If you've ever been in a recording studio or attended a live concert, you've heard the Sennheiser MD 421. This iconic microphone is fingerprinted on over five decades of hit records and legendary performances. It's so popular you might think improving its long-standing design is impossible. So did we. Then we made it smaller. 

 

Introducing the Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt, a dynamic microphone that encapsulates everything you love about the original in a conveniently compact and versatile housing.

 

To really get the excitement around the MD 421 Kompakt, you need to understand where it comes from. The original MD 421 hit the scene in the 1960s and cemented itself as a bonafide recording and live music icon. Able to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL) and deliver a balanced, natural sound, it was one of the most versatile dynamic microphones available. 

 

Over six decades later, the 421 remains a favorite. Its clear and balanced sound has captured a wide range of instruments across countless landmark recordings and live performances. From John Bonham's monstrous kick drums to sitting onstage with Taylor Swift, the 421 is always hard at work.

 

The MD 421 Kompakt builds on this legacy while carrying the torch into a new era. Though in a new enclosure, it retains the same broad frequency response (30 Hz to 17 kHz) and SPL handling that make the full-size MD 421-II a studio and stage staple. It's just as versatile, too. Whether in front of a roaring guitar cabinet or recording the subtle nuances of a vocal, the Kompakt delivers the 421 “thing” every time.

 

The MD 421 Kompakt is especially exciting when working with drums. Anyone who's ever tried to position a bulky microphone inside a tightly packed drum kit knows the struggle. They might sound great, but they're a pain to place correctly in these tight spaces. 

 

The Kompakt’s smaller size and redesigned mounting clip are the solution. The new, slimmer profile and updated mounting system easily slide between your shells, stands, and cymbals while staying out of the drummer's way.  

 

You can also add the MZH Drum Clamp to mount the mic directly to the kit for an even more streamlined approach. Together with the Kompakt, it removes the mic-stand clutter while still giving you fast, easy mic placement and reliable 421 sound. 

 

While the Kompakt is a dream for drummers, its versatility extends far beyond percussion. Like the MD 421-II, it's also an ideal choice for guitar amps, brass instruments, and even high-energy vocals. Just like its big brother, there's nothing the MD 421 Kompakt can't do.

 

 

The Kompakt’s smaller size in no way compromises its sound quality. We were meticulous in ensuring an indistinguishable performance from the current 421-II. Though its smaller frame meant we couldn't include the 5-position bass roll-off switch, its internal bass tube maintains the same accurate low-frequency response. We also addressed mounting stability concerns with a redesigned mounting clip and the optional MZH Drum Clamp. 

 

As you can see, the Kompakt is a new, versatile, and reliable option for those who need it. But if the classic MD 421-II and its added low-end control are more your speed, don’t worry. It's still a cornerstone of the Sennheiser microphone line.

 

421s are touring staples, so it’s imperative that the Kompakt can withstand the rigors of the road. Its durable housing is easily able to handle the bumps and bruises of live performance and travel. A protective inner chassis safeguards the microphone's sensitive components from dust and humidity and the improved mounting clip keeps things firmly in place for added peace of mind.

 

 

The heart-shaped pickup pattern focuses on capturing sound directly in front of the microphone while rejecting unwanted noise from the sides and rear. This makes the Kompakt ideal for isolating individual instruments in a mix and reducing bleed on drum kits and in live sound situations.   

 

The specialized coil reduces electrical interference that can cause annoying hum, particularly when recording near electronic equipment or power sources, which can help you maintain a clean and noise-free signal.

 

The Kompakt’s internal bass tube is the key to the mic's extended low-frequency response. This rich and powerful bass sound makes the mic excellent at capturing the kick drums, bass guitars, and other low-frequency instruments, all without sacrificing clarity or definition. 

 

The Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt isn't a successor to the MD 421 heritage. It's a part of it. It combines the same beloved sound quality and versatility of the line and puts it in a compact and user-friendly form. So, whether you're looking for the perfect drum mic, seeking a time-tested workhorse, or want to add another 421 to your mic locker, the Kompakt is ready and waiting.