The Physical Details

The MD 421 KOMPAKT measures 4.8“ (L) x 1.8﹍ (W) x 1.93﹍ (T) and weighs .35 lbs.
—for reference, the MD 421 II is 8.46“ long and weighs .85 lbs.

Its black stainless steel multi-layer mesh grille, black fiber-reinforced injection-molded plastic body and general appearance (a touch less shiny) are nearly identical to the MD 421 II—minus the length. On its end, the mic uses a gold-plated XLR connector.

Mount Up

On its underside is a fixed, pivoting mic mount that measures 1.5“ when fully extended. The mount threading is brass rather than plastic, and it accepts both US ⁵/₈“ mic stand threads and European ³/₈“ threads—no external adaptor necessary.

Off with the Roll-Off

Another significant difference is the removal of the long-standing five-position bass-roll-off control with a new all-metal connector housing in its place. The new model is permanently set to the flat “M” position—where most users leave it anyway.

Options

The MD 421 KOMPAKT is available with a redesigned MZM rim-mount microphone clip, or for $20 less, you can purchase just the mic. Both options come with a high-quality nylon drawstring pouch.

By the Numbers

The MD 421 KOMPAKT offers a frequency response of 30–17,000 Hz, a 2 mV/Pa +/- 2.5dB sensitivity and a 250 Ω impedance. For reference, the sensitivity and impedance on the MD 421 II are 2 mV/Pa +/- 3dB and 200 Ω.

The frequency plot of the MD 421 KOMPAKT—also the same as the MD 421 II—shows a low-end roll-off of -8dB from 80 Hz down to 40 Hz, and an even midrange from 80 Hz up to 1.5 kHz. From there, it slopes up gently to +4dB at 2.75 kHz. Next is a broad +8dB presence bump centered at 4–5 kHz (arguably what separates the MD 421 II from the earlier MD 421). Then, it settles back to a wide +4.5dB shelf from 8-12 kHz. There is one final gentle .5dB rise from 12–15 kHz before the final roll-off.

RECORDING History

Paul Stamler first introduced the MD 421 II in our November 1998 issue—despite many sources claiming the mic was released in 2002. Twenty-two years later, in our October 2020 issue, I revisited the mic in a special “classic mics still made” round-up.

I described the MD 421 II as one of the “fullest-sounding dynamic mics on the market” with a pronounced top-end peak that “can help a source pop forward in a mix with ease.” On its initial release, Paul Stamler found the brighter, almost metallic edge of MD 421 II well suited to drums but said that for vocals, he’d reach for the smoother, older model.

In general, those sentiments hold true with the MD 421 KOMPAKT; however, despite the design team’s intentions of retaining the sound between the two current models, there are a few slight differences—more noticeable on some sources than others.

Sound and Use

I tried out a pair of the new MD 421 KOMPAKT models alongside my 1980s vintage MD 421 U5 and my four-year-old MD 421 II. The MD 421 KOMPAKT retains much of the 64-year-old familial sound, especially in the lows and low mids. This makes the new model every bit as wonderful on a bass cabinet as its predecessors, and I could use all three models almost interchangeably for just that purpose.

Where I do detect a bit of sonic variance is in the upper midrange of the new mic. I can best describe it as the MD 421 II has a bit more of an upper mid-push. In contrast, the MD 421 KOMPAKT sounds a touch better seated in the upper midrange, and as a result, the latter sounds a tad richer overall to my ears. I also found the MD 421 KOMPAKT not necessarily brighter but the most open-sounding of the three models. It’s hard to describe, but it makes sense when you hear it, especially on hi-hats, tambourines and bright, jangly guitars.

Overall, the MD 421 KOMPAKT is a full, big, meaty-sounding dynamic mic balanced with well-placed clarity.

Drums

Of course, it sounds great on toms. Thanks to its size, attached mount and featherlight weight, it is the easiest MD 421 mic to position, place and angle on drums ever—read this, as I see no reason to fiddle with or use either of my older MD 421 models on toms again. One caveat is that on some drums, rattles and stray resonances can travel through the included rim mount, but this is the case with most similar clip-based rim mounts.

The MD 421 KOMPAKT works well as a classic/vintage-flavored kick mic. As such, I preferred it in the sound hole or on the outer head, not up on the beater. It can also work on some snare drums if you are after a thicker sound that sits back in a mix. However, I still prefer the presence and crack of a more upper mid-forward dynamic mic on the snare.

As with past MD 421 offerings, the MD 421 KOMPAKT also works well on percussion like djembe or cajon, shakers and tambourines, brass instruments and acoustic guitar depending on the song and vocals. Notably, it offers a very workable proximity effect, and an excellent off-axis rejection—feedback rejection is one reason why original models were so well loved on live vocals in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

While the MD 421 has long been popular on electric guitar cabinet, it has never been my favorite choice as such. However, here is where I prefer the less mid-peaky MD 421 KOMPAKT over the MD 421 II the most, and I could see myself reaching for it on a guitar cabinet often. It’s just a great full sound that stands alone with no-ribbon mic needed in the blend.

Like most classic dynamic mics, there is really no source that you can’t try the MD 421 KOMPAKT on especially when you want a bold full sonic capture.

Wrap Up

Sennheiser has a real winner with the new MD 421 KOMPAKT, if for no other reason than it has taken a well-loved modern classic tom, bass cabinet and brass microphone and made it smaller, lighter and easier to use. While I have pointed out some slight sonic variations between it and the MD 421 II, make no mistake, this is still an MD 421, and perhaps, like me, it may just be your new favorite iteration yet.

Price: $699

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Past Reviews