It’s hard to believe, but the Sennheiser MD 421 turns 50 years old this year. The mic was introduced in 1960 as the MD 421-U, a large-diaphragm, cardioid, dynamic microphone. Over the years, the mic was improved with upgraded housings, connectors, baskets, and capsule assemblies. Today, the mic is still in production as the MD 421 II, which features a metal inner chassis, a contour-fitted bass roll-off control, and a shorter, sleeker housing. The durability has been impoved with a glass-composite housing and hardened stainless steel basket. Servicing is easier, and the inner chassis is less sensivite to dust and humidity.
Congrats to Sennheiser and the venerable MD 421 — here’s to another 50 years (and more) of capturing drums, guitars, brass, and more!
