Mic Archive

Sennheiser

Sennheiser MD 421

Dynamic, cardioid, five-step bass control (the original MD 421: N, -2, U-4 and U-5 versions)

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

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the catalog, p. 13. "Desired frequency response (with tolerance field)", headed "Drop through bass switch": the nominal curve, not a measurement ("Each microphone of this type is supplied complete with the original test certificate measured from 40 to 17 000 Hz"). The upper graph on the page calls it the "Desired frequency response of the free field no-load transmission factor". dB as printed (the curve sits near 30 dB); distance not stated.

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

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All specs

From the catalog
Sensitivity−54 dBV/Pa (2 mV/Pa), free field, no load, 1 kHz; ±2.5 dB. Printed "2 mV/Pa ± 2.5 dB" ("Free field no-load transmission factor at 1000 Hz"); converted with 20·log10(0.002 V).p. 34
Output impedance200 ohm, electrical impedance at 1 kHz
Rated load impedance200 ohm, minimum terminating impedance
Rated frequency range30 Hz to 17 kHz. "Frequency range: 30 to 17,000 Hz"; the same in the table (p. 34). Test certificates are "measured from 40 to 17 000 Hz".p. 13
Low cut1, 2, 3, 4, 5; five-step bass control. "Five-step variable bass control with the MD 421 N, MD 421 U-4 and MD 421 U-5"; "a built-in bass equaliser allows adjustment in five defined stages". The table marks no bass control for the MD 421-2 (p. 34). The positions are not named here; frequencies and slopes are not stated.
ConnectorXLR-3 (U-4, U-5); DIN 41524 3-pin (N); DIN 41624 3-pin (-2). Table: MD 421 N "3-pin standard plug to DIN 41 524"; MD 421-2 "3-pin standard plug to DIN 41 624"; MD 421 U-4 "3-pin plug for Cannon XLR 3 coupling". Page 13: "MD 421 U-4 black with Cannon plug", "MD 421 U-5 black with adapter thread and Cannon plug".p. 35
Weight530 g, MD 421 U-4 and N, approx.; also 500, MD 421-2. "ca. 530 g" (U-4 and N), "ca. 500 g" (-2).
Dimensions215 × 46 × 49 mm, MD 421 U-4; also [203, 46, 49], MD 421 N; also [191, 46, 49], MD 421-2. Printed "215 x 46 x 49" mm for the U-4 (length × width × depth, as printed).
VersionsMD 421 N (small Tuchel plug, light grey), MD 421-2 (large Tuchel plug, light grey, no bass control), MD 421 U-4 (Cannon/XLR plug, matt black), MD 421 U-5 (as U-4, with adapter thread)p. 13
Directivity at 1 kHz (cancelling)180° / 18 dB ± 2 dBp. 34
Magnetic field interference at 50 Hz5 µV / 5 µTp. 35
Hum compensation coilYesp. 13
Plug wiring (U-4)Pins 2 and 3 to the moving coil; pin 1 and plug housing to earthp. 35
HousingImpact-proof plastic; N and -2 light grey, U matt blackp. 13
Response shape (Sennheiser)"The deliberate rise in frequency response above 3 kHz results in a particularly brilliant standard of transmission"
Handling"Reduced handling noise and no overload, even at extremely high volume"
MountingQuick-release clip (N and -2), changeable for a fixed mount; U-5 with adapter thread
StandardDIN 45 500 (hi-fi); "The requirement laid down in DIN 45 500 applies for the tolerance field"
Recommended accessoriesMZW 421 and MZW 40 windscreens; MZT 421, MZT 12, MZT 100 desk stands; MZQ 421, MZT 237, MZA 421, MZS 235 clamps; MZS 144, MZS 210, MZS 142 floor stands; MZS 211 boom; MZH 21, MZH 141 flexible necks
Uses (Sennheiser)Radio and TV (reporters, presenters), lecture and conference, high-grade PA, vocalists and instrumentalists

Documents

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

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