Mic Archive
Sennheiser MD 421-II
Photo: Sennheiser, from its spec sheet, p. 1.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser MD 421-II

Dynamic, cardioid, 5-position bass roll-off

Type
Dynamic
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−54 dBV/Pa
Impedance
250 Ω
Rated range
30 – 17k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the quick guide, p. 1. Drawn as absolute sensitivity (dB re 1 V/Pa). Distance, anechoic or not, smoothing and typical-vs-individual are not stated.

The manufacturer draws absolute sensitivity (dBV/Pa); shifted here by a constant so 1 kHz is near 0 dB.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the spec sheet, p. 2. Measuring conditions not stated. Each frequency is drawn on one side only (125 to 1000 Hz left, 2000 to 16000 Hz right); the pattern is taken as symmetric. Bass roll-off position not stated.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the spec sheet
Sensitivity−54 dBV/Pa (2 mV/Pa), free field, 1 kHz; ±2.5 dB. Stated as 2 mV/Pa; converted: 20·log10(0.002) = -54.0.p. 2
Output impedance250 ohm, electrical impedance
Rated frequency range30 Hz to 17 kHz. Tolerance not stated. The graphs run from 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
ConnectorXLR-3
Weight385 g, approx.
Dimensions215 × 46 × 49 mm. As printed: 215 x 46 x 49 mm.
Supplied accessoriesMZA 421 microphone clamp (3/8" thread); Instruction manual. The quick guide (p. 1) also shows a carry case in the box.p. 1
Art. no.MD 421-II: 000984; MZA 421 clamp: 576103
Optional accessoriesMZT 100 table stand (001883); MZW 421 windshield (000536)p. 2
From the quick guide
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, minimum terminating impedancep. 2
Low cutM, 1, 2, 3, S; five-position bass roll-off switch. M = music (no roll-off), S = speech (most roll-off). Frequencies and slopes are not stated; see the curves.p. 1
MZW 421 windshieldShown with "– 20 dB" in the quick guidep. 2
Recommended distance (speech)< 10 cm (< 4")p. 1
Adapter3/8" to 5/8" thread adapter shown in setup (not included)

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Sennheiser, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on sennheiser.com

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

Other mics