Sennheiser MD421 Kompakt Review & Demo

Sennheiser kindly sent me these mics to try out, and while I’m excited to test them, I’ll keep it honest and objective.

For my recording setup. I’m using 3 MD421 Kompakts, one on snare and two on toms. I’m also using an Audix D6 on kick, and it’s all running into my Behringer UMC1820 interface and running straight into Logic.

Background and First Impressions

The original MD421 has been a staple in studios for decades, making its mark on countless classic recordings. Its sound quality and ability to handle high SPLs have made it a go-to for everything from drums to guitar amps and vocals.

With the Kompakt, Sennheiser has aimed to bring all the legendary qualities of the original into a smaller, more versatile package.

When you open the box, the first thing you notice is how much smaller this mic is compared to the original MD421. It comes with a rim mount, which is super handy and makes it really easy to set up around your toms. It’s clear that the design is well thought out.

As for build quality, this mic feels solid and durable. Despite its smaller size, it’s clear it’s built to last. The all-metal body gives it a rugged feel – making it suitable for both studio work and touring.

MD421 Sound Quality

In terms of sound, I have to say, it’s a great addition to my setup. It has a warm low-end response and focused mids that make it excellent for toms. I really like how it sounds. It captures a deep, powerful tone. It’s definitely got a beefy, punchy sound.

It gives you the same tone and clarity you expect from the legendary MD421. It captures the full dynamic range of each hit. You get a strong, defined attack while still hearing the body of the drum, which gives each tom a punchy, round sound with depth. 

The cardioid pattern keeps the sound tight, reducing bleed from cymbals or snare. I found the off-axis rejection is pretty impressive with only minimal cymbal bleed.

I think that compared to other tom mics, these have an especially strong mid/low end response.

MD421 Kompakt Positioning

The fact you can now clip these onto your drums with the included rim mounts is awesome. The setup process is a lot smoother. Instead of using bulky stands that take up extra floorspace, I can just clip it straight onto the drum hoop. 

Plus, the smaller size and more compact design mean I can get the mic right up close to my toms without it being obstructive.

In use with the rim mount there’s a tiny bit of bounce, but overall It’s stable and doesn’t move around much at all.

I will say, in terms of size, although it’s now half the size of the original MD421, it is still not the most compact tom mic out there. It’s still larger than the Sennheiser E604 for comparison, and also slightly larger than my Audix D2s and Earthworks DM20s. 

Nonetheless, it isn’t obstructive at all, and it doesn’t get in the way of my playing.

Value for Money

The Sennheiser MD421 Kompakt comes with a premium price tag. It’s definitely an investment for a single dynamic mic, but with that said, this microphone is more versatile than other mics which are specifically designed for toms, such as the Sennheiser E604 or Audix D2.

I think where this mic excels is its versatility, and will offer greater value for drummers who need a multi-functional microphone.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a robust, high-quality mic that delivers legendary sound and versatility, the MD421 Kompakt is worth the investment. 

Verdict

If you’re after something that’s built to last, sounds amazing, and is super flexible, the MD421 Kompakt is worth the investment. It’s also worth noting that it comes in about 20% cheaper than the full size MD421, even though they are nearly identical sonically. 

It’s also worth mentioning that the MD421 Kompakt doesn’t just excel on drums; it can be used on guitar cabinets and for vocals, and will do an awesome job. So, if you’re a drummer who wants a mic that can do more than just toms, you can do plenty with this.

However,  if you’re on a tighter budget and are mostly looking for something to capture your toms, I’d probably suggest looking at the E604 as one of the best tom mics that will get you great results without breaking the bank. 

The E604 comes out at less than half the price of the MD421 Kompakt, and I don’t think there is a huge upgrade when it comes to sound. Plus, the E604 is even more compact and easy to use from my experience.