In a move that will delight audio professionals and enthusiasts alike, Sennheiser has unveiled the MD 421 Kompakt, a versatile microphone for live sound and recording applications. This latest offering retains the legendary performance of its predecessors while introducing a compact form factor and innovative design features.
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Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt: Building on a Legacy
If you’ve ever listened to music, chances are you’ve heard the MD 421 in action. Since its inception in 1960, this microphone has been a staple in studios, live performances, and broadcast settings. The MD 421-II, launched in 1998, continued this tradition, becoming an all-rounder for multipurpose miking on drums, guitar cabinets, and horns.
The MD 421 Kompakt brings the same legendary sound to a new generation but with a twist. By eliminating the bass roll-off switch—a feature now commonly handled by mixing desks and digital audio workstations—Sennheiser managed to shrink the microphone’s size without compromising its large diaphragm capsule. The result is a mic that’s as ideal for tom drums as it is for vocals, making it a truly compact microphone for recording.
Read Also: Sound One Drum portable wireless speaker launched in India
Innovative Design Meets Awesome Audio
One of the standout features of the MD 421 Kompakt is its innovative mounting clip design. Gone are the days of fiddling with awkward attachments; the clip is now integrated into the microphone housing itself, ensuring secure and flexible placement. For drummers, an optional drum clamp screws directly into this clip, offering fail-safe mounting on drums.
Sound-wise, the MD 421 Kompakt doesn’t miss a beat. It boasts a cardioid pickup pattern mic and exceptional dynamic range, delivering crystal-clear sound reproduction. With a frequency response of 30 Hz to 17 kHz, it faithfully captures both high and low frequencies. A bass tube ensures an accurate and extended low-end response, resulting in a rich and full-bodied sound that’s incredibly clear and detailed.
It also provides effective feedback rejection and can handle exceptionally high sound pressure levels, even in demanding environments.
Rugged Reliability
Designed to withstand the rigours of touring and heavy studio use, the MD 421 Kompakt features a rugged frame with a stainless-steel basket and a gold-plated XLR-3 connector. A protective inner chassis enclosure reduces exposure to dust and humidity, making it a reliable choice for demanding environments. It’s truly a rugged microphone for touring.
Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt: Availability and Pricing
The MD 421 Kompakt is available now at an MRP of INR 26,188. For those looking to mic up drums, a version complete with the MZH drum clamp retails at INR 28,065. The drum clamp is also available separately for INR 1,783 through trusted offline partners across India. Additionally, the MD 421 Kompakt will soon be available on various e-commerce platforms. Importantly, the MD 421-II will remain in Sennheiser’s portfolio alongside the new Kompakt model.
The MD 421 Kompakt seems poised to continue the legacy of its forebears, combining classic sound quality with modern design improvements. Its compact size and versatility make it a strong contender for anyone in need of a reliable, high-quality microphone that doesn’t compromise performance. In a world where technology often moves too fast, it’s refreshing to see a classic reimagined thoughtfully for today’s needs.
