Sennheiser question...

[ChrisPrescott]

I am looking into buying a pair of Sennheiser 421s but am seeing several flavors of this mic.

There seems to be the Sennheiser MD 421, Sennheiser 421 and the Sennheiser 421-U4. Also some are touted as being "new-oldstock" versus being "new".

Also I have seen some that are a gray color versus the traditional black.

Are some of these the cheaper versions to avoid etc.? Any advice is appreciated...

Thanks in advance.

 

[chessparov]

Chris, the new MKII model is substantially brighter than all the "old" ones.
Some of the older 421's don't have a five-way bass roll-off dial.
Some of the older 421's have a different connector than XLR.
The "grey" 421's have a certain collectibilty appeal and have been
steadily appreciating in value. They also have a mellower sound than all
the other later 421's.

Hope this helps.

Chris

P.S. The Beyer "soundalike" to the grey 421's is the Soundstar X1N.
That's the one I use at home. Narrower cardiod pattern though.
They are also increasing in value-when you can find one.

 

[jrosenstein]

"new-oldstock" means that it was made a number of years ago, but was never sold

 

[DJL]

Besides using the stock mic clip, what's another good way to clamp a Sennheiser MD421 to a mic boom/stand?

 

[kid klash]

DJL - I've never seen an alternative to the original 421 mic clip, other than duct tape (in a pinch, like in the middle of a session and someone breaks the clip). Replacement 421 clips run around $40 too...

 

[chessparov]

There is an early version of the greay 421's that doesn't have the same mic clip as the later ones (rare).

Chris

 

[chessparov]

There is a (rare) version of the 421 that has a different mount than the standard clip on all the rest.

Chris

 

[DJL]

DJL - I've never seen an alternative to the original 421 mic clip, other than duct tape (in a pinch, like in the middle of a session and someone breaks the clip). Replacement 421 clips run around $40 too...

It can also crack the MD421 body if that happens. When buying used 421's, always check the body for fine cracks near the mount and etc.

Does anyone know of an alterative mic holder (clip) for the Sennheiser MD421?

 

[chessparov]

Yes.
If you go to www.sennheiserusa.com they should still show the
optional (shockmount?) holder for the 421. Think it runs about
$45 if they still sell it at www.zzounds.com/a--2676837

Chris

 

[DJL]

Yes.
If you go to www.sennheiserusa.com they should still show the
optional (shockmount?) holder for the 421. Think it runs about
$45 if they still sell it at www.zzounds.com/a--2676837

Chris

Ok, I found it. It's called a Sennheiser MZS421 Shockmount. http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--SENMZS421

Thank you Chris.

 

[chessparov]

Sure thing!

Chris

 

[Han]

Does anyone know of an alterative mic holder (clip) for the Sennheiser MD421?

Does this help?

http://www.recording.org/cgi-local/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=001670