Sennheiser K6 ME-66 Super-Directional “Shotgun” Condenser Microphone
The K6 ME-66 is a shotgun microphone capsule designed for use with the K6 and K6P powering modules. With this system, the components dedicated to picking-up sound and to powering the signal are separate and independent of one another, allowing different capsules to be used with the same K6 module. However, within the F&DM Department and Checkout Lab the ME-66 capsule and K6 module are collectively referred to as one piece of equipment for the sake of simplicity.
The ME-66 is especially suitable for reporting, film, and broadcast location applications and for picking up quiet signals in noisy or acoustically live environments as it discriminates against sound not emanating from the main pick-up direction.
Shotgun Microphone Kit
The F&DM Equipment Checkout Lab releases the Sennheiser ME-66 shotgun microphone in a microphone kit package.
This package includes:
- Sennheiser ME-66 Shotgun Microphone
- Sennheiser K6 Power Supply
- Audio-Technica 8415 Shockmount
- Windscreen
- AA NiMH Rechargeable Battery
- Clear Vinyl Carrying Bag
Technical Specifications and Settings
The F&DM Checkout Lab asks production student to not remove the microphone’s K6 power module from the AT8415 Shockmount. All of the pistol grips, booms, and microphone stands available for use with the microphone kits have been standardized to the shockmount’s 5/8″ threading, making removal unnecessary.
The ME-66 Shotgun Microphone is considered a battery-powered microphone; therefore it powers its own signal, and should not be used in conjunction with Phantom-power systems. Engaging the Phantom-power option in conjunction with a battery-power microphone may have particularly harmful effects, such as permanent damage to the connector due to voltage overload. Users should take care to confirm that the proper settings correspond with the microphones they are using accordingly.
Access, Instruction, and Support
The K6 ME-66 super-directional microphone is considered a component of a parent Video Kit, and will be permanently assigned to that kit as such. In its particular case, the K6 ME-66 is currently paired with the Department’s pool of Panasonic AG-HMC150PJ camcorder Video Kits; each kit possesses on K6 ME-66 to provide external audio support via XLR balanced audio connection.
Because of this pairing arrangement, the K6 ME-66 is not regularly available for separate loan.
