MD 421

Common name: Sennheiser MD 421

Production Status: Discontinued / Vintage

The MD 421 is a dynamic cardioid microphone first introduced at the Hannover Deutsche Industrie Messe in 1960 and produced until 1963. Between 1963 and 1969 the Musik/Sprach switch became stepped and the microphone holder became lockable. From 1969 until 2002 it was available with small DIN 41524 connector and 5 steps rotary high-pass filter (MD 421-N), with big DIN41624 connector and no high-pass filter (MD 421-2), with output transformer suitable for high impedance connection to unbalanced inputs (MD 421-HL), with Telefunken branding (MD 421-5) and with XLR connector (MD 421-U). The MD 421-U4 had replaceable threads while the MD 421-U5 had a fixed 3/8 inch thread, both variants available in matte black finish. In 2002 the current 421 II version was introduced. The SE special edition, limited to 990 pieces celebrating Fritz Sennheiser 90th birthday was released in 2002. The Md-421 is an excellent all-rounder used in many applications including vocal, speech, electric guitar amps, bass amps, percussion, tom toms, and snare drums.