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MD 421 Kompakt

Article No. 700366

Multipurpose dynamic cardioid microphone for live and recording applications

MD 421 Kompakt delivers the legendary performance of the original MD 421 and MD 421-II microphones, but in a truly multipurpose package — including a completely redesigned mounting clip. Just like the originals, it offers remarkable dynamic range and pristine sound reproduction to handle whatever the creative process requires in live sound and recording applications.

Features¹¹

Legendary MD 421 performance, handles exceptionally high sound pressure levels in demanding environments
Delivers incredibly clear sound reproduction, capturing pristine audio with remarkable fidelity and detail
Compact, multipurpose size offers enhanced versatility for any recording and live sound environments
Redesigned mounting clip is securely affixed to the microphone for easy, worry-free mounting with any application
Rugged German engineering to withstand the rigors of touring and heavy studio use while ensuring consistent performance
Effective feedback rejection helps maintain focus on the source audio for crystal-clear sound reproduction
Features a rugged frame with stainless-steel basket, and gold-plated XLR connectors for durability and longevity
Optional MZH Drum Clamp securely screws into the MD 421 Kompakt mounting clip to create a fail-safe mechanism for drum miking
Innovative internal bass tube ensures accurate and extended low-end response, reinforcing rich and full-bodied sound without sacrificing clarity
Wide frequency response range of 30 Hz–17 kHz, allowing for faithful reproduction of both the lows and highs
Protective inner chassis enclosure reduces exposure to dust and humidity, preserving performance and longevity

Top Specs

Polar patternCardioid

A microphone of the ages

If you’ve heard music, you’ve heard the MD 421 — a legendary Sennheiser microphone featured in countless award-winning performances and productions over the last five decades. Continuing that legacy, the MD 421 Kompakt delivers the same remarkable dynamic range and crystal-clear sound reproduction engineered to handle whatever the creative process requires in live sound and recording applications.

Full sonic brilliance

Crafted with precision German engineering and decades of audio expertise, MD 421 Kompakt stands as a testament to Sennheiser's unwavering commitment to exceptional sound quality. Capture every nuance, every detail, and every emotion at any sound level with stunning clarity. In the studio or on the stage, the MD 421 Kompakt ensures every sound is reproduced with stunning precision.

Redesigned mounting clip

Along with its low-profile design, MD 421 Kompakt also features a completely reengineered mounting clip which is securely attached to the microphone itself, ensuring a stable connection to any standard microphone stand. The clip and microphone both offer rugged German engineering to withstand the rigors of touring and heavy studio use while ensuring consistent performance.

Anything. This is the mic for that.

The MD 421 Kompakt is ready for anything as it adapts effortlessly to any recording or live-sound environment. Its smaller form factor is low-profile, lightweight yet rugged, and built to withstand the rigors of professional use. Additionally, it offers an extremely wide frequency range with an inner bass tube extending the low-end response, ultimately producing a rich and balanced tone with full spectrum clarity.

MD 421 Kompakt + Drum Clamp

Also available is the optional MZH Drum Clamp, which securely screws into the MD 421 Kompakt mounting clip to create a fail-safe mechanism for drum miking. Whether you're miking up tom drums, attaching it to a stand in front of guitar cabs, or exploring any other application in between, MD 421 Kompakt stays in place and captures pristine sound in any situation with its exceptionally stable design.

Experience MD 421 Kompakt

Handcrafted and German-engineered with built-to-last components

Phillip Smith (RCA Studios, Nashville)

“Sennheiser’s taken the 421 to a whole other level”

831 (Drummer, Dan Tsai)

“MD 421 Kompakt cuts through the mix live and captures every little detail on the toms—crystal clear!”

Dale Penner (Producer/Mixer) (Nickelback, Loverboy, Wendy Moten)

“The 421 has been a go-to for me on so many records for years, and the Kompakt just brings it to another level. Same great sound, but the size makes it way easier to position.”

Tommy Harden (Nashville Studio and touring drummer (Alabama, Reba))

“Wow!  These are exactly what you would expect from a Sennheiser 421.  Round, punchy, and my toms just love them.  Perfect.”

Tech Specs

Product

Polar pattern
Cardioid

Frequency Specifications

Sensitivity (mV/Pa)
2mV +-2.5dB
Audio frequency response
30 Hz - 17 kHz

Connectivity

Connection
Wired
Connectors
3-pin XLR

Ambient Conditions

Operating relative humidity (≤ %)
5 - 95 %
Operating temperature (C)
-15 °C - +55 °C (5 °F - 131 °F)

Electrical Properties

Impedance
250 Ohm

Downloads⁰²

EU Declaration of Conformity

EU DoC_MD Series
.PDF
·
1.55 MB
Download

Quick Guides

Quick Guide MD 421 Kompakt 04_2024
.PDF
·
1.88 MB
Download

What's in the box⁰⁴

Microphone MD 421 KOMPAKT
Pouch
Quick Guide
Safety Guide

Accessories and spare parts⁰¹

MD_421_KOMPAKT_Drum_Clamp_Product_Shot_Cutout_Iso_Front_View

MD 421 Kompakt accessories

Support

Get in Touch

Find an Answer

Repairs, Spares, and Service Partners

MD 421 Kompakt

Features11