A ppearances are deceiving sometimes. Tweak presses a button on Tweakland's Magic Console and a glass display case of microphones rises out of the floor.  Tweak says, "think of the microphone as a marriage".  Yes.  As something you want to spend the rest of your life with.  "Choose carefully".  Newb...

Although the Sennheiser company has been making all types of microphone in Germany since the end of World War II, it's probably fair to say that its most iconic designs (like the 421 and the 441) are moving-coil dynamics rather than condensers.

The Sennheiser 421 is a large diaphragm dynamic microphone that came out originally in the early 60s and quickly became known as a really good sounding robust mic that could handle high spls.

I have many microphones in my collection and this one adds to it's value. It is a rare European model not often seen in the US market.

I place this mic in front of the guitar can, and it delivers a clear, bright tone. Gets the job done without any problem.

I found it to be too warm and harsh for video game commentaries and vocal work. SM7b keeps knocking all these cheap mics out. It's natural. I need to get natural mics! If you want warmth and harsh and a muddy sound then get this.

RE27 or MD421 II ? That was the choice for me. No phantom power stuff that requires unnecessary interfacing etc. After hearing both on air, and comparing the technical specs of many, many, microphones the most natural and to my ears and also has a unique sound, the Sennheiser won the battle.

You can pay much more for less...For all of us with a limited budget, this mic is the one to purchase...Have fun!

I love the sound of this when paired with my SM57 - they go great together. The SmM57 gets the highs and the mids and the 421 gets the darker mids and great lows.

An all-around superb sounding, versatile, and sturdy mic for recording voice, percussion, and guitar. Substantial bottom end, silky vocal reproduction, great SPL and the adjustable response make this the workhorse in my studio and for the stage.