Sennheiser MKE 1-4-M

Sennheiser MKE 1-4-M Paintable Ultra-Miniature Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone (Light Beige)

The Sennheiser MKE 1-4-M (Article Number: 502881) represents a specialized, high-tier configuration of Sennheiser's smallest professional lavalier microphone. Measuring a mere 3.3 mm (0.13 inches) in capsule diameter, it is designed for theatrical productions, Broadway musicals, broadcast networks, and film sets where a microphone must remain virtually invisible.

The "-4" suffix specifies its factory termination with a 3-pin special connector (LEMO-compatible SE connector) meant for premium wireless bodypacks. The "-M" suffix stands for "Musical/Paintable Version." Finished in a neutral, Light Beige base color, this model features a treated capsule body and cable surface specifically formulated to accept standard theatrical makeup, body paint, or water-based markers. This allows A2 audio technicians to color-match the unit perfectly to an actor's skin tone, hairline, or costume wardrobe.

Key Acoustic and Structural Attributes

• Ultra-Miniature 3.3mm Acoustic Footprint: The microscopic sizing allows it to disappear cleanly into hairlines, costume seams, behind glasses, or glued directly onto an actor’s forehead with surgical tape without altering the face's lighting or shadow lines.

• Pro-Musical Paintable Exterior: Engineered with a specialized matte outer skin. Unlike regular slick plastic cables, the "-M" variant bonds temporarily with paints and cosmetics without the liquid peeling off or eroding the outer jacket.

• Sweat-Defying Umbrella Membrane Matrix: Integrated with a patented, ultra-light tandem protective membrane and acoustic gauze. It actively deflects sweat, humidity, and stage makeup, keeping the condenser element completely dry to prevent sonic "sweat-outs" during high-intensity choreography.

• Kevlar™-Reinforced 1mm Cable: Despite its thin 1 mm profile, the cable is core-reinforced with Kevlar™ strands. This provides extreme tensile strength while remaining flexible enough to decouple mechanical vibrations, dropping handling noise to near-zero levels.

• Aggressive Sound Pressure Handling: Features a modified, highly resilient capsule structure capable of clean capture up to 142 dB SPL. It tracks loud theatrical shouting or sudden vocal peaks effortlessly without squaring off or clipping.

Technical Specifications Matrix

In the Box: Production Package Inventory

• 1 x MKE 1-4-M Miniature Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone (Light Beige)

• 1 x MZC 1-1 Small Frequency Response Cap (Treble Boost Calibration)

• 1 x MZC 1-2 Multi-Purpose Frequency Cap

• 3 x Plastic Make-Up Protection Caps

• 1 x Instruction and Care Manual

Field Configuration and Care Advice

Acoustic Tuning via Frequency Caps: Because the capsule is typically hidden deep inside a wardrobe layout or buried beneath hair layers, high frequencies can be naturally attenuated by the fabric. To compensate for this dullness, slide the included MZC 1-1 small cap or MZC 1-2 large cap onto the capsule tip. These caps act as physical acoustic lenses, introducing a targeted high-frequency presence boost ($\approx$ 3 to 5 dB elevation in the upper registers) to maintain brilliant speech intelligibility through thick clothing.

Protecting the Element During Prep: When applying makeup, spray tan, or hairspray to the talent, always slip one of the clear plastic Make-up Protection Caps firmly onto the MKE 1 capsule tip first. Hairspray and aerosol atomizers can clog the microphone's ultra-fine acoustic gauze, permanently altering its frequency tracking or ruining the membrane. Once the talent is styled and ready, swap the guard cap for your designated acoustic frequency cap.