What is the primary pickup pattern of the Sennheiser MKE 2?

The MKE 2 features an omnidirectional pickup pattern. This allows for consistent sound capture even as the speaker moves their head, ensuring a natural and balanced frequency response.

How does the MKE 2 protect against moisture?

It utilizes a proprietary 'Umbrella Diaphragm.' This design specifically shields the microphone capsule from sweat and environmental moisture, ensuring reliability during long performances.

What type of connection does this specific MKE 2 model use?

This specific variant comes with an XLR connector. This means it is designed to be plugged directly into professional audio equipment like mixers and audio interfaces.

Does the MKE 2 require phantom power?

Yes, as a condenser microphone with an XLR pre-amp, it requires standard phantom power (typically 48V) from your recording device or mixer to operate.

Is the MKE 2 suitable for theatre use?

Extremely so. Its discreet size, natural sound, and moisture-resistant diaphragm make it one of the most popular choices for professional theatre across the globe.

Can the MKE 2 be hidden under clothing?

Yes, its compact design and omnidirectional pattern make it suitable for discreet placement inside costumes or near the hairline while maintaining clear audio quality.

How does the MKE 2 compare to the Shure SM7B?

They serve different purposes; the MKE 2 is a tiny, clip-on condenser for transparent speech, while the SM7B is a large dynamic mic best suited for stationary vocal work.

What is the typical price for the Sennheiser MKE 2 XLR?

In the UK market, the typical price for the MKE 2 with an XLR connector is approximately GBP 324.

Does the MKE 2 have a high-frequency boost?

The MKE 2 is designed for natural speech capture, often including slight frequency response tailoring to ensure clarity even when the microphone is placed in non-optimal lapel positions.

How robust is the cable on the MKE 2?

The microphone is built with a robust, professional-grade cable designed to withstand the rigours of daily use in broadcast and live theatre environments.

Is a mounting clip included with the MKE 2?

The MKE 2 series typically supports versatile mounting options, allowing it to be clipped to clothing or integrated into costumes using various Sennheiser accessories.

Can I use the MKE 2 for recording instruments?

While primarily a speech microphone, its high-quality condenser capsule and flat response make it capable of capturing detailed audio for various acoustic instruments.

Gear article

Sennheiser MKE 2 Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone

The Sennheiser MKE 2 is a professional sub-miniature clip-on condenser microphone designed for transparent speech and instrument reproduction in demanding environments. Renowned for its moisture-resistant design and omnidirectional pickup, it is a standard choice for theatre, broadcasting, and high-end studio applications.

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Overview and History

The Sennheiser MKE 2 represents a milestone in sub-miniature microphone technology, offering a solution for professionals who require high-fidelity audio without the visual intrusion of a standard microphone. Designed primarily for the broadcast and theatre industries, it has long been established as a reliable workhorse for capturing natural speech. The 'XLR' variant specifically integrates a pre-amplifier, allowing it to be used directly with standard professional mixing consoles and audio interfaces that provide phantom power.

Design and Moisture Protection

One of the most significant engineering features of the MKE 2 is the 'Umbrella Diaphragm.' This specialized design protects the internal capsule against sweat and moisture, which is a common point of failure for lavalier microphones used in theatre or long broadcast sessions. The construction ensures that the microphone continues to perform reliably even during high-intensity live performances where the wearer may be moving significantly or sweating.

Acoustic Characteristics

Utilising an omnidirectional pickup pattern, the MKE 2 captures sound consistently regardless of the user's head movement. This results in a very natural, open sound character that lacks the 'proximity effect' often found in cardioid microphones. It is engineered to maintain high-frequency clarity, ensuring that speech remains intelligible even when the microphone is hidden underneath clothing or placed near the hairline.

Applications and Suitability

The MKE 2 is ideally suited for:

Theatre and Live Performance: Where discreet placement and resistance to perspiration are essential.
Broadcast Journalism: For clean interview audio in both field and studio settings.
Studio Recording: As a high-quality close-mic for acoustic instruments or speech.
Public Speaking: Providing consistent levels for speakers who move their heads while talking.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to larger studio microphones like the Neumann TLM 102 or TLM 103, the MKE 2 sacrifices ultimate low-noise performance for extreme portability and discreetness. Unlike the Shure SM7B, which is a dynamic microphone requiring a specific close-proximity technique, the MKE 2 is a condenser that allows for hands-free operation. For users who prefer a fixed-distance head-worn solution, the Shure SM35-XLR or Audix HT2 offer similar condenser technology but in a headset form factor rather than a lapel-based clip-on.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary pickup pattern of the Sennheiser MKE 2?: The MKE 2 features an omnidirectional pickup pattern. This allows for consistent sound capture even as the speaker moves their head, ensuring a natural and balanced frequency response.
How does the MKE 2 protect against moisture?: It utilizes a proprietary 'Umbrella Diaphragm.' This design specifically shields the microphone capsule from sweat and environmental moisture, ensuring reliability during long performances.
What type of connection does this specific MKE 2 model use?: This specific variant comes with an XLR connector. This means it is designed to be plugged directly into professional audio equipment like mixers and audio interfaces.
Does the MKE 2 require phantom power?: Yes, as a condenser microphone with an XLR pre-amp, it requires standard phantom power (typically 48V) from your recording device or mixer to operate.
Is the MKE 2 suitable for theatre use?: Extremely so. Its discreet size, natural sound, and moisture-resistant diaphragm make it one of the most popular choices for professional theatre across the globe.
Can the MKE 2 be hidden under clothing?: Yes, its compact design and omnidirectional pattern make it suitable for discreet placement inside costumes or near the hairline while maintaining clear audio quality.
How does the MKE 2 compare to the Shure SM7B?: They serve different purposes; the MKE 2 is a tiny, clip-on condenser for transparent speech, while the SM7B is a large dynamic mic best suited for stationary vocal work.
What is the typical price for the Sennheiser MKE 2 XLR?: In the UK market, the typical price for the MKE 2 with an XLR connector is approximately GBP 324.
Does the MKE 2 have a high-frequency boost?: The MKE 2 is designed for natural speech capture, often including slight frequency response tailoring to ensure clarity even when the microphone is placed in non-optimal lapel positions.
How robust is the cable on the MKE 2?: The microphone is built with a robust, professional-grade cable designed to withstand the rigours of daily use in broadcast and live theatre environments.
Is a mounting clip included with the MKE 2?: The MKE 2 series typically supports versatile mounting options, allowing it to be clipped to clothing or integrated into costumes using various Sennheiser accessories.
Can I use the MKE 2 for recording instruments?: While primarily a speech microphone, its high-quality condenser capsule and flat response make it capable of capturing detailed audio for various acoustic instruments.