Sennheiser md421s

[Lasse Lammert]

Hey lads (and large chested lass),
there are so many different md421 versions out there that I completely lost track.
the II, u, 4, 5, 2, n.....
how different are they really?
I've got an...dunno, I think it'sn, an old grey one with tuchel connector, and I want some more for toms.
am thinking about just buying the recent models (I think they're jst called md421 II ?).
anyways, where's the difference and which would you recommend?

 

[MetalMiller]

What i know fore sure is that H stands for high-impedance, N for low. Th high-impedance model won´t work with actual studio equipment (I own one and the output is very low). I´ve got a PDF from sennheiser with an explanation. Will check out when i´m home later...

 

[crillemannen]

Try the Audio Technica ATm450, a bit cheaper then 421's but better

 

[Seth Munson]

Try the Audio Technica ATm450, a bit cheaper then 421's but better

hmm care to elaborate a little?
was thinking about picking up some 421's within the next month or two but am always looking to save some cash especially if its better.

 

[crillemannen]

hmm care to elaborate a little?
was thinking about picking up some 421's within the next month or two but am always looking to save some cash especially if its better.

Well both are good for sure, but after chatting with Lindell over at Bohus studios (mustasch,europe etc) i decided to get the ATm450 instead. He was crazy about them and used them both for snare and toms, and recommended them over the 421's.

So i picked up 4 for toms and snare. Really open sounding, great pop for snare, just cut a few db's in 800hz area and you're done. Listen to Kid galahad recording on my myspace, all natural drums with ATm450's. And they are really small so they are really easy to fit in between cymbals etc.

 

[Seth Munson]

Thanks man! when I get to the studio tomorrow I will take a listen!

 

[barricade]

...some atm450 clips

http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/album.php?aid=2079&alid=1559

i like it on snare! Would do nice in pair with a sm57!

 

[crillemannen]

Thanks man! when I get to the studio tomorrow I will take a listen!

Check this thread out: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-end/511253-drum-recording-mics-techniques-sounds.html

Lindell clip on first page is ace, and on second page you go my clip, if you want to download it.

 

[ahjteam]

Try the Audio Technica ATm450, a bit cheaper then 421's but better

I don't think that Lasses issue is saving 50 bucks, but buying preferrably the best sounding model of md421?

The main difference is just minor design differences and connectors, basically they are all the same, but I would go for the newer ones as they're more designed to work with modern gear:

http://www.coutant.org/md421u4/index.html

 

[MetalMiller]

Ok, here are two PDF´s with all you have to know about 421´s..

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/929252/MD_421_18228_0991_Sp5.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/929252/Mikrofon_Steckerschaltung mit HL.pdf

ahjteam´s link has all the infos too, but it´s in german language and maybe good to have them as PDF for future use...

 

[greyskull]

the beige tuchel ones are slightly less scooped than the others, but they're both great.

 

[GeertSamuel]

I've got 3 II versions and one U version....haven't tested thoroughly to hear the big difference between the 2.. got more on my mind now then actual recording.