The new MD 421 Kompakt features a compact mic body, integral swiveling stand mount and no confusing LF rolloff switch for plug-n-play miking
If you’ve heard music, you’ve most likely heard Sennheiser’s classic MD 421 microphone featured in countless award-winning performances and productions over the past six decades. Now Sennheiser (sennheiser.com) launches the MD 421 Kompakt, a versatile new mic that delivers the same legendary performance, but in a truly multipurpose package — including an integral swivel stand mount and a completely redesigned drum mounting clip. The MD 421 Kompakt features a cardioid pickup pattern and remarkable dynamic range, delivering crystal-clear sound reproduction in live sound and recording applications.
The original MD 421 was launched at Germany’s Hannover Fair in 1960 and soon became a standard among professional users. “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 a 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.
Compact Design, Same Great Sound
To give the MD 421 microphone its compact dimensions — while retaining the large-diaphragm capsule and pristine sound of the much larger 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 30 Hz to 17 kHz faithfully reproduces both high and low frequencies, 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 MD 421 Kompakt also provides effective feedback rejection, and is able to handle exceptionally high sound pressure levels even in demanding environments.
The MD 421 Kompakt with optional MZH drum clamp
New Stand Mount
The MD 421 Kompakt’s stand mount 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 drum version of the MD 421 Kompakt comes with a drum clamp that securely screws into the redesigned mic clip – a fail-safe mechanism for drum miking.
Like the original, the new MD 421 Kompakt is ideal for close-in amp miking
Rugged All Around
The MD 421 Kompakt is designed to withstand the rigors of touring and heavy studio use, featuring a rugged frame with a stainless-steel basket, and a gold-plated XLR-3M connector. A protective inner chassis enclosure reduces exposure to dust and humidity, while the MD 421 Kompakt provides the same great guitar cab sound as the larger MD 421-II.
Availability and Pricing
The MD 421 Kompakt is available now for $279 (MSRP), the version for drums comes complete with an MZH drum clamp and retails at $299. The MZH drum clamp included with the drum version is also available separately for $20 (MSRP). The MD 421-II will remain in the portfolio alongside the MD 421 Kompakt.
For more info, visit Sennheiser at: www.sennheiser.com
The Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt microphone review in the October issue of FRONT of HOUSE magazine
Check out the “Sennheiser MD 421 Kompact Road Test” review by microphone authority Steve Savanyu in the October 2024 issue of FRONT of HOUSE — available in print or online (page 33) at https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=832475
Catch the quick video tour of the MD 421 Kompakt features on FOH-TV:
CLICK HERE: https://youtu.be/t0XYqdc3QmM
