Sennheiser MD 421-II Review
Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
- Dynamic Capsule Design
- 5-Position Bass Roll-Off
- 30 to 17,000 Hz Frequency Response
- Cardioid Polar Pattern
- Even Signal Response @ All Distance
- Handles High SPL
- Excellent Off-Axis Rejection
- Includes Lock-On Stand Adapter
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 2,577 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sennheiser MD 421-II. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Sennheiser MD 421-II. For example, 90% of 115 users who have commented on the Versatility of the Sennheiser MD 421-II have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 62 Reviews
My favorite all around mic
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by Humungo bass Monster on Guitar Center
I can't say enough good things about this Sennheiser MD421 mic. I use this for guitar cabs, my bass cabs, snare drum, and even vocals and it sounds great. It doesn't distort even when I dime the volume on my bass amp and it sounds balanced unlike my other mics like the shure sm57 or AKG D112 which either don't have enough high end or have too much low mid honk sound.
Best Mic I've Ever Had for Guitar Amp
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by John LaFollette on Guitar Center
I've used a bunch of different mics on several different brands of guitar amps over the years. None come close to the clear full rich sound of the MD421. The best one before this was actually a PV kick drum mic, but the MD421 blows that in the weeds. I have always found SM57s, 58s, various Electrovoice, the Sennheisser E609 guitar mic, and others, to sound kind of thin, grainy, or honky. Most people love those mics, but I never have. They just could not duplicate the sweet rich glorious tones coming out of my amp. They ruined it actually. When I stick my ears in front of the speakers to hear the warm rich fullness coming out, those mics just do not translate that well at all. But the MD421 does. The sound is just full, rich, colorful and lively. No graininess or thinness whatsoever. fUnless I am playing on a PA system that is overly boomy, I leave the bass rolloff switch in the full-on position for a huge sound. Money very well spent if you are picky about sound quality. ... More
The very best!
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by George on Guitar Center
I have been a Recording Engineer/Producer for 25yrs...Microphones are very important..In the recording chain..The sennheiser 421 MK11 Is superb in that not only is the large moving coil diaphame is indistructable but the mic has excellent "COMPLIANCE"..That is all frequencies are reproduced at the same time....Resulting in fantastic clearity and no distortion!...A great buy at any price!
Best for floor tom
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by Rick the Freak on Guitar Center
I've been used the sm52 on floor tom until I test the MD421. MD421 is better in this level of pressure.Now I use it to record my guitar and hammond amp too(whith great results)!Why four stars?The clip.
Is there something you can't use this mic for???
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by Ether on Guitar Center
WOW. I gotta say I am impressed with how many applications this mic can be used for. Sounds professional for recording drums, amps, horns, and probably anything else. One of the biggest things for me with this mic is I went from using SM57s and 58s for the horn players in my band (more specifically my saxophone player) to the MD421 and there is a night and day difference in clarity! Didn't have any issues with feedback or trouble hearing the sax at all. I am so glad I have the mic in my collection. I am almost tempted to buy one more! ... More
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Versatile, but pricey
Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Chad P. on Reverb
First off, that mount is pretty horrible. All these years and revisions later and they never improved the mount on this mic. Mine are pampered in a home studio, but I can't imagine the mount holding up on the road or under heavy use in a pro studio. That gripe aside, it's a great mic. I've used it on bass cabinets, kick, toms, snare, guitar amps, even acoustic guitar. And it does well on vocals in the right situations too. It's a versatile mic, which makes it particularly valueable in a home studio where mic selection might not be extensive. If they could just find a way to bring the retail price down by $100 or so, more people could enjoy these in their home studios. That said, I got a great deal on mine here on Reverb :) ... More
Excellent mic!
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by Eljodon on Guitar Center
I've been wanting to buy a Sennheiser MD421 for awhile. I record my guitar with a few Marshall 4 x 12 and Port City 2 x 12. One of the Marshall has 4 different speakers a few Celestion and Scumback speakers and I like to blend them with different mics like 5 Shure 57 on each speakers, a Royer 121, Neuman UA87 and now with the MD421 my guitar sounds amazing with the MD421 by itself and combined with my other mics. It has a different top end than the SM57. I like the combination of the MD421, SM57 and 121. I'm really glad I purchased the MD421 and I can't wait to try more combinations with different speakers!!! ... More
A fine broadcast/podcast microphone
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by Jeffery on B&H Photo Video
For podcasters wanting to upgrade their mic, you may have lost a deal of the century. This proven microphone was nearly half off earlier this year. It sold out, but BH honored the sale price when it was back ordered a month (other places didn't). All Sennheiser dynamic mics are time-tested over the years, and you'll see this model in use decades ago on live television. It is no frills, but great for voice. Almost nobody likes the mount, but it hasn't been an issue for me as I leave it in place all of the time. It is a good mic for the price it usually commands, but was an insane price earlier this year. And it wasn't a typo! ... More
It's a standard for a reason.
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by Cara on Guitar Center
I got this for my husband for Christmas and he absolutely loves it. Sounds great with his voice and he can use it to mic his guitar if needed, too. I did some research before purchase, and this works well in his basement studio room. It doesn't pick up extraneous house or street noises.
A prueba de todo uso...
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by Rubn H Garca T on B&H Photo Video
Este es un microfno, conocido por su versatilidad en materia de grabacin de cualquier naturaleza, ademas de contener en si mismo, la esttica de la industria discogrfica que conocemos hoy. En mi caso, investigando en Venezuela, pas donde vivo, me doy cuenta de que ha tenido usos muy interesantes, desde los aos 70s ha formado parte del equipo utilizado para el registro de las manifestaciones musicales tradicionales en latinoamerica, por parte de la institucin en etnomusicologa ms importante de Latinoamerica FUNDEF, dando altsimas prestaciones profesionales en los ambientes mas hostiles como lo son la Selva Amaznica o los desiertos de mdanos de Coro, o el destructivo ambiente salino de Las Antillas en el Mar Caribe.Es por esto que eleg este micrfono dinmico para mis trabajos de registro sonoro etnogrfico. ... More
Great all rounder mic
Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Gabriel A. on Reverb
This was not my first MD 421 II. I like the mic so much that I want more of them! It is a fantastic mic. Any studio should have a couple of these and a few SM57s. Just like the SM57, it delivers on a lot of sources. The big difference from the SM57, is that it has less 3-5k Hz than SM57 so it is not as forward sounding, but it has more lows and definition. I use it on drum toms, general percussion, bass amps, guitar amps, organ amps etc...
Excellent Microphone for VO's!
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by Broadcast Engineer on B&H Photo Video
We use this mic for television commercial production voice overs. Its solid with terrific response and great sound! I'm not a huge fan of the blade mount but for the price and quality; I'd take it anyday over more expensive alternatives.
Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Liam S. on Reverb
Bit quieter than some of my modern mics, but proven to be a very versatile option. Sounds especially good on bass which had always been difficult to record before I got this. Oh, also kick ass on vocals, with a little bit of plosive noise that ends up being manageable with the filter set to “S”.
Great Dynamic Mic
Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Stephen N. on Reverb
The clip leaves something to be desired but there are some after market solutions. But this mic excels on guitar & bass amps. Also great on drums & percussion. Put it on snares, toms, hi hat/ride cymbals, hand drums & bass drums. The low end roll off dial is great. They are an industry main stay for a reason.
Great for guitar cabs
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by Jeremy on B&H Photo Video
So far I have found this to be a good, versitile mic that works well with guitar amps. i haven't fully expirimented with the 5 rolloff settings, but have had the best results so far wiith the middle setting.
Timeless
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by Paul on B&H Photo Video
Used this microphone for many many years in studios and live. Loved it on toms and sax. Never owned one until now. It was worth the wait. Classic microphones earn their keep as workhorses.
Sennheiser 421
Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Johnny vance M. on Reverb
Best for toms of all the mics I have tried. As for the mic clip problem, I agree. I found this mic clip that worked amazing on my recent show with no worries of my $400 mic falling and getting damaged. IPRecordingCompany MD421 Replacement Mic Clip
Tom Tom
Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Curt R. on Reverb
Love these mics on the drums if theirs any cons I haven’t found them yet. They have been my go to mics for the Tom’s for years both in the studio and live. They also work well for horns. Give them a try you won’t be disappointed.
strong mic
Sennheiser MD 421-II Microphone
Reviewed by Frank on B&H Photo Video
bass cab, toms, vocals, guitars. it's a classic
Sennheiser MD 421 II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reviewed by Bill H. on Reverb
Thus is the go to mike for toms. I now have 2 and am looking for a third one. Also great for amps. Sounds very clear & accurate with high spl
