sennheiser md421

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kylehughes1@mac

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what do you think about this mic? i don't own one but i heard that they feel rather cheap. i can get past the construction on a mic like this, but how would you all rate/describe the sound?

is it versatile?

specs say 30hz-17khz, can anyone tell me if theyve used the mic to record such (or similar) sounds, and with what result? (30hz=low B on 5 string bass; 17khz=that 'mosquito' sound that everyone hates)

thanks,
kyle
 
The mic isn't cheap, but the mount is IMHO rather flimsy. Highly useful mic for cabs, toms, horns, bass and for some voices. A classic mic for toms. In the group of very useful dynamics along with SM7 and RE-20 - although not quite as broadly useful as those other two mics.
 
I tested this mic out in depth before choosing to buy the MD-441. I really enjoyed the 421 though. It has a nice fat punchy sound to it and I found it worked pretty good for female vocals. Not quite enough sheen though...

I could see it being used in a wide variety of situations with decent results. I was ready to purchase the 421 but then decided to wait until I tried the 431 or 441. I still wouldn't mind having one.
 
The 421 has been around since the mid 60's. It is a great voice-over mic. It is the standard tom mic and it is a very popular guitar mic.

It is not cheap, it is a great investment and you will use it all the time.

The mic clip is a little stupid, but it always has been and it doesn't stop anyone from using it.
 
my fave dynamic for bass cabs.

i've recorded 5 strings with it...it makes them sound like a bass.

i've never recorded a mosquito with it.

Mike
 
421 is a great mic to have in the locker. but, if it is a first purchase I'd probably consider something else. what's your goal with this purchase?

the mic mount is probably a weak point.
 
kylehughes1@mac said:
what do you think about this mic? i don't own one but i heard that they feel rather cheap. i can get past the construction on a mic like this, but how would you all rate/describe the sound?

is it versatile?

specs say 30hz-17khz, can anyone tell me if theyve used the mic to record such (or similar) sounds, and with what result? (30hz=low B on 5 string bass; 17khz=that 'mosquito' sound that everyone hates)

thanks,
kyle
Click to expand...

What will you use it for?
 
Also an excellent sax mic. It was a standard for many years before the RE-20.

I use one one my tenor sax all the time, both live and in the studio.

The 421 was also used in a LOT of radio stations before being replaced by the RE-20.
 
i'm thinking of using it for... well, whatever it works with. electric guitar (low gain as well as high), acoustic guitar, bass cabs, even acoustic bass, banjo, and mandolin. also possibly vocals. i might even try it out on drums if it works well; has anyone ever tried it on a drum set? i'm also thinking of a couple of mxl 603s's for guitar, vocals or whatever.
 
It would do you a great service to red the "stickies" They are the first 3 threads in this the mic forum. They will explain a lot to you about mic applications and value. That said the 421 is used very nicely on cabs, horns, vox (usually not lead, but doable), drums (not OH)
The 603's would work well for OH's and acoustic guitar.
You would still need a "lead" vocal mic. Lotta discussion on this board about which one. for what price....
 
i'm in the process of reading the sticky threads, but it will take a while to finish, haha. farview, youre right, by the time i typed that last post, i totally forgot reading the responses about drums just a few posts up, ha.

i've heard quite a bit of praise about the 421, all i need to know now, is what price is good for one? i've been looking on ebay, and i might have found a deal, but i try to be cautious on "buy it now" auctions, as i have been ripped off on those before.
 
In most stores they retail for around $350. I just noticed this while poking around...
Open Box Music

$308 is a nice price and you can submit an offer too. I have bought a few very expensive things from this seller and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Despite the "open box" thing I couldn't tell where any of the gear I ordered had ever been handled - no fingerprints, nothing.

As always with Ebay be sure to email the seller with questions 1st.

During one of my mic testing trips to Guitar Center the salesman told me he could give me $30 off retail on this mic, so it might be worth it to ask in a store near you. If there is one...
 
I've been reading around, reading some info about the md421,but haven't seen a clear answer to my question --> what are the 5 bass roll-off positions in Hz, what do M and S mean? thanks
 
Somnium7 said:
In most stores they retail for around $350. I just noticed this while poking around...
Open Box Music

$308 is a nice price and you can submit an offer too. I have bought a few very expensive things from this seller and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Despite the "open box" thing I couldn't tell where any of the gear I ordered had ever been handled - no fingerprints, nothing.

As always with Ebay be sure to email the seller with questions 1st.

During one of my mic testing trips to Guitar Center the salesman told me he could give me $30 off retail on this mic, so it might be worth it to ask in a store near you. If there is one...
Click to expand...

I wouldn't buy from "open box music" seeing as how it is actually "musicians advocate." Do a search, or notice M.A.'s fabulous one star google shopping rating.

but anywho, yep, the 421 is sweet.
 
LP2006 said:
I wouldn't buy from "open box music" seeing as how it is actually "musicians advocate." Do a search, or notice M.A.'s fabulous one star google shopping rating.
Click to expand...

no complaints from me that's for sure. To date I have been very happy with each product I bought from them and the speed with which they arrived was surprising too.

shop elsewhere, whatever...
 
sebtor said:
I've been reading around, reading some info about the md421,but haven't seen a clear answer to my question --> what are the 5 bass roll-off positions in Hz, what do M and S mean? thanks
Click to expand...

I have two 421s which I love. Yje mis for music and the s for speech in sennheiser talk. It is basically a bass roll off and the great thing is you can really hear it working. Often if I have a flabby or very resosnant floor tom I will cut with a couple of notches on the mic. I love them for brass drums and electric guitar.

john.
 
sebtor said:
I've been reading around, reading some info about the md421,but haven't seen a clear answer to my question --> what are the 5 bass roll-off positions in Hz, what do M and S mean? thanks
Click to expand...

I scanned this from the docs for my MD-441. Granted it is a different mic than the 421 but the rolloff switch response is probably pretty similar on them both.

441-Rolloff.jpg
 
+++great MIC+++ ---stupid clip--- warn the drummers
 
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