Sennheiser MD 421-II Review (Versatile, But Is It Good?) (2024)

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• Learn about the history of the MD 422-II
• Find out why this model is one of the most versatile dynamic microphones
• Discover why the MD 421-II is one of the best investments you can make for your microphone locker

Sennheiser is one of the premier microphone manufacturers in the world and for good reason.

Their products sound fantastic, they’re well-made, durable, and built to last.

Originally introduced in 1960, the MD 421 quickly became a “must-have” microphone on live stages and in recording studios.

Various versions of the microphone have been developed. And with the release of the 421-II in 2002, many improvements were made to the manufacturing process and how the microphone functions.

Their most famous model is one of the best-sounding, venerated, and versatile dynamic mics on the market – the MD 421-II.

It offers multiple filtering options, is as durable as dynamic mics come, and sounds great on any source you throw at it.

Let’s dive into the specifics and why this model is a microphone locker “must-have”.

Sennheiser MD 421-II: One Of The Most Versatile Dynamic Microphones

Some microphone engineers get it right from the very beginning.

And though there have been many variations of the MD 421 released over the years, the transducer (the element that turns acoustic sound into an electrical signal) in the circuit remains unchanged.

The enclosure design was revolutionary at the time, as it was one of the first microphones to offer a directional pickup pattern without the need for sound entry ports on the sides of the body.

The circuit also integrates an element called a “hum compensation coil.” This cancels out interference from low-frequency fields.

While it’s most commonly used in live music or recording studio scenarios, it’s not uncommon for it to be used for radio and television broadcasting, streaming, and content creation.

This speaks to its versatility and reliable sound reproduction.

Sennheiser MD 421-II: Review

Throughout the many iterations of the 421, the MK II has certainly set itself apart.

Though the transducer remains unchanged, the interior chassis offers better weight distribution, and the overall enclosure is more streamlined.

It’s also easier to repair, with the components more accessible than in past models.

Features (9/10)

Like most dynamic microphones, it operates in a cardioid polar pattern. But this type of pickup pattern offers a lot of advantages.

The cardioid topology might be one of its best features due to the feedback rejection that this polar pattern offers. Like many dynamic mics, the 180-degree rejection is at least 18 dB.

It has a unique frequency curve focusing on the upper midrange. And depending on the way you’re using it, a low-frequency attenuation roll-off customizes the EQ curve below 500Hz.

Frequency Response

The wide-range frequency response goes from 30Hz up to 17kHz. It’s got a proportional down taper in the low end below 100Hz and stays flat in the midrange up to 1kHz.

After that, it’s got a bump in the low and center midrange frequencies with a peak around 5kHz. The high midrange has around a +6dB boost between 10kHz and where it drops off at 17kHz.

One of the ways this microphone sets itself apart from other dynamics is via the five-position bass roll-off.

This helps to reduce the proximity effect when using it for close miking. This makes it especially good on vocals.

The 5-position low-end roll-off can be confusing to those who are new to using the 421-II. It’s not a high-pass filter like the kind that many other microphones provide.

It maintains the traditional frequency response curve, tapering frequencies below 500Hz to varying degrees.

It doesn’t help that the roll-off control doesn’t have frequency markings. Each setting is denoted by a letter or a number.

The “M” (music) position has no roll-off, and the frequency response performs at its base design.

The speech or “S” setting frequencies below 500Hz are attenuated by approximately 6dB per octave. Between these two settings are three additional roll-off positions of varying attenuation levels.

This linear response up to 1kHz and the increase in the middle and upper portions of the midrange makes it a top choice for sources like vocals, guitars, pianos, brass, and drums.

SPL

When dealing with high amplitude levels, distortion is a concern at multiple points in the signal chain.

It can happen in the microphone, preamp, or interface, in the recording device like a digital audio workstation, and in analog tape to a less common extent.

Dynamic microphones are meant to capture high SPL sources without introducing distortion anywhere in the signal chain.

They’re a top choice for live performance, especially. And the 421-II can hang with even the most deafening levels.

Size

In terms of physical size, it’s a little bit larger than other similar mics like the popular Shure SM58, but not by much.

It’s a comfortable size to use as a handheld, and due to the cardioid polar pattern’s off-axis rejection and the mic’s low handling noise, you don’t have to be shy about your performance if using it like that.

Accessories

Buying a new 421-II comes with a lock-on mic stand adapter. But there are some optional accessories for it, like a windscreen and shock mount that might be worth the investment depending on how you plan to use it.

A complaint many people have with the included mic stand adapter is that it’s brittle and wears out quickly.

This isn’t ideal if you’re using it in the hustle of a live situation. Accidents happen. You have to be mindful of taking care of it.

Sound Quality (9/10)

There’s no doubt that you’ve heard this microphone all over your favorite recordings.

It’s one of the most famous dynamic microphones in the recording industry for a reason.

Even though it’s got a specific EQ curve designed to emphasize the midrange, it produces a clear sound.

Bass tubes into the circuit reproduce an accurate low-end response defining the bass range. You can be confident about using it on low-end sources like bass guitars and even kick drums.

The five-position roll-off is one of the key features that sets it apart from other microphones in its class.

It not only gives you tonal variations and ways to capture your source signal better, it helps to keep proximity effect and plosives in check.

The 180-degree null point means that the sound is attenuated by at least 18 decibels from the rear of the front address capsule.

Due to the feedback rejection, this makes it just as good for live work as in the studio.

Build Quality (10/10)

Dynamic microphones don’t get much better than this regarding durability and sustainability.

The housing comprises a glass composite shell with a hardened stainless steel basket. The internal acoustic circuit components are enclosed in the body.

This chassis protects it against environmental factors like humidity and dust while offering reduced handling noise and sensitivity.

It’s built to handle high sound pressure levels, which makes it a fine choice for loud sources like drums and electric guitars.

Sennheiser’s quality control is intense. Not only will the 421-II last you a lifetime if you take care of it properly, if you do need to repair it at any point, all of the inside components are easily accessible.

All of these factors put together make this microphone a great long-term microphone investment and one that you’ll find yourself using frequently.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the 421-II is one of the best purchases for your microphone collection.

It’s a versatile, reliable, and well-built mic that offers more ways to tailor the sound than you can find in other models.

The different ways you can tailor the sound based on the source it’s picking up means that it will deliver no matter what you need it for. It’s constructed like a tank and built to last a lifetime.

Though it might not be the most inexpensive microphone in its category, anyone will find a use for it in their microphone locker.

FAQ

What types of sound sources is the Sennheiser MD 421-II best suited for?

Because of its versatility, the 421-II works well on any source. It’s ideally suited to capture midrange instruments like vocals, guitars, and certain drums. But it works well on low-end sources like bass guitar and kick drum just as well.

Does Sennheiser MD 421-II need phantom power?

No. Since the 421-II is a dynamic microphone, it doesn’t need phantom power.

What is the closest alternative to the Sennheiser MD 421-II

Sennheiser did a great job in the design of the MD 421-II, and as such its unique features set it apart from the pack.

The 5-position bass roll-off means there isn’t another dynamic mic that can do exactly what it can do.

Regarding sound quality and frequency pickup, other dynamics are in the same range.