Published 08^th October, 2024

Bertram Zimmermann, Manager of Live Sound & Studio at Sennheiser, noted the legacy of the MD 421: "Since its inception in 1960, it excelled as a studio and a vocal microphone, but was also used a lot in broadcasting... capturing the sound source with precision, detail, and rich sound. The MD 421-II, released in 1998, continued the tradition, becoming a versatile option for various instruments, including drums, guitar cabs, and horns.

The MD 421 Kompakt delivers the same powerful performance, with a cardioid pick-up pattern and a wide frequency response of 30 Hz to 17 kHz, offering accurate reproduction of both high and low frequencies. To maintain its smaller size, Sennheiser eliminated the bass roll-off switch, a feature originally carried over from the MD 421-II. Zimmermann explained that the switch's functionality is now largely handled by mixing desks and DAWs, allowing for a more streamlined design.

Jimmy Landry, Category Marketing Manager for MI, added, "With the MD 421 Kompakt, we're offering the same legendary sound... but with an incredibly compact form factor."

The microphone also features a rugged design, including a stainless-steel basket and gold-plated XLR-3 connector, ensuring durability for both studio and touring use. The redesigned clip, integrated into the mic's housing, addresses user feedback by providing more secure mounting. For drummers, Sennheiser offers a version of the MD 421 Kompakt that includes the MZH drum clamp, priced at EUR 299, while the standalone version is available at EUR 279.

The MD 421-II will remain available alongside the MD 421 Kompakt, ensuring customers continue to have a range of options to suit their needs.