The Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt: A Down-sized Household Mic
A compact and more affordable 421.
With the Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt, you get all the tonal quality of the legendary 421, in a new compact form factor for added versatility in studio.
The original MD 421 was introduced in 1960, expanding on the versatility of its predecessor, the omnidirectional MD 21 dynamic broadcast microphone. Possibly the secret to its success was that the 421 was designed for both broadcast and studio use, producing great results on a wide range of sound sources.
Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt
With the same microphone capsule as the MD 421-II, the new Kompakt version also offers excellent off-axis rejection, reducing feedback as a result. Like the original 421, the Kompakt can be useful in different recording applications including vocals, speech, guitar amps, and drums.
With its compact construction and redesigned mounting clip, you can use the new Kompakt 421 in various mic configurations. Furthermore, there is also a version designed for drums that includes the MZH drum clamp.
As the 421 is known throughout the recording industry as the go-to tom microphone, studios will be thrilled to add this Kompakt version to the mic locker. In situations where the drum kit layout is particularly elaborate, having a compact version is great for squeezing into tight spaces.
Alternatively, for home studio users, the MD 421 Kompakt offers a more affordable way to get your hands on a great solution for miking guitar amp cabinets, which musicians will love.
The MD 421 is an incredibly versatile microphone. Since its introduction in 1960, it has proven itself as a studio and vocal microphone but was also used extensively in broadcasting, where it was used by many celebrities of the time. Today, its successor, the MD 421-II, launched in 1998, is an all-rounder for versatile microphone applications and is known for being used on drums, guitar amplifiers, and brass instruments. It works with any sound source and captures it with precision, detail, and full-bodied sound.
Bertram Zimmermann, Live Sound & Studio Manager at Sennheiser
Pricing and availability:
The Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt is currently available for order from Thomann. Meanwhile, the drum version will follow soon, priced at $299 MSRP.
More about the Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt:
- Official Press Release
- More from Sennheiser
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