Sennheiser MZH 400

Sennheiser MZH 400 Furry Windshield

The Sennheiser MZH 400 (Article Number: 508911) is a factory-original original equipment manufacturer (OEM) professional furry windshield—commonly referred to in production as a "deadcat" or "windjammer." It is engineered specifically as a purpose-fit outdoor acoustic modifier for the second-generation Sennheiser MKE 400 highly directional on-camera compact shotgun microphone.

While the MKE 400 features its own internal, integrated mesh wind protection for light indoor drafts, filming outdoors introduces high-velocity air turbulence that easily overcomes basic physical housing. This specialized slip-on accessory dampens heavy gusts and wind roar, keeping your primary vocal audio pristine, localized, and intelligible.

Key Acoustic and Architectural Attributes

• Advanced Open-Cell Core with Synthetic Fur Ring: The outer lining consists of high-density synthetic fur designed to break up incoming wind current velocity. By micro-diffusing the air molecules before they hit the internal microphone elements, it prevents the low-end clipping, rumble, and distortion associated with breezy shooting environments.

• Acoustically Transparent Framework: Despite its high dense-fiber surface area, the windshield is sonically transparent. It blocks moving air vectors without rolling off or filtering out critical high-frequency presence, preserving the natural speech pattern and clarity of the target speaker.

• Tool-Free Slip-Over Geometry: Specially shaped to contour exactly to the MKE 400's unique layout, the MZH 400 slips tightly over the integrated structural housing without requiring tools, elastic bands, or external rig clamps.

• Rugged Environment Defiance: Beyond wind filtering, the dense synthetic fur layer acts as an extra protective shield that keeps light rain mist, environmental dust, and particulate debris away from the microphone's sensitive acoustic interference tube.

Technical Specifications Matrix

Field Configuration and Deployment Advice

When to Deploy vs. Remove: Keep this furry windshield attached anytime you are tracking audio near outdoor fans, exposed coastline shoots, or city streets with passing vehicle drafts. However, when transitioning back indoors to controlled corporate offices or quiet studio soundstages, slide the MZH 400 off. Removing the extra layer ensures your signal stays completely open and minimizes your physical camera rig profile.

Proper Fitment and Fiber Grooming: To install, align the hollow opening of the MZH 400 with the front tip of your MKE 400 mic and guide it straight backward over the body until it sits flush against the rear interface controls. Ensure that no stray fibers fold over into the 3.5 mm output jack or the headphone port. If the synthetic fur becomes matted down or damp from a rainy shoot, slide it off, shake it out vigorously, and allow it to air-dry completely before brushing it back into shape.