The MD 421 is easily one of the most successful microphones of all time, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvements. Sennheiser has updated this classic design numerous times, and now they have introduced a new version to address some key issues, but first let’s take a step back to check out the trajectory of this iconic piece of audio recording history.

The early days

In 1945, Fritz Sennheiser and several fellow engineers set up Laboratorium Wennebostel (more commonly known as Labor W for short) It was here that they developed a microphone for broadcast, the DM 2 microphone which was released in 1946. 1953 saw the launch of their first dynamic microphone, the MD 21, which soon established itself as the standard microphone for TV and radio broadcast. By 1955 the company had ballooned to employ 250 people and in 1958 was renamed to Sennheiser. Their popular MD 21 microphone continued to reign supreme in its field until it was replaced in 1960 by the MD 421.

Since its introduction, the Sennheiser MD 421 has not only continued to be a solid broadcast microphone, but it has become a staple in studios around the world. This cardioid microphone boasts a frequency response from 30Hz to 17kHz and a high enough SPL rating to make it suitable for loud sources such as drums and guitar cabs as well as being sensitive enough for vocals and acoustic guitar.

38 years on, in 1998 Sennheiser introduced the successor to the MD 421, the MD 241 II, this retained all the qualities of its predecessor but with a more streamlined and cost-effective production. Everything else about the microphone remained unchanged.

Reshaping a classic mic

There have always been a couple of criticisms levelled at the MD 421, Firstly, it can be a little large to effectively mic up a drum kit, especially the toms, without careful positioning, and secondly, the mount that secures the microphone in place is a common failure point. This mount slides into the underside of the microphone body and clicks into place. If the microphone is pointing downward, as on a drum kit, a failed mount could result in the microphone sliding off its mounting sending the microphone tumbling across the drum and replacement mounts are a little expensive.

This then brings us to 2024 where Sennheiser have countered those criticisms by introducing a more compact version of the MD 421, the aptly named MD 421 Kompakt. This is not a replacement for the MD 421 but is a more compact alternative. It is roughly 2/3rd of the size of its big brother which makes it easier to tuck into the drum kit, whilst the mount is now moulded into the body. In order to meet the new form factor, the bass roll-off circuitry and associated rotary switch has been removed.



Inside the box you will find a soft, padded storage bag, the microphone itself and a fold out instruction sheet as well as the obligatory Sennheiser sticker. If you have gone for the drum option, you will also find the MZH Drums clamp and its instruction sheet.



The microphone itself is very rugged and seems built to last. The in-built mount appears to be sturdy enough to withstand the rigours of everyday life, be it in the studio or on the road. The MZH Drums clamp screws directly into the microphone mount using a standard 3/8” thread. The microphone itself has both 3/8” and 5/8” threads built right in so there is little need for thread adaptors. The microphone can be purchased with or without this clamp and the clamp is also available to purchase on its own.




It was surprising how close the new MD 421 Kompakt sounds in comparison to its larger sibling. Blind tests revealed just how close they sound. I had a hard time trying to distinguish between them. For reference, this was against an MD 421 II.

Conclusion

All in all, Sennheiser have clearly been listening to those that have to use the MD 421 on a regular basis and have addressed the problems associated with it. This new smaller form factor is sure to be a winner! During my time with the microphone, I found it to be far easier to set and adjust than the standard model and the built-in clamp is never going to slide out and drop the microphone. It comes in at a decent price point too, at just £259 / €299 for the drum version or £249 / €279 for the standard model.

Pros

• Smaller design makes it easier to tuck away into a drum kit
• In-built mount option
• Same great familiar sound
• Friendly priced

• None