The Sennheiser MD421 Kompakt: A Modern Evolution of a Classic Studio Mic
For anyone in the world of studio or live sound, the Sennheiser MD421 likely rings a bell. First introduced in 1960, the MD421 brought a directional polar pattern to the forefront, marking a significant step forward from the omnidirectional MD21, released back in 1953. Over the years, the MD421 has gained a legendary status for its robust sound and adaptability. Now, Sennheiser has introduced a modern evolution of this classic: the MD421 Kompact.
With a smaller, lighter design and a few streamlined changes, the MD421 Kompakt aims to meet the needs of today’s recording engineers and musicians. Let’s take a look at how this microphone measures up and what makes it an ideal addition to any studio or stage setup.
MD421 original on left & Md421 Kompact on right.
Streamlined Design for Modern Needs
One of the most noticeable changes with the MD421 Kompakt is its size and weight. Sennheiser has condensed the original design, bringing the weight down to just 159 grams — less than half the weight of the original 370 grams. This sleek update improves portability and increases mic placement versatility, especially in tighter studio spaces.
The MD421 Kompact’s smaller size also allows for easy rim mounting on drums, which means no additional stands or floor space is necessary. This is a welcome feature that enhances the mic’s usability for anyone dealing with limited space or complex setups.
Feature Reductions and Cost Savings
Sennheiser has opted to remove the switchable frequency response filters found in the original model. With today’s digital production workflows, high-pass filtering is typically handled in post-production, making the inclusion of onboard filters redundant for many users. This adjustment also means that the MD421 Kompakt is available at a reduced price — saving approximately £100 per microphone. Not only does this make the microphone more accessible, but it also fits neatly into modern recording environments where digital interfaces manage much of the EQ work.
Additionally, Sennheiser has redesigned the clip mechanism. The original clip was known to loosen over time, leading to frustration for users. Now, the MD421 Kompakt incorporates a solid clip directly into the microphone body itself, a simple but effective improvement that enhances durability.
Audio Quality and Off-Axis Rejection
Sound-wise, the MD421 Kompakt retains the MD421’s tight polar pattern, making it highly effective for off-axis rejection. This characteristic is crucial for applications like drum kits, where mic bleed can cause problems in post-production. For instance, the hi-hats bleeding into the snare mic can be an issue during mixing, as applying compression to the snare will also amplify any bleed from nearby drums.
During my tests, I noticed the MD421 Kompakt’s off-axis rejection is particularly impressive. Even with the hi-hats positioned just inches above the snare mic, bleed was well-contained, making for a cleaner, more manageable recording.
Full Drum Kit Recording with the MD421 Kompact
To showcase the MD421 Kompakt, I recorded a full drum kit, using a mix of Sennheiser microphones, including the e904, e906, and e914, alongside the MD421 Kompakt. The e900 series is slightly tuned for live sound and offers a controlled, reliable output. I recorded through the Universal Audio X8p GEN2 interface, taking advantage of its Auto-Gain feature. This functionality sets optimal input gain for each mic within seconds, simplifying drum recording for those working solo.
The MD421 Kompakt performed brilliantly, capturing a pure, unprocessed sound that accurately reflects what I hear in the room. Their ability to handle mid-range frequencies made them an ideal choice for miking the kick, snare, and toms. When I added some bus processing, the results were even better — full, clear, and articulate.
Comparisons with Other Sennheiser Microphones
To see how the MD421 Kompakt stacks up, I compared it to other Sennheiser microphones on individual parts of the kit.
• Kick Drum: The MD421 Kompact complements the Sennheiser 602 and 902, which tend to capture more sub-content. The MD421 Kompakt delivers a detailed mid-range, making it a great pairing with a sub-focused mic.
• Snare Drum: The MD421 Kompact’s open sound captures a broad mid-range, including snare resonance, which the 604 and 904 — both tuned to remove resonance for a processed sound — tend to downplay.
• Floor Tom: The MD421 Kompact captures floor toms beautifully, offering a balanced mix of attack and sustain, especially when compared to condenser mics, which are faster and pick up more attack but also more ambient sound due to their wider polar patterns.
Sonic Performance: Legacy vs. Innovation
After extensive listening, it’s clear that the MD421 Kompakt delivers nearly identical sound quality to the original MD421. Any differences likely stem from slight variances in mic placement rather than capsule design, which seems unchanged. The MD421 Kompact provides an open, articulate sound with a gentle lift in the upper mid-range, capturing clarity and articulation in a way that complements both live and studio settings.
While the e600 and e900 series are still strong choices, especially for live sound due to their controlled, punchy tuning, the MD421 Kompakt is well-suited to the studio. Its more open, versatile sound offers flexibility and depth, making it a perfect fit for capturing natural tones in controlled environments.
Final Thoughts
Sennheiser has truly succeeded in modernising a classic with the MD421 Kompakt. This microphone honours the MD421's legacy while offering improvements in size, durability, and affordability, making it an accessible option for both studio and live sound applications.
The MD421 Kompakt has earned a permanent place on my drum kit, and I’d recommend them to any recording or live sound professional looking for a versatile, high-quality microphone. Whether you’re a studio professional or a sound engineer looking for the perfect mix of tradition and innovation, the MD421 Kompakt is a mic you’ll want to consider.
Purchasing Links
BUY THE SENNHEISER MD421 KOMPACT
Thomann: https://thmn.to/thoprod/601844?offid=...
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/GmAr9k
