I need some input from Sennheiser mic experts. I have a chance to buy either a 421 or a 441 – both used. The 441 is a bit pricier (obviously), and I am just wondering if it is worth paying more. In essence, I am looking to try a high quality dynamic microphone. Any thoughts/opinions on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

They are very different mics. (I do have both in my own mic. box).

The 421 is a cardioid and can be used for a wide range of applications (including, brass, vocal, speech, drums, etc.....). Everyone should have one, it is so versatile.

The 441 is a super-cardioid and Sennheiser designed it to be the closest thing to a condenser mic. in a dynamic. It is a superb mic. (even good for vocals if you remember the old Elton John poster).

It is nice to have both - if you only have enough money for one I would go for the 421, if you don't have one already.

I don't know how much you are being asked for the s/h ones but the brand-new price (ex-VAT) is £342 for the 421 and £599 for the 441.

I hope this helps.

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John - Sound-Link ProAudio
President - Federation Internationale des Chasseurs de Sons

Thanks!

I also have both mics, and love them both, but as John mentions, they are different beasts!

I think the 441 is a bit brighter, and I love it on the bottom of the snare, horns, and on clean electric guitars, or on distorted guitars as a second mic to get some more "bite".

The 421 is a bit darker and warmer, and I love it on toms and distorted electrics. There are also those that use the 421 on kick drums, although I have never tried that.

Both mics can be used for vocals as well, I have used the 421 on a heavy metal "screamer" before, and it was just the ticket.

As John mentions, both are great mics, and get tons of use on almost every session I run, which is not something I cannot say about most of the rest of the mics in my collection.

I have two 421s and one 441, and I'd have to say that I prefer the 441 between the two models as being the most unique. I can sometimes substitute an SM57 for my 421's and get by...definitely not the same mics nor the same sound, but I do use them in similar ways for similar sources. The 441 however is just so wonderful, there is no other mic that can do what the 441 does!!!

However (once again!), as John mentions, the 421 is a great mic to have in your mic cabinet. It is certainly more versatile than the 441, and will get tons of use. If you already have a good collection of dynamics (57's, 58's, etc.), you might consider the 441 instead.

Good luck!!!

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James
"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake" ~Napoleon Bonaparte~