Sennheiser MKE 40 vs MKE 2

A

Alpha Beta Omega

Veteran
I've used Sennheiser EW100 G3 systems for many years now and often these have been with the included ME2 microphone but these last years I've been using the better MKE 2 Gold microphones. I'm really satisfied with these.

Now the thing is I have a client where I have to use their equipment and they have G3 systems with MKE 40 microphones. I have no real problem with the sound quality of these MKE 40, maybe a bit bass heavy. But they can be a pain in but to attach to cloths and find hidden locations. I also find them to heavy and when attached to clothes they often starts to hang in odd angles influencing audio quality. I've also found that they don't work well hidden under clothes.

I see no advantage using the MKE 40 but maybe these have some positive things I haven't noticed?

Comparing the MKE 40 to MKE 2 Gold I found the MKE 2 to be very easy to work with. It's tiny and can be attached almost anywhere. I often use undercovers with great result as I find it so sloppy to leave a microphone in frame if it can be done without it. To me there's no advantage using the MKE 40. It's bulky and heavy and can't be hidden. What do you think?
 
The MKE 40 is a cardioid lavaliere ... and should be avoided... except maybe in a live-sound reinforcement situation where feedback is a serious problem... even then I'd look to other alternatives.
 
Yeah - Cardiod LAVs should always be regarded as SPECIAL PURPOSE otherwise the potential to get into trouble is huge.

If you can wing the cost - get the Sanken LAV.... WAY better than the Sennheiser.
 
Yes, the Sanken COS-11 is popular amonst film sound folks. Many other alternatives.. if $$ is not an issue, the DPA lavs are of interest. My favorite 'omni' for isolation is the venerable ECM-55.., but it's size is huge compared to today's offerings, but has a huge sound as well though. On the other end, I love my Countryman B6s.. but they ain't perfect for every situation either. Any sound pro will have many mics to choose from.
<RANT> like a camera person with just one lens </END RANT>
 
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