You want to acquire a and efficient dynamic microphone to produce perfect sound. The Sennheiser MD421-II offers a unique sound experience whether for use in the studio or on stage .
Present in the professional audio market for over 70 years, Sennheiser focuses on the needs and ambitions of users . Its goal is to produce and distribute studio and sound equipment designed to meet your expectations.
So does the Sennheiser MD421-II really meet the requirements of audio professionals? Is it a great choice for sound recording , broadcasting, podcasting and PA? Let's test this microphone to attest to its audio potential and to express our opinion about its real sound quality!
Sennheiser MD421-II Microphone Overview
The Sennheiser MD421-II is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern . By its nature and design, this type of transducer remains ideal for audio capture, for broadcasting and for recording voice or acoustic instruments of all types.
The Sennheiser MD421-II displays good feedback and using it effectively eliminates handling noise . This microphone also allows correct, faithful and transparent sound reproduction.
Featuring a perfectly pronounced cardioid polar pattern, the Sennheiser MD421-II ensures crystal clear audio recording free of sound saturation whether inside a studio room or on stage in the open air. This microphone also benefits from a durable design to meet various fairly harsh conditions of use beyond its use in a home studio.
The Sennheiser MD421-II is one of the most popular dynamic moving coil microphones among audio professionals after the M80 Standard from Telefunken . Its sound quality and real performance make it an effective instrument to meet various usage needs . This ranges from a simple recording in the studio to sound recording on stage via broadcasting.
Its adjustable bass control further makes it versatile enough to serve a variety of broadcast and audio production purposes. No need to resort to using any attenuation pad for this type of microphone for all sound frequencies that are at the bottom of the audio spectrum.
This attenuator switch controls the rate level of the audio signal at the input through an integrated FET (Field Effect Transistor). robust body and .
This microphone for studio professionals features a dynamic capsule providing uniform signal response at short and medium distances. Its ingeniously designed capsule also gives the Sennheiser MD421-II a strong capacity to withstand high sound pressures ( Spl ).
The microphone features a cardioid polar pattern, which allows it to focus on the audio signal coming from a single source Thus rejecting any other sound source off its axis. Its unidirectional directivity also allows this microphone to more effectively eliminate any feedback caused by monitors.
This microphone for singing differs from an omnidirectional microphone such as Blue Yeti (for example) in that the latter uniformly perceives sound waves coming from various sound sources and in all directions.
In the case of the Sennheiser MD421-II, it can more easily be placed about 10 cm from a guitar amp at medium volume to record the sound clearly without having to withstand high sound pressure levels.
An omnidirectional microphone is more suitable for recording the voices of choristers or the instruments of a group of musicians, while a cardioid microphone such as Sennheiser MD421-II remains ideal for recording the voice of a solo singer .
Whatever the recording technique to be used, the sound engineer will have much less difficulty isolating the voice thanks to his good monitoring headphones with a Sennheiser MD421-II type cardioid microphone than by using a microphone omnidirectional Blue Yeti type. The sound will be better processed and can be further refined by using the virtual equalizer of a Dap (or Digital audio player such as VLC, iTunes and Windows Media among many others).
Note also that the Sennheiser MD421-II is equipped with a low frequency attenuation switch adjustable to 5 positions. more flexible sound attenuation more versatile usage needs .
To attenuate sounds in high frequencies and UHF (Ultra High Frequencies), on the other hand, you will need to use the high pass filter setting of a microphone pre-amp , a power amplifier, a external equalizer or even an HF microphone equipped with a high-pass filter switch.
The Sennheiser MD421-II is a robust and reliable since it features a composite glass housing and a hardened stainless steel coating. Which allows this microphone to offer greater performance and durability both in a recording studio and outdoors, or on stage.
To get the most out of the sound quality MZT 441 or MZT 100 type microphone stands MZW 40 or MZW 421 type windscreens .
The features of the Sennheiser MD421-II microphone
The Sennheiser MD421-II is an extremely versatile and robust . It is one of the most used microphone models among audio professionals. Its proven pickup performance as well as its sound quality allow this type of microphone to meet different conditions of use both in the studio and on stage.
Its ingenious large diaphragm design also gives the Sennheiser MD421-II the strong ability to withstand fairly high sound pressures . Making it an excellent microphone choice for singers, presenters, lecturers and audio specialists.
Moreover, the Sennheiser MD421-II serves as an ideal dynamic moving coil microphone for perfecting the sound recording of acoustic instruments such as acoustic guitar, electro-acoustic bass and percussion.
Its polar pattern features a full-bodied cardioid pattern while its 5-position adjustable bass controller makes it a dynamic microphone of first choice for sound recording of different instruments, whether acoustic or electric. And likewise, the Sennheiser MD421-II remains ideal for recording vocals whether in the studio or on stage.
Purchasing a dynamic cardioid moving coil microphone such as Sennheiser MD421-II is advantageous in that:
- This dynamic studio microphone features a cardioid polar pattern to best isolate the voice from any other surrounding sound sources.
- This pro mic has a low frequency (i.e. bass) attenuation switch. This switch is adjustable in 5 positions.
- This professional microphone ensures optimal feedback rejection due to its unidirectional directivity and its electrodynamic moving coil nature.
- This studio microphone ensures clear sound reproduction as well as a beautiful proximity effect with the minimum possible sound distortion.
- This cardioid directional microphone provides greater ease of handling thanks to a more pronounced directivity and maximum rejection of any off-axis sound.
- This stereo microphone benefits from a robust design to meet fairly harsh outdoor conditions of use thanks to its good resistance to dust and humidity.
Sennheiser MD 421-II: a robust, efficient and versatile microphone
the most advanced dynamic microphones for over 35 years. The Sennheiser MD421-II perpetuates the tradition of the MD 421 by inheriting all its qualities and performances.
With a frequency response between 30 Hz and 17,000 Hz , the Sennheiser MD421 covers a relatively narrow bandwidth. This allows it to better focus on the sound capture of the voice and certain low and medium frequency acoustic instruments such as guitars, acoustic bass guitars, brass and various percussion instruments (snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, etc. .).
Just like the Shure 545 SD large diaphragm electrodynamic design gives this microphone the ability to manage fairly high sound pressure levels (Spl: Sound pressure level). Making it a dynamic instrument of choice for audio recording of guitars and drums , in addition to vocals.
Its full-bodied cardioid polar pattern and five-level bass controller make it an excellent microphone choice for most studio and stage uses. Indeed, the Sennheiser MD421-II microphone provides clear sound reproduction with as little distortion as possible.
Its bass attenuation switch adjustable to 5 positions also allows you to purify the sound as best as possible in all frequencies which are at the bottom of the audio spectrum, that is to say in the low frequencies.
The Sennheiser MD421-II therefore remains equally effective for vocal recording and for audio recording of different types of instruments . In addition, its pronounced and highly precise directivity makes it very easy to handle.
Sennheiser MD421-II: for great ease of use
The Sennheiser MD421-II is designed to offer great ease of use , without the need to use a pop filter. Moreover, this dynamic moving coil microphone is relatively easy to configure, compared to all types of condenser microphones which, for their part, operate on condensers.
With this type of microphone that is easy to install and handle , all you have to do is plug it in and direct the microphone correctly. Additionally, unlike a static condenser microphone, this dynamic moving coil microphone requires neither internal batteries nor phantom power to operate it.
The mic level is quite stable at low impedance and all types of amplifiers can perfectly support the sound signal level that comes out of the Sennheiser MD421-II.
By the way, you can also consult our test guide and review on the AKG D 112 MKII . This is a dynamic microphone with cardioid polar pattern designed for recording bass drums. Discover through this guide our complete test of this microphone.
Focus on the sound quality of the Sennheiser MD421-II microphone
The first thing to remember about this microphone, and before we look at the different aspects of its sound quality, is that it is a large-diaphragm cardioid dynamic mic . What do we mean by a large diaphragm microphone?
First, know that a large diaphragm microphone must at least have a diaphragm that is at least 1 inch (roughly 1.54 cm ) in diameter. A large diaphragm microphone such as Sennheiser MD421-II therefore differs from a microphone with a tiny diaphragm, the diameter of which oscillates around ½ inch (or approximately 1.27 cm ).
These sizes can vary relatively, but we should only consider these measurements as a general rule when we have to use this or that type of dynamic or electrostatic microphone with a small or large diaphragm.
One of the huge advantages of a large diaphragm microphone for karaoke, vocals and speech like the Sennheiser MD421-II is that it provides more space to pick up sound . This is not surprising given its larger diaphragm.
This remains ideal for singers and speakers since this type of microphone allows you to make the most of the proximity effect . No need to raise your voice when standing less than 5 cm from the microphone, whether the Sennheiser MD421-II is held by hand or raised on its stand.
Note also that the Sennheiser MD421-II displays a cardioid polar pattern . This means that it only perceives the sound wave coming from a single direction and emanating from a single sound source. Placed at zero degrees from the sound source, that is to say facing the source, this microphone captures the sound signal at 90% .
Located at the opposite angle, therefore 180° behind the source , the microphone picks up only 5% of the sound. This provides optimal suppression of all sound waves located outside its axis. Such directivity (unidirectional) gives this microphone an excellent ability to capture the sound of the voice or that of an instrument since it allows the source to be isolated from any other nearby sound source, however noisy it may be. .
Note also that we are dealing here with an end address microphone, which means that you are aiming for the final sound rendering that you intend to record or broadcast. The first version of the Sennheiser MD421 microphone appeared in 1960. The microphone then saw significant improvements in its new version Sennheiser MD421-II.
Just like its predecessor MD421, the Sennheiser MD421-II benefits from a robust all-metal body allowing it to be used in a more durable manner. The Sennheiser MD421-II provides enough robustness to allow musicians, solo singers and presenters to carry it anywhere and use it in a variety of conditions without incurring the risk of damage.
The Sennheiser MD421-II microphone has the following characteristic features:
- A 5-way bass cut switch with settings such as "M" for music and "S" for speech.
- A personalized microphone clip in which you can easily slide the microphone in or out.
- A cardioid polar pattern that captures sound in front of the microphone while isolating the main sound source from surrounding noise and any background noise.
- Optimal feedback rejection which greatly helps reduce magnetic field interference noise and spurious noise when the microphone gets closer to the speakers.
- A robust design with stainless steel basket to keep the microphone well protected from shock and vibration.
- A closed interior chassis which gives the microphone much more resistance to dust and humidity.
- A robust and lightweight metal interior chassis to ensure better weight distribution.
With a dynamic description with a cardioid pattern , we will not have to worry about the microphone picking up any sound located off its axis, that is to say outside the angle of location of the soloist.
In addition, the Sennheiser MD421-II is specially designed to offer optimal rejection of all ambient noise , even when the singer or presenter is constantly moving around on stage.
This is what makes it as effective to use on stage as a wireless microphone, a gooseneck microphone, a lavalier microphone or any other type of external microphone, pocket, wireless and equipped transmitter.
Equipped with an XLR-3 connector , this microphone also ensures perfect symmetrical transmission of the audio signal to a pre-amp, a power amplifier or a mixing desk. All without the need to resort to the use of phantom power or any external 48 Volt power supply to amplify or power the sound dynamics of this studio and stage microphone.
The technical characteristics of the Sennheiser MD421-II microphone
- Type: Large diaphragm dynamic microphone with cardioid polar pattern
- Brand: Sennheiser
- Model: MD421-II
- Frequency response: 30 Hz – 17 kHz
- Connector: XLR-3
- Microphone sensitivity: 2 mV/Pa ± 3 dB at 1 kHz
- Insensitivity to magnetic field: < 5 μV / 5 μT at 50 Hz
- Maximum rejection at 180°: 18 dB – 2 dB
- Nominal impedance: 200 Ω, min
- Termination impedance: 200 Ohms
- Switch: Five-position bass control
- Dimensions: 215 x 46 x 49 mm
- Weight ≈ 385 g
- Accessories included: microphone clip
- Recommended accessories: MZT 100 microphone holder, MZT 441 shock mount, MZT 14 microphone holder bolt, MZW 421 windscreen.
Our Overall Opinion
Overall Sound Quality
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Our opinion on the Sennheiser MD421-II microphone
Purchasing a dynamic moving coil microphone such as Sennheiser MD421 is advantageous in that:
- Its robust metal body allows this microphone to be used long-lasting and intensely.
- Its 5-position adjustable bass attenuation switch allows you to better purify any sound signal at the bottom of the audio spectrum.
- Its high resistance to dust and humidity compared to its predecessors gives it the ability to be used outdoors in various temperature conditions.
- Its effective feedback rejection allows the user to move around without worrying about interference problems due to speakers and magnetic field.
- No batteries, phantom power or external power supply are required to operate this type of microphone.
Generally speaking, we recommend the use of a Sennheiser MD421-II type microphone for solo singers, musicians, as well as presenters. This additional recording equipment also remains ideal for recording audio from instruments due to its very high capacity to withstand high sound pressures.
This microphone, being both efficient, robust and versatile, remains ideal for vocal recording, for recording speech or voice-over in the studio, for instrumental recording and for live sound broadcasting on stage.
Purchasing one or more Sennheiser MD421-II studio microphones may also be ideal for people who wish to complete their studio equipment or sound equipment.
Although this microphone provides excellent value for money compared to other microphones in its range, we can still consider other alternatives by turning to Rode Nt1 or SE Electronics type microphones.
These two microphones are all as good as the Sennheiser MD421-II. The Sennheiser MD421-II, like the Rode Nt1, can actually be used outdoors in more or less varied temperature and humidity conditions.
The MD421-II, like the Nt1, also allows well-established uses. However, the Nt1 allows the use of USB connectors unlike the Sennheiser MD421-II equipped with XLR-3 connectors. With an Nt1 type microphone, you can directly connect the microphone to your computer without needing to use any external adapter.
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