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The Roger Nichols Gear Collection

Sennheiser MD 421 II

Item ID: MD421

Dynamic Cardioid Microphone with High SPL Capacity and 5-Position Bass Roll-Off Switch

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From Our Research Team:

One of Sennheiser's best!

One of Sennheiser's most popular microphones! It's the MD 421 II's versatility that's made this one so widely-acclaimed. Its ability to handle high pressure levels makes it a natural for guitars and drums, but that's just the beginning. The MD 421 II's full-bodied cardioid pattern and five-position bass control means it's an excellent choice for most instruments, as well as group vocals, or radio broadcast announcers. One listen and you'll know why it's a classic.

Sennheiser MD 421 II at a Glance:
  • Cardioid mic with outstanding performance in diverse recording and live situations
  • Excellent feedback rejection and 5-position bass rolloff to virtually eliminate proximity effect
  • Exceptionally sturdy design with dust-resistant inner chassis

A cardioid mic for a host of applications!
The MD 421 II is one of the best known microphones in the world. Its excellent sound qualities enable it to cope with the most diverse recording conditions and broadcasting applications.

Feedback rejection and bass rolloff
The MD 421 II's cardioid pattern offers outstanding feedback rejection, making it an excellent choice for live situations or recording environments where bleed from other instruments may be an issue. And the five selectable bass rolloff settings control proximity effect, so you can use the MD 421 II in close-miking situations and still get clean, clear response with no unnatural bass boost.

A sturdy, reliable mic
The MD 421 II has a glass composite housing and hardened stainless steel basket for rugged and durable performance in the studio or onstage. The sound inlet basket is refined steel for capsule protection.

When you consider the lifetime performance and versatility of this mic, it's easy to understand why the MD 421 II is world-renowned for quality and value!


Sennheiser MD 421 II Features:
  • Glass composite housing and hardened stainless steel basket - rugged and durable
  • Five position bass roll-off switch - compensates for proximity effect
  • Frequency response 30Hz-17kHz
  • Effective feedback rejection
  • Clear sound reproduction
  • Easy handling due to pronounced directivity
  • Acoustic components enclosed in inner chassis - reduced sensitivity to dust and humidity
  • Internal bass tubes - accurate low end response
  • Handles exceptionally high sound pressure

The Sennheiser MD 421 II: a pro mic that belongs in your collection!

MD 421 II Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Microphone Type Dynamic
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 30Hz-17kHz
Impedance 200 ohms
Length 8.5"
Width 1.8"
Depth 1.9"
Weight .85 lbs.
Notes 5-Position Bass Roll-Off
Manufacturer Part Number 000984

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Reviews

based on 24 reviews

A tom to be reckoned with

by Brian from Santa Barbara, CA
November 8, 2011
Music Background: Local Pro Musician and recording hobbyist
There is a reason these are the industry standard for tom drums in pro studios...they sound really darn amazing on toms....or for that matter, anything you might need a dynamic mic for. 5 stars all t... read more [+]he way! I was trying to record with my live kit (Sennheiser e600 series) and the toms were just thin and dead. Swapped my e604 mics out for 5 MD421 II mics and was blown away So much depth...just amazing. close [-]

Simply the best dynamic mic out there

by Chris C. from Western MA
August 4, 2011
Music Background: Recording Engineer, Studio Owner, Drummer, Producer
These mis are so fantastic (and well-loved) that they really shouldn't even need reviews at this point. This is THE mic for toms. It makes them sound very punchy in a very good way and really captures... read more [+] the depth thanks to its superb bass response. It also sounds absolutely perfect on guitar cabs, whether by itself or combined with a Shure SM57. Once you've used this mic just once, you'll know exactly why everyone loves this mic. If you can't make it sound good, then you probably forgot to plug it in. The ONLY minor disappointment with this mic is it's mic clip, which could be easily broken if a stand is knocked over. It's never happened to me, but it could so I figured I'd mention it. Besides, they do make shockmounts for it if you want one. Either way, it's no reason to not buy this mic. It simply rules above all other dynamics. close [-]

Fantastic Microphone!

by mbc4e from Snellville, GA USA
May 9, 2011
Music Background: Recording Engineer, Student, Hobbyist
This is a great mic! i use it on toms and guitar cabs. I love its sound. they are built tough too. I have several dents in mine and it works flawlessly. the clip on it sucks, but that doesnt take away... read more [+] from the value of the mic. close [-]

I love my 421!

by Rob from Missippi {that's how we say it}
January 6, 2010
Music Background: Recording Engineer
This is my first choice dynamic every time. It sounds great on anything you put it in front of. And, it's a tough trooper. I bought mine used, very used. It has dents in the grill, the black paint... read more [+] on the grill has almost completely flaked off, and part of the body is cracked to the point that I had to super-glue the mount to the mic (I recommend you just go ahead and glue the mount into place. The mounting method is the one thing that bothers me about this mic. Just ask anybody who has used one; they'll tell you the mount isn't very good). But even with all of that abuse, it sounds great. SM 57 letting you down? Use the 421. I still use 57's, but that's out of necessity, not choice.

I have two complaints about this mic: the mount system, and that I only own one. close [-]

THE Tom Mic

by K. Osborne from Tulsa, OK
October 11, 2009
Music Background: Producer / Recording Engineer / Musician
This has become my GO-TO tom mic. Seriously, it just sounds amazing. It's got the depth and punch of certain condensers, but is built like a 57--strong and durable! Now, it might confuse you that the ... read more [+]body is made of plastic, but don't take this lightly...it's heavy duty and will last you a long time.

Sounds great on toms, as well as guitar amps, bass amps, kick drum, and even vocals (usually screaming / intense / loud vocals). close [-]
Read more reviews

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See Also: Dynamic Mics , Sennheiser , Sennheiser Dynamic Microphones , Sennheiser Dynamic Microphones

Sennheiser MD 421 II

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