Off Camera solution or go NTG Videomic GOii for on-camera and NTG-2 for XLR. Both highly inferior mic compared to MKE600 and other counterparts but this is what my budget looks like right now? Either go good quality XLR microphone capable of going to TRS and XLR or get two inferior mics, one TRS to TRS and other XLR to XLR.

[@thomasfransson]

Tough one, the mke600 is a pretty long microphone so depending on what camera setup you use it might be quite bulky as an on camera mic. Have you looked into the mke400 it might be easier to get better levels with if your camera doesn't have phantom power.

[@Shalin.S.Shah.]

@@thomasfransson Thank you, again, for your quick response. I have considered MKE400 but it seems that MKE600 is the highest quality mic in MKE series. I will definitely reconsider it. Thanks a lot

[@thomasfransson]

As an on camera mic without XLR I'm pretty sure the mke400 will deliver a stronger and better signal to your camera. Maybe see if you can find a used mke400 if so I'd probably go with that. I'm thinking about doing the same on a doc project just to get away from using the XLR handle and mke600 on my camera that makes mounting a monitor more difficult.

[@iceberg220]

A big thank you, for the awesome video! I recently purchased an MKE 600 to be used mainly as an overhead boom, for filmmaking and your video was extremely helpful; subscribed

[@thomasfransson]

Great to hear! Thank you

[@jorgoskatsimitsoulias8918]

thanks! great video!

[@thomasfransson]

Thank you

[@Dzlyesful]

I got a used mke600 for less than 100 bucks! Feel happy

[@thomasfransson]

Congratulations! That's a great deal!

[@harryvanlamoen8195]

how is the handling noise when used on a boom in a film setting?

[@thomasfransson]

With a good shockmount I found it quite usable. (I used the smallrig shockmount) But, I've only done a few tests at home and not used it as a handheld boom on an actual production. So take that information for what it is.

[@photo-markus]

How is the 600 compared to NTG-2? What about let’s say-DEITY D3 pro? We could also compare to NTG-3 and the 416…but of course they are in a different class…

[@thomasfransson]

I've not had the chance to compare these microphones side by side. I wish I did. Buying a microphone is tricky business. Caleb Pike over att DSLR video shooter did a pretty extensive microphone comparison featuring a couple of the microphones you mentioned and the mke600. But the one who reeled me in on the mke600 was Curtis Judd.

[@svensmediahouse]

What mic stand are you using my friend?

[@thomasfransson]

Oh, that's a good question! For the overhead I used a K&M 210 The stand partially in frame for the samples I'm not sure what brand or mode (no name brand) But it's similar to the K&M but without a telescopic boom. I love K&M stands though, always works.

[@DirkWerning]

Thanks fir this. Great video. I’m considering the MKE 600 for my live-streaming talking head videos and zoom calls. Overkill I’m sure but looking for good quality with no need to o process as all will be live. Way too many mic options out there lol.

[@thomasfransson]

I think it would be perfect for that. I hardly touch the eq when I use it in my studio. (Just a little polish) It was such a relief when I switched from my previous microphone that always needed a bit of tweaking to make me happy.

[@DirkWerning]

@@thomasfransson cool thanks.

[@borscast]

the gain staging also would be important...

[@thomasfransson]

If you’re referring to the VS. test, I used the same gain on my preamp for all microphones and no loudness normalization in post to present an idea of any potential differences in regards to output. In a very unscientific way. Much like turning off lens correction in a camera before comparing optical performance ;) Not sure if that was what you were referring to. But some fellow musicians also suggested that I should have matched the signals. Instead of showing the difference. I opted not to ;)

[@borscast]

@@thomasfransson You are smart, i thinked exactly for this. But now is clean your stance. :)

[@edselharrison]

Great review.

[@thomasfransson]

Thank you, I appreciate it

[@John-e4p1x]

Lot of people too stupid to know this is the newer, better 416. As a former 416 owner, I will never call that the better mic. Great video by the way.

[@thomasfransson]

Yes, I think the mke600 is good enough for most users. And at a fraction of the price. Like someone said: if you know you need the 416, get the 416. If not get the mke600. Thanks!

[@techbyfinne]

Bough this and connected it to the wave XLR. Got constant mic noise whatsoever I do. I have no running machines in the room beside a quiet m1 Mac mini. :(

[@thomasfransson]

You should contact the store or Sennheiser. I guess you've tried a different cable and all that. Another thing I've seen online on another sennheiser mic was a screen (ground) on the xlr connection that was a bit loose and needed tightening to ground properly. But best to contact the store or Sennheiser and see what they say.

[@techbyfinne]

@@thomasfransson I will do that, I have tried different cables etc :)

[@techbyfinne]

@@thomasfranssonI just tried batteries instead of phantom power. The noise is now gone :) So it is clearly the Elgato Wave XLR that is the problem.

[@robertschnobert9090]

Cool video, dude. Cute hat

[@thomasfransson]

Hey, thanks!

[@Nisargwrites]

Can i use it for a short film ?

[@thomasfransson]

Absolutely

[@Nisargwrites]

In terms of outdoor how far it can record your voice properly i wanted to know for my short film and is it good with i phone 14 pro ??

[@thomasfransson]

For outdoor scenes it's always best to get the microphone as close to your talent as possible as there will be other competing sound to worry about. So I'd recommend getting a boom arm and keep it as close as possible. For really wide shots I'd recommend ADR or a lavalier solution if it's not a locked off shot and you're able to do a clean plate and mask out the boom this way.