A Legend Streamlined: Sennheiser Unveils MD 421 Kompakt

Sennheiser is looking to the future with advanced wireless microphone technologies. But the German microphone manufacturer is also looking to its past for inspiration and to maintain its products competitive in today's market. The new MD 421 Kompakt is an appropriately named, compact version of one of its most legendary microphones, the Sennheiser MD 421. This redesign doesn't compromise on the performance of its large-diaphragm capsule, making the MD 421 Kompakt an even more versatile dynamic microphone.

Following a few intense days in the extremely warm and dry environment in Berlin, attending IFA 2024 - the Big CE Supermarket as I called it in my 2015 report - it felt great to move on to Amsterdam and attend the vibrant International Broadcasting Convention (IBC). Great, if it wasn't for the sudden change in weather with unexpected rain and a sudden drastic drop in temperature. IBC 2024 was a vibrant show with historical announcements from Sennheiser and Genelec, but our report also highlights the impressive expansion of Dante audio networking in this important industry segment. And many other reasons why everyone was happy to be at IBC.

At IBC 2024, Sennheiser unveiled Spectera, the world's first wideband, bidirectional, digital wireless ecosystem for microphones and monitoring. A major breakthrough for the company, the announcement follows the gradual global regulatory approval for the use of Wireless Multi-Channel Audio Systems (WMAS) technology. Designed to meet the challenges of highly demanding live performance and studio applications, Sennheiser is first-to market with this advanced wireless technology.

Sennheiser announced an update to its Smart Control App that will enable Auracast functionalities and will activate a future firmware update for its MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 and ACCENTUM True Wireless earbuds, both released in 2024. The Smart Control App enables both Auracast Assistant and transmitter modes from the smartphone. The two Sennheiser products are already LE Audio and Auracast ready and the companion app update will pave the way for the exciting new features associated with these technologies.​

Sennheiser Mobility initiated a new strategic partnership with smart, the famous automotive brand that is transitioning to all-electric vehicles. Together the two companies are working on premium car audio experiences and advancing the future of in-car audio entertainment. Blending smart's commitment to cutting-edge technology with Sennheiser's experience and audio innovations, the two companies unveiled the all-new smart #5 SUV, equipped with the sound systems produced under the new collaboration.

The Expert Imaging & Sound Association (EISA) revealed the winners of its 2024-2025 Awards. Technical experts from over 56 leading specialist magazines and websites in 27 countries across the world have recognized and awarded the best products in their categories. The 42nd year of the awards recognizes stand-out products in hifi, home theater, mobile and car audio. This year there are again surprises and predictable winners, but also the unexplainable absence of leading products in home audio, personal audio, and particularly in the true wireless category.

Fear of Missing Out on Bluetooth LE Audio? Are We There Yet? How many more days? When should you trigger that OTA firmware update? Should you ship Auracast-enabled products now? Should you be the first? No one wants to be the first.

Sennheiser is going all in for InfoComm 2024, showcasing the company's growing range of business communication and collaboration solutions. For the Las Vegas show, June 12-14, Sennheiser will demonstrate the new all-in-one TeamConnect Bars (TC Bars), which will begin shipping in June, as well as the new TeamConnect Ceiling Medium (TCC M) microphone — now with Intelligent Noise Control. In addition to these solutions, Sennheiser is showing a full range of audio hardware and software solutions for corporate and education environments.

The Sennheiser Group is investing significantly in its own plants, now fully focused on its range of professional audio products. The family-owned company says it's strengthening the independence of its production and ensuring its continued success. At its headquarters in Wedemark, near Hanover, investments are currently being made in state-of-the-art production technologies, particularly in printed circuit board assembly.

The newest member of the acclaimed Sennheiser HD 600 headphone series offers a compelling take on closed headphones for private, reference listening without compromise. While Sennheiser offers a complete range of close-back headphones for professional use, this model is part of the Sennheiser consumer range, operated by Sonova under license. And the HD 620S headphones are targeted specifically to home listeners and that group of enthusiast users that actually care about frequency response targets - aka “audiophiles”.