Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt: Increased practicality meets time-honoured performance at under $300£233/$279/€280, sennheiser.com
Few dynamic microphones can boast the longevity of the classic Sennheiser MD 421. Launched in 1960, it predates the ubiquitous Shure SM57 by five years.
Like the ‘57, the MD 421 has long been favoured as a trusted workhorse for guitar cabs, bass, brass instruments and drums, especially toms. During its first decade of production, it could be seen used as a live vocal mic for everyone from The Beatles onwards. It remains a fantastic tool both on stage and in the studio.

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What’s the MD 421 Kompakt like to use?
The trouble with the original design though, is that it’s a bulky beast, with all earlier models featuring a precarious mounting clip. It’s not unusual to see ancient examples with dented baskets due to the clip failing and the mic dropping to the floor, not to mention being battered by inaccurate drummers.
The MD 421 Kompakt addresses all these issues by having an integrated mount attached to a body that’s almost half the size and weight of the original design. An optional drum clamp is available, as included with our review example, however, the mic can also be attached to a conventional mic stand.
The smaller body means that the Kompakt is not suitable for use as a hand-held mic, however, Sennheiser still manufactures the full-sized version in the form of the MD 421-II, which first appeared in 1998.
Image: Press
Missing from this new, dinky design is the five-position bass roll-off switch, used principally for vocal and speech applications on the older models. However, as the ‘421 is more commonly used for instrument mic’ing, it’s voiced for the flat setting most engineers use as standard. Any EQ or high-pass filtering can be done further along the signal chain, so the lack of this switch is not so important in modern-day recording or stage work.
Despite its diminished dimensions, the performance of the new MD 421 Kompakt is not compromised in comparison with its larger sibling, featuring a fixed cardioid polar pattern with excellent feedback rejection and a frequency response of 30 Hz to 17 kHz. With more high-frequency clarity than most dynamic mics, the Kompakt also retains Sennheiser’s clever internal bass tube, crucial to the mic’s deep and firm low-end performance.
Build quality is as solid as ever, with the stainless steel basket attached to a tough, scratch-resistant frame. And just like the original model, it features an inner chassis enclosure to protect the microphone from dust and humidity. The XLR connector is gold-plated for durability and longevity, according to the company. Of course, gold plating also serves as a stable, non-corrosive conductor to ensure the consistency of your precious audio signal.
Image: Press
How does the MD 421 Kompakt sound?
I’m lucky enough to own several full-sized MD 421s of various vintages, including the very first model and the revised (MD 421-II) version currently available. When set up in turn to record an electric guitar amp, one thing is immediately apparent: While each mic sounds slightly different when listening critically, the basic character of all three is close enough for this to not really matter.
Differences are mainly in the upper midrange, where both the MD 421-II and Kompakt sound a little richer with more presence than the oldest mic. An A/B test between the current models gives the edge to the Kompakt, which expresses more detail with a brighter treble response.
Moving down the frequency spectrum, things even out a bit more, especially in the bass where the Kompakt delivers the full, weighty low-end response we’ve come to love about ‘421s. Don’t let the reduced dimensions fool you into thinking it won’t have the authority and depth of its bigger siblings; this one punches well above its weight.
Image: Press
The Kompakt really shines on sources that require the full force of the bottom end to be accurately captured. Placed in front of a bass guitar cabinet playing at high volume, the Kompakt sounds mighty special. It captures not only all of the low-end welly and punch coming from the 15-inch speaker but also the throatiness in the midrange and excellent definition in the percussive attack of the plectrum.
Where the bijou body design really makes it a better proposition than the larger model is in one of its most favoured applications; recording toms. The optional MZH drum clamp (which is essential in my opinion) works brilliantly, snapping securely to the drum rim and allowing the both angle and distance to be simply and accurately adjusted. And, unlike the traditionally-sized ‘421, there’s no need for a mic stand, helping to reduce clutter as well as the risk of the mic being accidentally nudged out of position.
Of course, when the Kompakt is used at close range on toms it does interact with other mics, most notably the overheads, which reminds me that quite apart from being an excellent microphone when used in isolation, it’s a fabulous team player. Historically, many engineers like to use an MD 421 alongside a Shure SM57 on guitar cabinets, its robust low- and top-end clarity marrying well with the Shure’s mid-focused bite. I’m able to achieve superb results with this combination, however muting the SM57 to allow the MD 421 to do the donkey work still produces a more full range tone than using the ‘57 in isolation.
Image: Press
Should I buy the new Sennheiser MD 421?
I’m extremely impressed by this new version of the old faithful studio stalwart. It could be considered something of a leap of faith to reimagine a microphone design as iconic as the MD 421, but the original version — or at least the 1998 revision of it — is still available for those who insist upon this full-sized model.
The smaller body does not compromise performance, especially if you disregard the largely ignored filter switch of the original, and it won’t buckle when asked to capture extreme levels of sound. The redesigned integrated mounting clip and optional, invaluable MZH drum clamp are real winners.
I reckon it won’t be long before the MD 421 Kompakt overtakes the MD 421-II in popularity, particularly as it’s less expensive too. If you require one world-class dynamic microphone to record just about anything you place in front of it, the MD 421 Kompakt should be right at the top of your audition list.

Key features

Cardioid dynamic microphone
Frequency response of 30 Hz – 17 kHz
Redesigned mounting clip
Optional MZH drum clamp
Innovative internal bass tube
Protective inner chassis enclosure

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