Sennheiser Launches The MD 421 KOMPAKT

	The MD 421 Kompakt for Drums

Sennheiser launches the MD 421 Kompakt, a versatile microphone that delivers the same performance as the MD 421, but in a truly multipurpose package -- including a completely redesigned mounting clip. The MD 421 Kompakt features a cardioid pick-up pattern and remarkable dynamic range, delivering crystal-clear sound reproduction in live sound and recording applications, the company says.

"The MD 421 is an incredibly versatile microphone. Since its inception in 1960, it excelled as a studio and a vocal microphone, but was also used a lot in broadcasting, where it appeared with many celebrities of the time. Today, its successor, the MD 421-II, which launched in 1998, is an all-rounder for multipurpose miking and well known to be used on drums, guitar cabs and horns," says Bertram Zimmermann, manager Live Sound & Studio. "It works on anything, capturing the sound source with precision, detail, and rich sound."

"With the MD 421 Kompakt, we're offering the same legendary sound and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, but with an incredibly compact form factor," adds Jimmy Landry, category marketing manager MI.

To give the MD 421 microphone its compact dimensions all while retaining the large-diaphragm capsule and the pristine sound of the much bigger MD 421-II, the bass roll-off switch was eliminated. "While this feature made total sense when the MD 421 was designed and was carried over to the MD 421-II, this functionality has long since been taken over by mixing desks and DAWs," says Zimmermann. "Omitting the switch allowed us to create a relatively small microphone body, making the Kompakt an ideal tom mic, but also a versatile tool for any recording or live application."

Sound-wise, the MD 421 Kompakt delivers the same detailed and authentic reproduction of the sound source that the MD 421 and MD 421-II have become famous for. The microphone's frequency response of 30Hz to 17kHz faithfully reproduces both high and low frequencies, with a bass tube ensuring an accurate and extended low-end response. The sound is rich and full-bodied, and incredibly clear and detailed at the same time.

The MD 421 Kompakt also provides effective feedback rejection, and is able to handle exceptionally high sound pressure levels even in demanding environments, the company says. The clip of the MD 421 Kompakt has been entirely redesigned, and is now part of the microphone housing for easy, worry-free mounting. "The clip is the one thing that users have always criticised," remarks Landry. "The new clip is an integral part of the mic, and the optional drum clamp securely screws into this clip, ensuring fail-safe mounting on drums."

The MD 421 Kompakt is designed to withstand the rigors of touring and heavy studio use. It features a rugged frame with a stainless-steel basket, and a gold-plated XLR-3 connector. A protective inner chassis enclosure reduces the exposure to dust and humidity.

The MD 421 Kompakt is available now, The version for drums comes complete with an MZH drum clamp. The MZH drum clamp included with the drum version is also available separately. The MD 421-II will remain in the portfolio alongside the MD 421 Kompakt.