Shure VP83 Vs Sennheiser MKE 400

Comparison

Making a difficult choice between Sennheiser MKE 400 and Shure VP83 is very likely when one is looking forward to purchasing a microphone for HD camcorder as well as DSLR, since both of them are designed specifically for the purpose of recording videos. The prices of both the products are comparatively similar being around 200 bucks. Let us compare the two against each other so that it is easier for you to make a decision and purchase the best.

Design and Feature

Considering the designs, the two products are little different from each other. Comparing both against each other based on their external appearances, Shure VP83 is shorter than Sennheiser MKE 400.

We know, the longer the mic the easier it is to reach the source of the sound though it might make it difficult to handle, or store, or to be used in a small space.

Onboard functions along with control buttons are present in both of the products.

The buttons are present on the left side in Sennheiser MKE 400 whereas the rear side of Shure VP83 has buttons that can be easily seen and used.

Technical Specs

You will find a switchable sensitivity level and a volume control switch in the Sennheiser MKE 400. You will also get a wind noise filter which is switchable.

Shure VP 83 is completely opposite. It has a low filter cut which does not clearly remove the entire background noise and has switchable gain levels. The mic has a Rycote Lyre shock mounting system which can be used for robust isolation to prevent any mechanical noise and vibration.

Sennheiser MKE 400 offers features like controlling volume onboard, interchangeable levels of sensitivity, and switchable filtration of noises of the wind. Handling noises are efficiently cancelled by a shock mount that is integrated to the system.

On the contrary, Shure VP83 cancels unwanted sounds from the surroundings using a low-cut filter and interchangeable gain levels of range( -10dB, 0, +20dB). The shock mounting system, Rycote Lyre, provides efficient noise cancellation for mechanical as well as vibrational noises.

Performance

The frequency response range of both the mics varies. Both the mics save your audio from any unwanted background noise as they come with a supercardioid polar pattern.

The polar pattern of Shure VP83 as well as Sennheiser MKE 400 is a supercardioid type that rejects all frequencies or noises but does not respond to various frequencies. Sennheiser MKE 400 responds to frequencies ranging from 40 Hz to 20kHz whereas Shure VP83 responds to those from 50Hz to 20 kHz.

Thus Sennheiser MKE 400 is better receptive to bass, that is, it can receive and emit sounds of low frequency which defines the bass more. On the other hand, Shure VP83 having lesser amplitude has lower self-noise.

Both products are suitable to be fitted to almost all Cameras as well as Camcorders as an audio linker of length 3.5mm is in integration with both and each has a shoe mount in a particular size.

Shure VP83 works for 130 hours on an AA battery whereas Sennheiser MKE 400 works for way longer on a AAA battery that lasts upto 300 hours at a stretch!

Shure VP83 Vs Sennheiser MKE 400 Amazon specs

Shure VP83

Shure VP83
Shure VP83

Product information

  • Product Dimensions    ‎10 x 5.2 x 4.2 inches
  • Item Weight     ‎11.7 ounces

Features & details

Detailed, high-definition audio with full low-end response for professional results every time.

Highly directional super cardioid/lobar polar pattern rejects unwanted off-axis audio while clearly capturing the intended sound source.

Superior RF immunity to avoid unwanted audio artefacts from cellular and RF devices.

Integrated Rycote Lyre shock mounting system provides superior isolation from vibration and mechanical noise through its customised, robust design exclusively developed with Rycote for the VP83 model.

125 hours of battery life from 1 AA alkaline battery (included). Connector type is 0.125 inch dual mono, unbalanced. Frequency response is 50 to 20,000 hz. Sensitivity is minus 36.5 dbv per pa

– It yields audio of professional quality which is highly defined and detailed along with absolute low-end results.

– The polar pattern cardioid or lobar is directional in nature that cancels any audio that is out of the axis.

– The unnecessary audio residue resulting from Cellular devices or RF devices are cancelled by high quality RF immunity.

– Unwanted noise from the machinery or vibrational noises are checked and removed by a shock mounting apparatus called Rycote Lyre which is integrated to the system.

– One AA alkaline battery that is included in the system works for 125 hours.

Sennheiser MKE 400

Sennheiser MKE 400
Sennheiser MKE 400

Product information

  • Item Weight     ‎2.08 ounces
  • Product Dimensions    ‎0.83 x 5.12 x 2.44 inches

Features & details

  • Rugged all-metal housing
  • Integral shock mount for rejection of handling noise
  • Switchable sensitivity for long and short distances.
  • More than 300 hrs operating time from 1 AAA battery.
  • Fits all cameras with a standard hot shoe mount and an external microphone input

It has a switchable sensitivity for short and long distances.

– Robust metal casing

– Noises from handling are omitted by a shock that is mounted integrally.

– Sensitivity can be interchanged depending on the distance.

– One AAA battery works for more than 300 more hours.

– It comprises a Hot shoe mount and space for the microphone to be fixed externally which makes it compatible with all kinds of cameras.

Shure VP83 Vs Sennheiser MKE 400 – Which one is Better?

Shure VP83 and Sennheiser MKE 400 both being amazing products, Sennheiser MKE 400 is always one step ahead for responding to a wider range of frequency and having its battery life last longer.

Ray Baker
Ray Baker

I am a passionate mic reviewer. Love to work on Weekends and Rest on Weekdays. In my free time I love playing with my dog, Loki.

Articles: 81

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