Sennheiser MD 421-II

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Dynamic Microphone

The MD 421 is one of the most famous microphones in the world. Due to its sonic qualities, it can be used in various recording situations and in all areas of sound transmission technology. The 5-stage bass switch underlines the all-round qualities.

Suitable for voice, guitar, wind instruments and drums
Very robust
Polar pattern: Cardioid
5-Stage switch Bass
Good feedback rejection
Transparent sound reproduction
Frequency range: 30 Hz – 17,000 Hz
Free field, no circuit sensitivity (1kHz): 2 mV / Pa (- 3 dB)
Nominal impedance: 200 Ohm
Min. load impedance:. 200 Ohm
Dimensions: 215 x 46 x 49 mm
Weight: approx 385 g
Includes microphone clamp for 3/8" thread

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since November 1999

Item number 128331

Sales Unit 1 piece(s)

On/Off Switch No

Polar Pattern Cardioid

Microphone Clamp 1

Dynamic Microphone 1

B-Stock from $286 available

$333

The shipping costs are calculated on the checkout page.

Sales Rank

in Dynamic Allround Microphones

Bundles & offers

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A Sennheiser legend

The Sennheiser MD 421-II is one of the world's best-known dynamic microphones and is held in particularly high regard thanks to its highly transparent sound reproduction and all-round qualities. The Sennheiser MD 421-II is equal to all manner of tasks courtesy of its tonal qualities and cuts a fine figure in the studio as well as on the stage. The five-position bass roll-off switch guarantees extensive flexibility, while the microphone's cardioid polar pattern provides ease of use by virtue of its pronounced directivity. The classic microphone clamp, which is inserted into a groove in the body of the microphone, is also included in the scope of delivery.

Transparency, presence, and flexibility

In contrast to more "subdued" microphones, the strong character and transparent sound reproduction that the Sennheiser MD 421-II brings to the table ensure that both vocals and instruments have plenty of presence in the mix and can be heard clearly. The lower limit frequency of 30Hz in the transmission range is excellent for a dynamic microphone - yet another noteworthy feature. In addition, the five-position bass roll-off opens up numerous sound design options and offers a high degree of flexibility. The roll-off function is implemented as a rotary switch around the mic's XLR socket and has two end positions marked "M" (for "Music") and "S" (for "Speech"). When the switch is set to "M", the filter circuit is deactivated and the signal remains unaffected, whilst the circuit takes maximum effect on the "S" setting.

A "should have" for anyone's mic arsenal

Some microphones are regarded as "specialists", while others – including the dynamic Sennheiser MD 421-II – are considered "all-rounders". The transparent, characterful sound and extensive flexibility provided by the bass roll-off switch allows this microphone to be used in a wide variety of recording situations, thus making it primarily suitable for studio owners, sound engineers, and professional bands who are looking for an all-round microphone with a truly respectable sound. Semi-professional users wishing to avoid false economies, however, will also find the Sennheiser MD 421-II a worthwhile investment.

About Sennheiser

In June 1945, Prof. Fritz Sennheiser founded the Wennebostel Laboratory, which initially produced measuring equipment. Commissioned by Siemens in 1945, the young company developed the MD-1 microphone, which was launched in 1946. After the development of further microphones, the company was renamed Sennheiser Electronic in 1958. Two years later, Sennheiser introduced the MD 421 dynamic microphone, which is still in production today and still held in high esteem by many sound engineers. Further groundbreaking developments, such as the HD 414 headphones and the MD 441 microphone classic, hugely enhanced the company’s international reputation, eventually making Sennheiser one of the leading manufacturers of microphone and headphone systems in the world.

A dream for percussion and wind instruments

The Sennheiser MD 421-II is a microphone that can make all the difference in a great many situations. There can be no doubt that this high-quality, dynamic microphone is the perfect choice for speech, vocal, and instrumental recordings across the entire spectrum, but in a studio environment and on instruments in particular, the Sennheiser MD 421-II is simply unbeatable. When used to record percussive instruments such as toms, the Sennheiser MD 421-II produces a rich, powerful sound, making this a particularly useful area of application. Not only can extremely good results also be achieved on wind instruments, but the microphone will additionally perform very well in front of guitar and bass amps.

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288 Customer ratings

5 237 Customers 4 46 Customers 3 4 Customers 2 0 Customers 1 1 Customer

4.8 / 5

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146 Reviews

my favorite mic

marshall545 21.07.2021

I bought this mic to record guitar amps which is a standard, I use it along with the shure SM57 and the results are the best!!! Also, I was amazed by how good it sounded on female vocals, on which I use it regularly now. No wonder why Ella Fitzgerald used it on her live performance in 1974. Now, in comparison to the old white one, I have tested them both and I can say the white one has some vintageness to it, but other than that, I liked the black one more. Sennheiser have really taken their white, classic mic and brought out the best of it with this product.

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Quality legend

Jankke 18.07.2021

Good quality microphone for multiple purposes. Ofcourse it has its limits, but still top choice for guitar amps, drums and percussions. Only minus is that clamp is not the most reliable one.

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A great classic...

gmartina 12.05.2020

One of the best dynamic microphones for almost all instruments, especially for the drum on live or studio session. There’s nothing better for tom drum, but it’s a little awkward and heavy. Maybe is a little pricey overall though.

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Great for amps, drums, guitars

Gassss 07.01.2022

I got this for recording electric guitar and drums, but it's also good for acoustic guitar. Particularly on a resonator and a gypsy-jazz style guitar - bright and punchy sound, sits straight in a mix without any EQ. Even used it for vocals.

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Sennheiser MD 421-II

Dynamic Microphone