Along its history, Sennheiser launched many legendary microphones that have remained until today as true legends for professional applications. In 1953, (still known as Labor W) Sennheiser launched its MD 21 dynamic microphone, recognized as an ideal "reporter" microphone for radio and television. The familiar profile of the MD 21 was undoubtedly the starting point for its 1960 cardioid successor, the MD 421, which remained a staple in broadcasting, studios, live performances, and even today for podcasting and home recording.
All this time, Sennheiser kept the MD 421 in production and the microphone was featured in countless award-winning performances and productions, recognized by many for capturing bass drum on stage and by many others as a true all-rounder microphone for studio and voice work due to its effective feedback rejection. The most recent version, the Sennheiser MD 421-II was the large diaphragm, cardioid microphone of choice, chosen by many podcasters and streamers during the pandemic years, when recording from less-than ideal home environments was the only option.
Now Sennheiser launched the MD 421 Kompakt, an even more versatile microphone that delivers the same legendary performance, but in a truly multipurpose package — including a completely redesigned mounting clip. The MD 421 Kompakt provides the same effective feedback rejection, and is able to handle exceptionally high sound pressure levels even in demanding environments.
"The MD 421 is an incredibly versatile microphone. Since its inception in 1960, it excelled as a studio and a vocal microphone, but was also used a lot in broadcasting, where it appeared with many celebrities of the time. Today, its successor, the MD 421-II, which launched in 1998, is an all-rounder for multipurpose miking and well known to be used on drums, guitar cabs and horns," says Bertram Zimmermann, Manager Live Sound & Studio. "It works on anything, capturing the sound source with precision, detail, and rich sound."
"With the MD 421 Kompakt, we’re offering the same legendary sound and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, but with an incredibly compact form factor," adds Jimmy Landry, Category Marketing Manager MI.
To give the MD 421 microphone its compact dimensions all while retaining the large-diaphragm capsule and the pristine sound of the much bigger MD 421-II, the bass roll-off switch was eliminated. "While this feature made total sense when the MD 421 was designed, and was carried over to the MD 421-II, this functionality has long since been taken over by mixing desks and DAWs," says Zimmermann. "Omitting the switch allowed us to create a relatively small microphone body, making the Kompakt an ideal tom mic, but also a versatile tool for any recording or live application."
Sound-wise, the MD 421 Kompakt delivers the same detailed and authentic reproduction of the sound source that the MD 421 and MD 421-II have become famous for. The microphone's frequency response of 30Hz to 17kHz is the same as the MD 421-II, with a bass tube ensuring an accurate and extended low-end response. The sound is rich and full-bodied, and incredibly clear and detailed at the same time.
The attachment clip for the MD 421 Kompakt has been entirely redesigned, and is now part of the microphone housing for easy, worry-free mounting. "The clip is the one thing that users have always criticized,” remarks Landry. "The new clip is an integral part of the mic, and the optional drum clamp securely screws into this clip, ensuring fail-safe mounting on drums."
The Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt is designed to withstand the rigors of touring and heavy studio use. It features a rugged frame with a stainless-steel basket, and a gold-plated XLR-3 connector. A protective inner chassis enclosure reduces the exposure to dust and humidity.
The MD 421 Kompakt is available now for USD $289.00 or EUR €279 (MSRP), the version for drums comes complete with an MZH drum clamp and retails at USD $319.00 EUR 299 (MSRP). The MZH drum clamp included with the drum version is also available separately. The MD 421-II will remain in the portfolio alongside the MD 421 Kompakt.
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