Unidirectional Microphone for DSLR and Video

The Hähnel Mk200 is a unidirectional microphone for DSLR and video cameras. It comes with two AAA batteries and a dead cat sock in the box. The Mk200 has a -10 to +10dB switch, a maximum SPL of 120dB, and a peak signal indicator.

The first generation of this microphone had shock mounts only on the microphone barrel. The Mk200 also has a shock mount on the hot shoe adapter. This makes a huge difference.

The microphone is a super cardioid design, with a 14mm electret condenser capsule for unidirectional pickup. I tested the Mk200 in different circumstances and found it to perform well. It has a nice, neutral sound quality, perhaps somewhat lacking in bass. The lowest frequency my test mic could capture was 57 Hz. The highest was 18,600 Hz. The advertised values are 70-20,000 Hz. A spectral analysis of my test recording showed a tiny bit of noise with low sound levels.

The microphone records most sound from up front with a typical falloff from around 90° left/right. For most purposes, the mic's sensitivity is quite satisfactory, even at a 0dB setting. The included dead cat sock worked great in windy conditions.

The sound quality of the Mk200; its small, lightweight design; and battery stamina (up to 100 hours, it's claimed) make it a good choice for most video sound recording purposes or for plain sound capture (e.g., to create your own background sound bank), but I wouldn't recommend it for pop/rock concert recordings.

Company: Hähnel Industries Ltd.
Price: £106
Web: www.hahnel.ie
Rating: 4
Hot:  Neutral sound; small; lightweight; dead cat sock included
Not:  A little bit noisy with low-level sound

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