421? white/black?

[wesley tanner]

what's the difference? I need a 421 pretty badly, but I've never heard any of the "vintage" models, the white ones with tuchel connectors, the white ones with good ol' XLRs, the black ones with gold screens, etc. what the heckeroni's the difference in sound between these mics?

 

[AGCurry]

I've only used the 421 U-5, which is the black model with metal XLR connector and 5-position bass-roll-off switch, and the 421-II, which is the model being made today. The U-5 is probably the most common in terms of numbers made. The 421-II is completely black and is a little shorter than the U-5.

IMO, the 421-II is the better sounding mic. The vintage models may have some cachet/snob appeal, but I'd rather have the best-sounding mic, even if it's new. And tuchel connectors are a pain.

 

[DJL]

I've never heard a bad sounding MD421 except for one broken one once.

 

[EleKtriKaz]

I have an old U-5 like AGCurry described. I like it very much.

 

[chessparov]

They sound different (MKII vs. MD) largely due to the MKII having a neodymium element which makes it MUCH brighter toned.

Many MD421's have XLR's BTW.

FWIW most top pro AE's who post on the 'net prefer the prior models-
particularly for vocals.

Chris

 

[wesley tanner]

has anyone used one of the white ones personally then? I just don't get why there are so many always for sale on ebay, but I've never seen one in a studio.

 

[Han]

has anyone used one of the white ones personally then? I just don't get why there are so many always for sale on ebay, but I've never seen one in a studio.

I have four white ones, the MK1 with DIN connectors and a couple of black ones with XLR, MK2 that is.

The MK1 has a copper coil and the MK2 has an aluminium coil. There are more differences though.

Both sound very good, the MK2 is a tad brighter, I like the MK1 more on horns like T-bone.