Best External Microphone for Mirrorless Camera Video - Rode VideoMic Pro+ vs Sennheiser MKE 440
Shooting high-quality videos with a mirrorless camera has never been easier. The recent advancements in mirrorless camera technology have improved the video quality to a great extent. However, the built-in microphones on the cameras still struggle to capture clear and crisp audio, especially in outdoor environments with background noise. For this reason, investing in an external microphone is essential. In this blog post, we will compare the two best external microphones for mirrorless camera video, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ and the Sennheiser MKE 440.
Rode VideoMic Pro+
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a shotgun microphone that attaches to the camera's cold shoe and connects to the camera's microphone jack. This microphone features a supercardioid polar pattern, which helps to focus on the sound in front and reject ambient noise from the sides and rear. It also has a high-pass filter and a high-frequency boost that enhances the vocal clarity.
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ has a frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz and a sensitivity of -33.6dB re 1 Volt/Pascal. The microphone uses an integrated rechargeable battery and can provide up to 100 hours of recording time. The VideoMic Pro+ also offers a range of additional features, such as a digital display, on-board recording, and compatibility with the Rode app for remote control.
Sennheiser MKE 440
The Sennheiser MKE 440 is also a stereo shotgun microphone that connects to the camera's hot shoe and microphone jack. Unlike the single supercardioid polar pattern in the Rode VideoMic Pro+, the MKE 440 has two microphone capsules that capture sound from the front and sides, resulting in a wider and more natural stereo sound.
The Sennheiser MKE 440 has a frequency range of 50Hz – 20kHz and a sensitivity of -28dBV/Pa. It is powered by two AAA batteries and can provide up to 100 hours of recording time. The MKE 440 also has a low-cut filter that cuts out the low-frequency rumble and wind noise.
Comparison
When it comes to sound quality, both microphones deliver excellent performance. The Rode VideoMic Pro+ produces a bright and clear sound with boosted high frequencies, making it ideal for vloggers and YouTube content creators. The Sennheiser MKE 440 offers a more natural, stereo sound with better off-axis rejection, making it suitable for capturing ambient sounds and live events.
In terms of construction, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is made of lightweight aluminum, making it highly durable and suitable for outdoor shooting. The Sennheiser MKE 440 has a robust ABS construction, making it lightweight and easier to handle.
When it comes to pricing, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ retails for around $299, while the Sennheiser MKE 440 is priced at $349. Taking into consideration the additional features such as on-board recording and app compatibility, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ might be a better investment.