Videos are great, but nothing ruins it more than terrible-sounding audio. Unfortunately, sound is often neglected by new videographers, which shouldn’t be the case. In our SENNHEISER MKE 200 Mobile Kit review, we’ll share all the important details you need to know about it.
The SENNHEISER MKE 200 Mobile Kit lets all videography newbies enjoy creating quality videos. If you’re one of them, you’ll love how this mobile kit works. Simply plug it in, then you’re all good.
The MKE 200 Mobile Kit offers efficiency and functionality to give you the best vlogging experience. It’s perfectly designed for content creators and bloggers who are always on the move.
This mobile kit comes with SENNHEISER’s directional MKE 200 on-camera microphone plus Smartphone Clamp. It also includes the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod, which makes it even better.
For you and other creators searching for an excellent mobile solution, the SENNHEISER MKE 200 Mobile Kit offers the best. You’ll get the right set of tools to optimise your content while simultaneously upgrading your video and audio’s quality.
Our SENNHEISER MKE 200 Mobile Kit review will discuss all the kit’s features, design, specs, and performance. But before that, let’s take a look at what’s inside the box.
Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit Packaging
Let’s begin our Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit review by taking a look at its packaging. The kit came in the typical-looking SENNHEISER box that sports a black and grey theme to it. The front displays an image of the product, while the model’s name is written above it.
There are other details related to the mobile kit on the box’s rear, so you can check that out too.
Inside, all the items are separated and organised neatly in place. You’ll find the MKE 200 directional on-camera mic with the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod and the SENNHEISER smartphone clamp. They even included the windscreen and storage pouch in the package.
Also, SENNHEISER added a locking 3.5mm TRS-TRS coiled cable and a locking 3.5mm TRS-TRRS coiled cable as well.
Next on our SENNHEISER MKE 200 Mobile Kit review, let’s discuss its design and functions.
Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit Review – Design and Functionality
The MKE 200 Mobile Kit is technically a directional on-camera mic that offers detail and focus when recording. It comes with a built-in internal shock mount and widescreen to avoid wind and handling noise.
The 3.5mm TRS & TRRS cables are compatible with DSLR/M cameras, as well as mobile devices.
Our SENNHEISER MKE 200 Mobile Kit review will now look into the different parts of the kit.
The microphone itself is set in a cage that’s complete with a built-in shock mount to decrease noise. Quite interestingly, SENNHEISER didn’t position their cable connector in front. Although we aren’t complaining about it, we will need some getting used to when it comes to this.
It’s a good thing that the company securely attached the 3.5mm connector with a screw. On the other end of its coiled blue-coloured cable, you can link the MKE 200 to your camera or smartphone.
Now, let’s focus on the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod. It’s a lightweight and durably-constructed Mini Tripod featuring a ball head. There’s a push button lock mechanism that lets you position then lock the ball head in a single motion.
It has rubber feet too, to guarantee a slip-free and firm grip on most surfaces. Plus, collapsible legs are present to give you a convenient handheld vlogging experience that optimises stability to your recordings.
This Mini Tripod is one of the smallest and the simplest models available, plus it’s lightweight as well. Since it’s a tabletop tripod, it’s extremely accessible and portable, which is perfect for those on the go.
The PIXI is ideal for CSCs that mostly have small lenses. These keep the camera-lens combination within the payload category. Also, it’s small enough to slip easily into your bag’s pockets.
The PIXI features three legs that can either be opened or closed. However, do note that these aren’t extendable, so you’ll have to place them on something. If not, you can get creative with it when you need to take photos from a certain height.
Connecting the tripod, you only need to twist the ¼” screw thread to the camera, and you’re all set. We appreciate the rubber feet on each leg of the tripod since it gives an excellent grip and hold.
One of the best features of the tripod is its ball head system. Here, the ball head is released then locked via push-button mechanism. Simply press the button to unlock, then swivel the head to your desired position. Then, release to lock it in place.
You can rotate the ball head 360-degrees, and it offers a 35-degree tilt range too. Once you’re done, release the button so the camera can be set in place.
The ball joint is mostly made of stainless steel and is positioned in a socket made from aluminium and plastic. The legs also have hinges on them, while the base of each leg features small rubber pads to prevent slippage.
The top of the ball reaches a standard ¼” tripod thread that sits at the top of a circular plate. It features a rubberised top to support the camera.
The mobile kit has a solid build quality, yet most parts, except for the ball head, is made of plastic. Since the legs can be closed, these can act as a handle when the tripod is in handheld mode.
When you record videos, the handle helps stabilise footages. However, do note that it won’t be as good as the 3-axis motorised gimbal stabiliser.
Mounting your camera to the PIXI is straightforward. Just link the tripod to the bottom portion of the camera.. Once you’ve inserted it, just pull out the tripod’s legs, and you’re good to go.
Use the PIXI as a grip when you want to shoot videos, or if you’re going to hold the camera higher.
Do note that moving your camera isn’t that easy since you’ll need to hold the release button during the process. We did notice a slight resistance that created a slight grating sound when we shifted the camera’s position.
But overall, the tripod was great and has a durable design and excellent build.
The Smartphone Clamp of the MKE 200 mobile kit is made using solid aluminium. Plus, this portion features soft rubber grips to guarantee a secure fit for any smartphone that you use.
There’s a 180-degree locking dial that allows either a landscape or portrait position. Here, you’ll be able to easily shift from an aspect ratio to another.
Key Features of the Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit
This time on our SENNHEISER MKE 200 Mobile Kit review, we’ll check out the product’s key features. These will help you determine if the MKE 200 is something you need for your video-making and vlogging needs.
Designed for Travelling
The SENNHEISER MKE 200 mobile kit comes with all the compact and convenient essentials in a single package. Each piece is small enough to fit in pouches or pockets, and they’re designed for the creator on the move.
The Manfrotto PIXI Mini tripod and smartphone clamp allow for a quick and stable set-up. For the MKE 200, it lets you record enhanced audio in different environments.
Control and Versatility
The smartphone clamp’s locking swivel-joint and Manfrotto PIXI’s push-ball button head allow for easy adjustment. With that, you can choose a landscape or portrait orientation without any hassle. All you have to do is mount your mobile phone horizontally or vertically, then make adjustments with the PIXI.
Excellent Quality
The smartphone clamp is built to complement the MKE 200 microphone’s construction and quality. It’s made out of solid aluminium for durability, and it comes with soft rubber grips to ensure stability.
For the Manfrotto PIXI, it’s also a durable piece that’s made of Adapto-coated stainless steel. With all of these pieces in a single kit, you’re sure to have recording equipment that will last.
Specifications
Our Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit review won’t be complete if we don’t focus on the kit’s specifications.
To begin, it measures 69 x 60 x 39mm and weighs a total of 48g. It comes with a 3.5mm jack and has a super-cardioid pick-up pattern.
The mobile kit has a frequency response of 40 to 20,000Hz, while its sound pressure level is 120dB SPL. Then, there’s a pre-polarised condenser and a plug-in power supply.
Its sensitivity in free field without load is -33dB V/Pa and has an equivalent noise level of 20dB. Lastly, the MKE 200 mobile kit comes with a 2-year warranty.
Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod Dimensions
For the tripod, it’s 13.5cm long and weighs 1.4 lbs. However, its weight capacity is a total of 2.2 lbs.
Its focal length is 85mm (regular, non-professional lens), while its overall equipment payload is a maximum of 2.2 lbs.
Hands-on with the Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit
Our SENNHEISER MKE 200 Mobile Kit review will now discuss how the mobile kit performed.
When it comes to setting up the MKE 200 mobile kit, it was simple and quite easy. Its 3-step instructions are easy to understand, and we didn’t have any issues during the process.
The plug-and-play design makes using the MKE 200 enjoyable and convenient. We were able to plug it then focus our attention on our video content.
Although it’s good that there aren’t any controls, there’s also nothing to notify us if the microphone is working adequately. The presence of a green indicator would suffice and would be helpful as well.
The MKE 200 is designed to amplify audio in front of the camera while softening audio from behind the camera. When we tried recording, we were impressed with the sound quality since the background noise was diminished. Volume dropped off from behind the camera, and the audio we recorded was clear and audible.
Aside from reducing background noise, the MKE 200 picked up subtle nuances compared to built-in microphones in cameras. It was able to capture sounds like the buzzing of bees and the purring of cats.
The MKE 200 mobile kit was able to get some good proximity effect when we tried using it. When our subject was far enough, we shifted the camera’s gain to a certain level before things got distorted.
We noticed that during safe and low levels, when a camera DSP wasn’t utilised, the signal was clear and crisp.
Overall, the microphone’s signal was crisp and clear. We experimented with the distance while setting up the mic, and we had no complaints about this. It was able to capture a lot of sounds for its price, and the audio quality was great.
The microphone’s windscreen excellently eliminates the crackle from big gusts of wind. When we tried blowing directly on the mic, we only heard the sound of air moving. We liked that it didn’t have that wind distortion which is usually recorded through other microphones.
Additionally, the windscreen worked well in handling light breeze since there was little to no effect on the mic from any angle. It also handled a stronger breeze well since we didn’t hear any distortion.
Overall, the windscreen does its job, and wind doesn’t negatively affect the recording.
With that, we can say that the SENNHEISER MKE 200 Mobile Kit is excellent for recording clean and clear audio. It gave us crisp sounds, and its output quality was great.
It’s portable, compact, and user-friendly too; plus, it’s perfect for those who are on a budget. With that, we highly recommend the MKE 200 mobile kit.
Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit Review Summary
The SENNHEISER MKE 200 Mobile Kit is an excellent microphone for vloggers and videographers, especially for newbies. With its plug-and-shoot design, you won’t have to deal with complicated settings, and you won’t even have batteries to charge.
Of course, the kit doesn’t compromise quality. The compact microphone effectively reduces background noise while picking up more details than a camera’s built-in microphone. Of course, it’s not ideal for longer zoom lenses, but that’s not unexpected for its price.
If you’re looking for a budget mic, the SENNHEISER MKE 200 should be one of your top options. It’s small, portable, user-friendly, well-constructed, and has a smartphone option. Plus, it offers clear signals even in noisy environments for its price.
In conclusion to our SENNHEISER MKE 200 Mobile Kit review, we highly recommend this product. If you want to purchase this mobile kit, you can purchase it from the company’s official website.
