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"The Sennheiser MKE 200 does little to record a video or to the weight of the camera, but it can significantly improve the audio quality."

• Easy to use

• Compact

• Inside shock mount

• Reduces background noise

• No batteries required

• Only good for short or medium distances

• No indicator light

Nothing ruins video faster than bad audio, but sound is often neglected or completely forgotten by new videographers. With the Sennheiser MKE 200, newcomers to videography can simply plug it in and then keep forgetting the audio, but with less disastrous consequences than if they didn't use it.

Weighing less than 3 ounces, the microphone itself adds little to the weight of the camera. With no controls or batteries, the microphone also keeps the actual recording process simple and is as good as dummy-safe for newbies. The microphone developed for videos contains the right cables for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras as well as for smartphones with a headphone jack or a jack adapter.

As a photographer with minimal video experience – the MKE 200 is just the second video microphone I've tried – I'm exactly who the microphone is made for. While the MKE 200 doesn't have some of the higher quality features, it makes recording better audio almost as easy as plugging in headphones. I took the Sennheiser MKE 200 out for a quick jaunt to see if a $ 100 mic could really deliver better sound through an audio novice.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

What is a directional microphone?

The basic microphone integrated in many cameras is omnidirectional in nature. That means it picks up sound from all directions. A directional microphone like the MKE 200 picks up the sound coming from a certain direction. With a directional microphone pointed forward away from you, sounds behind the camera will be much quieter, if they are detected at all. Directional microphones deliver audio that focuses more on the content of the video than any direction. This particular microphone uses a supercardoid pickup pattern. This is a technical way of saying that it picks up sounds immediately surrounding the microphone best, with a larger area coming from the front and sides.

The MKE 200 is Sennheiser's most basic microphone from the MKE series. The other, more expensive options are not directional microphones, but so-called shotgun microphones. A shotgun microphone is an even more powerful directional microphone and reduces the noise behind the camera and on the sides. This captures even more focused audio than the MKE 200, but at a higher price.

The MKE 200 is not as ideal as a shotgun microphone, but by reducing background noise it delivers significantly better audio than the microphone integrated in cameras. Additional microphones are also usually more sensitive to noise and easier to equip, since you cannot put a windscreen on a built-in microphone.

Compact, palm-sized design

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

The barrel-shaped housing of the Sennheiser MKE 200 is shorter than that of many additional microphones – the entire microphone could fit in the palm of my hand. Less than 3 inches long, the microphone does not increase the width of the camera, even with a mirrorless camera like the Nikon Z 5, and it stays within the distance between the viewfinder and the handle. It fits easily in a camera bag and takes up much less space than most lenses.

The microphone barely tips the scales to less than 2.5 ounces and obviously doesn't weigh the camera down. The biggest strain is simply the cable, but its spiral design and placement at the front of the microphone largely keep it out of the way on most cameras.

The MKE 200 is a real plug-and-play accessory – there are no controls or even batteries, which creates a minimalist look. The cable, which is exchanged between a cable designed for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras and a cable intended for smartphones, is held securely on the front of the microphone with a twist lock. A simple plastic dial locks the microphone's cold shoe into the camera mount. A tripod socket is also built into the bracket. If you're shooting with a smartphone, you'll need a case, gimbal, or some other type of shooting setup that offers a cold shoe or tripod mount.

Nothing protrudes from the microphone other than the cable and bracket, which creates a slimmer design and possibly adds to its durability. The shock absorber mount of the microphone, which muffles the noises when touching the camera itself, is located on the inside of the capsule. According to Sennheiser, this design not only helps increase durability, but also prevents balancing when working with gimbals.

The plastic construction isn't surprising for a budget accessory, but it doesn't seem like it breaks easily with typical use. A puffy windshield (or a dead cat for the audio) is also included and feels great too.

A novice friendly experience

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

As an audio novice, the MKE 200 was easy to set up for me. The three-step instructions are right on the box: slide the microphone into the hot shoe, plug the cable into the microphone and lock it. Then plug the other end into the camera.

The only possible mishap I can think of is installing the microphone backwards and accidentally amplifying everything behind the camera. Because of the shorter design, it's not that obvious which direction the microphone is going. The cable comes out from the front and the name is on the back, which may feel a little contrary to what was expected. Even most audio novices will install it correctly. When it's backwards, the longer part of the barrel points backwards and the cable covers the viewfinder and raises red flags that something is not quite right.

The plug and play design makes using the MKE 200 a pleasure. You can plug it in and forget about it, so you can focus on the content of the video instead. I forgot to turn on the other battery powered microphone that I tried before, and the MKE 200 doesn't even allow for that beginner mistake.

While the lack of any controls is a good thing overall, there is no indication that the microphone is working properly either. A simple green indicator light would have been a helpful addition.

Amplified audio

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Although I was designed to boost audio in front of the camera and soften audio behind the camera, I was still impressed with the audio quality and reduced background noise of the MKE 200. The volume quickly decreased behind the camera, while the noise in front of the camera were kept intact.

While the background noise was reduced, the MKE 200 picked up more subtle nuances than the camera's built-in microphone. I was able to catch my cat's purr, which was barely noticeable without a microphone, and the hum of the bees.

The windshield eliminates the crackle normally associated with large gusts of wind. I was able to blow directly on the microphone and only heard the sound of the air moving without the typical wind distortion.

The main disadvantage of the MKE 200 is that as a directional microphone and not as a shotgun microphone, noises that are further away from the camera can also quickly become quiet at the front. It's not a microphone that I'd use to record video with a zoom lens, but it's perfect for pairing with a 24-50mm lens and subjects that are relatively close to the camera.

The MKE 200 is easy to use and offers good audio quality to the non-professional ear. But to be clear, as a photographer, I may have lower standards than an audiophile. I found the MKE 200 less susceptible to echoes than the last budget microphone I used, as background noise was better eliminated. However, vloggers and beginners should be satisfied with the audio from this simple microphone.

Our opinion

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

The easy-to-use MKE 200 is a great microphone for vloggers and avid videographers who find learning audio daunting. The plug-and-shoot design means that no settings need to be made or batteries charged. The compact microphone still manages to reduce background noise and pick up more subtleties than a camera's built-in microphone. It's not ideal for working with longer zoom lenses, but that's not unexpected for the price.

Is there a better alternative?

The MKE 200's biggest competition likely comes from the $ 100 Rode VideoMic Go, but there are a few key differences. The Rode's shock mount is external and may not be as durable in the long run as the MKE 200's. Cell phone users will also need to purchase an accessory for smartphone compatibility. On the flip side, the Rode also has a slightly different polar pattern that picks up less sound directly behind the microphone. This could be a more ideal solution for videographers who also want to cut down the sound recording from the sides.

How long it will take?

The MKE 200 comes with a two-year guarantee. The internal shock mount is mostly plastic, making the microphone more durable than other budget options.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you're new to audio or just looking for a cheap microphone, the Sennheiser MKE 200 should be at the top of your list. It's small, incredibly easy to use, includes a smartphone option, and has an internal shock mount for added durability.

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