If you’re a videographer, vlogger, content creator or podcaster, you’ve no doubt spent a lot of time and money to get the right camera. What you might not be aware of, however, is that even the best camera is not designed to capture sound.
Much as modern televisions come with speakers that aren’t up to the task, modern cameras are equipped with microphones that you wouldn’t rely on except as a last resort. That’s because these are video devices, designed purely for handling images – manufacturers expect you to upgrade the audio yourself, so camera companies cut costs on microphones.
This is where audio specialists come into play – and the brand trusted by experts and professionals the world over is Sennheiser. Because it doesn’t matter how good your video is; viewers will sit through even scrappy looking content, but if the sound is tinny, windy, blown-out or inaudible, you’ll lose them before you know it.
The world of audio can seem daunting for the uninitiated, but Sennheiser offers professional-grade solutions designed for users of all experience levels. You don’t need to be a skilled sound engineer, all you need is the right microphone to instantly improve your production values tenfold.
On-camera mics for vlogging
This should be the first stop for every vlogger! The Sennheiser MKE 200 mounts to the top of your camera to give an instant boost to your audio quality. This ultra-compact, plug-and-play muc features an integrated windscreen and shock mount for clean capture.
Taking things up a notch, the MKE 400 is a highly directional shotgun microphone that isolates your audio for enhanced quality. Like the MKE 200, it boasts a built-in windscreen and shock mount.
For stereo sound capture, the MKE 440 is an on-camera microphone that has two aligned and matched mini shotgun mics, so it captures the natural audio you want and rejects off-axis noise.
Are you a pro on the go? Then Sennheiser’s MKE 600 is a fantastic option, with pronounced directivity that focuses on sound in front of the camera while attenuating noises from the sides and rear, with a switchable low cut filter to suppress wind noise. It can be battery powered, and comes with a windshield, shock mount and 3.5mm TRS jack adapter cable.
Off-camera mics for content creation
For high-end and professional work, the Sennheiser MKH 416 delivers superb directivity thanks to its interference tube design. With its high sensitivity and low inherent self-noise, not only is it ideal for film, radio and broadcast work – its moisture-resistant tube makes it the first choice for audio in outdoor and challenging conditions.
If you don’t want to be tethered to a camera or keep within distance of a boom, a lavalier mic – also known as a lapel mic, as it is commonly clipped to a garment’s lapel – is the perfect way to record isolated audio of just your own voice.
The XS Lav USB-C connects directly to phones, tablets and computers with a USB-C port. For creators on the move, the XS Wireless Portable Lav Mobile Kit comes with the 2.4Ghz wireless Sennheiser XSW-D Portable Lavalier Set, along with a smartphone clamp and Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod.
Studio mics for podcasting
Whether podcasting, recording voice-overs, or even capturing vocal and acoustic performances, the Sennheiser MK 4 is a professional-grade (yet still affordable) cardioid condenser mic that delivers high sensitivity and powerful, warm sound.
Finally there’s the MD 421-II, one of the world’s best-known microphones. This rugged cardioid mic is a legend in the industry, thanks to its clear sound, effective feedback rejection and pronounced directivity. Its full-bodied sound and five-position bass roll-off switch mean it can handle multiple voices, vocals, most instruments, and all the demands of pro broadcasting.
Headphones for sound monitoring
Capturing your sound is only half the equation – you need to monitor it, to check the levels and make sure it's not too quiet, too blown out, and that there's no intrusive ambient sound! This is where you need a quality set of headphones.
Great sound, super-rugged and lightweight!
The iconic Sennheiser HD 25 is one of the most widely used headphones among professionals. Renowned for its premium sound, rugged build and lightweightness, it’s well suited for any professional monitoring environment.
Pro is in the name, and pro is definitely in the performance of the HD 280 Pro. These monitoring headphones offer high ambient noise attenuation, folding and rotating earcups for convenient transport, and extremely robust construction.
For unrivaled high-resolution audio, the HD 300 Pro delivers accurate linear frequency response and sound reproduction – with highly sensitive transducers for powerful, distortion-free sound even at high pressure levels.
