Field video mic: Rode VideoMic vs. Sennheiser MKE 400?

D

DCAD

Member
First, apologies for the cross posting to the 7D, T2i forum. I just realized that there was an audio forum. This question is stricly audio.

I am going on an extended backpacking and climbing trip in the Andes. I am looking for a lightweight, compact, and fairly durable audio recording setup for my T2i. I will be unsupported for around 10 days. Weight and compact size are important as is battery life.

The environment will be windy. From past experience, I know that getting good sound on a high and windy ridge is difficult. I currently have a Rode VideoMic with a Rode WindMuff.


The advantages of the Sennheiser MKE 400:
  • Smaller and ligher than the Rode VideoMic.
  • Looks more durable and easily packed into a backpack (the Rode with its elaborate and plastic shock mount assemply looks large, fragile and difficult to pack). I would probably need to pack it into a rigid and heavy plastic container to protect it.
  • The Sennheiser also uses ligher and more readily available AAA batteries.
As such, Sennheiser MKE 400 looks to be a better mic for lightweight feildwork.

Is the Sennheiser comprable to the Rode for audio quality?

Or would it just make sense to get a Zoom H4n as my primary audio source and use the Sennheiser as a backup/scratch audio source. (Or possilby just use only the Zoom H4n).

Am I missing something else?

Thanks, DCAD
 
Thanks for an aswer from somebody...

Thanks for an aswer from somebody...

I have read the stickies and done some some forum searching. As far as I can tell my questions remain for the most part unanswered.

Most posts address higher end equipment and equipment not designed to be used out of doors in windy environments and unsupported for 10 days (backpacking and climbing in the Andes).

That is my audio equipment needs to be:

  • Compact and easily packable in a backpack without being damaged
  • Lightweight
  • Rugged
  • Relatively inepensive ($500 or so)
  • Work with the newer HD Video enabled DSLRs
Thanks DCAD
 
Yes for a lightweight mic for climbing like that .. I'd take the 400.

Trouble will be the very strong wind up there so take a small towel to wrap around the front, it'll dull the audio but at least you can use it. Take some lightweight headphones to check the program at night.

Just be careful you don't jam the 400 in too tight in your pack .. if the silicone shockmount suspension gets broken it's not replaceable. Take enough spare AAAs and don't forget to switch the thing off after use. Happy trails :)

Cheers.
 
For outdoor use, get the accessory kit, MZW 400, for the MKE 400.

It is a small clip-on basket windshield with a hairy cover. It also includes an XLR adaptor.

MZW_400.jpg
 
If you already own a VideoMic, i´d go for secondary recording solution, like the H4n you already mentioned.
This would also give you the oportunity to put the Zoom in a less exposed/windy area to record your sound, while filming "out in the open" without having to fear wind noise...
 
Thanks to all for your answers/suggestions

Thanks to all for your answers/suggestions

After considering all responses, I think I may go the Zoom route.
 
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