Sennheiser

Sennheiser 700368 MD 421 Kompakt Microphone + Clamp

XLR30 Hz–17 kHz

Compact redesign of Sennheiser's legendary MD 421 dynamic microphone, built for high-SPL studio and touring use with included drum clamp.

$275.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Sennheiser MD 421 Kompakt carries forward the sonic legacy of one of the most widely used dynamic microphones in professional audio, repackaged into a significantly more compact body. The cardioid polar pattern and 30 Hz–17 kHz frequency response remain true to the original's character, capturing the full weight of kick drums, toms, and guitar cabinets while also delivering clear midrange and articulate highs. An innovative internal bass tube extends and tightens the low-end response, ensuring that bass-heavy sources are reproduced accurately without muddiness. The microphone handles exceptionally high sound pressure levels, making it a confident choice for close-miking loud sources in live and studio settings alike.

Build quality reflects Sennheiser's German engineering heritage. A stainless-steel basket protects the capsule from physical impact, while a sealed inner chassis reduces exposure to dust and humidity — critical for microphones that travel between venues. Gold-plated XLR connectors ensure reliable, low-resistance connections over years of plugging and unplugging. The redesigned mounting clip affixes securely to the microphone body, and the included MZH Drum Clamp screws into this clip to create a fail-safe attachment directly to drum rims, eliminating the need for additional mic stands in crowded drum kits. Everything ships with a protective pouch for safe storage and transport.

Key Features

Legendary MD 421 performance handles exceptionally high sound pressure levels in demanding environments, capturing pristine audio with remarkable fidelity and detail.

Compact, multipurpose size, and rugged German engineering offer enhanced versatility able to withstand the rigors of touring and heavy studio use while ensuring consistent performance.

Features a rugged frame with stainless-steel basket, and gold-plated XLR connectors for durability and longevity. Protective inner chassis enclosure reduces exposure to dust and humidity.

Redesigned mounting clip securely affixes to the microphone for easy, worry-free mounting with any application. Included MZH Drum Clamp securely screws into the MD 421 Kompakt mounting clip to create a fail-safe mechanism for drum miking.

Wide frequency response range of 30 Hz–17 kHz, allows for faithful reproduction of both lows and highs, while the innovative internal bass tube ensures accurate and extended low-end response.

Specifications

Type
Dynamic Cardioid Microphone
Frequency Response
30 Hz – 17 kHz
Polar Pattern
Unidirectional (Cardioid)
Connector
Gold-plated XLR
Dimensions (L x W x H)
10.2 x 4.7 x 3.1 inches
Weight
0.8 lbs
Included Accessories
Mounting Clip, MZH Drum Clamp, Pouch, Quick Guide, Safety Guide

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Compact size fits easily into tight miking positions where the original MD 421 would not
  • Handles extremely high sound pressure levels without distortion
  • Stainless-steel basket and gold-plated XLR connector provide long-term durability for touring
  • Included MZH Drum Clamp eliminates the need for a separate stand when miking drums
  • Protective inner chassis shields the capsule from dust and humidity

👎 Cons

  • Frequency response tops out at 17 kHz, which may lack air compared to microphones extending to 20 kHz
  • Dynamic cardioid design does not capture the same transient detail as a condenser microphone
  • Higher price point than many competing dynamic microphones in the same application range
  • Compact body may require adapting existing setups designed around the original MD 421's dimensions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Kompakt version retains the same legendary sonic character but in a significantly smaller body. It also features a redesigned mounting clip, stainless-steel basket, gold-plated XLR connector, and a protective inner chassis that reduces exposure to dust and humidity.
The MZH Drum Clamp screws directly into the MD 421 Kompakt's mounting clip, creating a secure, fail-safe attachment point for clamping the microphone onto drum rims without needing a separate stand.
It covers 30 Hz to 17 kHz, providing faithful reproduction of deep low-end content as well as detailed highs, supported by an internal bass tube for accurate extended low-frequency response.
Yes, it is specifically designed to handle exceptionally high sound pressure levels, making it well suited for close-miking drums, guitar cabinets, and brass instruments.
The package includes the MD 421 Kompakt microphone, a redesigned mounting clip, the MZH Drum Clamp, a carrying pouch, a quick guide, and a safety guide.