Win one of two Sennheiser shotgun mics worth £179/£259!

All filmmakers know top-quality audio is important, and a shotgun mic is a vital piece of kit

German audio expert Sennheiser makes a huge range of mics, and this month we’re giving away an MKE 400 and MKE 600 worth £179 and £259 (MSRP) in this free-to-enter competition. Two lucky readers will each get one, by solving the simple question below.

The MKE 400 is a compact, highly directional on-camera shotgun mic, designed to isolate and enhance audio. It features a super cardioid polar pattern thanks to an acoustic interference tube, providing focus and detail while rejecting unwanted background noise. This highly directional microphone will bring presence and clarity to your recordings.

The MKE 400 has built-in wind protection and integrated shock absorption, with a fluffy windjammer for blustery weather.

A three-step sensitivity switch enables the MKE 400 to give distortion-free sound in any environment, and a switchable low-cut filter focuses audio on the most essential frequencies for lucidity and intelligibility. Interchangeable, 3.5mm locking coiled cables offer compatibility with DSLR and mirrorless cameras or mobile devices, and a headphone output lets you monitor levels when recording.

The MKE 600 has a full-size XLR connector, so is ideal for cinema cameras and camcorders, but can also work with smaller machines. Due to its high directivity, the MKE 600 picks up sound from the direction the camera is pointing, and effectively attenuates noise from the sides and rear. The switchable low-cut filter additionally minimises wind noise.

Because many cameras do not provide phantom power, the MKE 600 can also be battery charged. There’s a low-profile battery on/off switch and ‘Low Batt’ indicator for usability. The MKE 600 has rugged, all-metal housing and comes with a foam windshield and shock mount.