Sennheiser 421 Tom Mic Question

[johnbarnesiii]

Hi guys, I’m in the process of buying some mics for recording my drum kit. I’m interested in the Sennheiser 421, as I’ve heard they’ve been a staple for tom mics for a long time.

I’m noticing many different versions for this mic when I look on Reverb or eBay for example. Which one to go for? For example, I see 421-N as more expensive, then I see 421-II as a little cheaper. And a few other models/iterations of the 421. What’s the difference here and which to recommend?

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JFreak]

As an engineer, 421-II is the modern one you want to be using today. The old ones have the original sound and all but are tricky as hell because they are so old.

But if that is what you are after, the 421-N (mk1) sound is rounder and easier to mix, but it also has non-xlr connector. I think the "same thing" with xlr connector is 421-U

Just don't get the HN model, anything else is fine.

[albee1952]

As big a fan as I am of the 421, there are some very good alternatives these days. The Audix D6 and Miktek PM11 are both great on toms, cost less and are easier to position I'm also a big fan of tracking toms with top and bottom mics(which gets really expensive with 421's)

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by albee1952

Audix D6

Isn't that a bit heavy? I like D2's on rack toms, D4's on floor toms

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by albee1952

I'm also a big fan of tracking toms with top and bottom mics(which gets really expensive with 421's)

I like to experiment from time to time as well. What I have found having a SM57 on a tom bottom makes bigger difference (compared to having none) than using a really super expensive mic down there. Besides the mic you choose I get more tonal difference by setting the distance just right. YMMV of course.

[johnbarnesiii]

Originally Posted by JFreak

As an engineer, 421-II is the modern one you want to be using today. The old ones have the original sound and all but are tricky as hell because they are so old.



But if that is what you are after, the 421-N (mk1) sound is rounder and easier to mix, but it also has non-xlr connector. I think the "same thing" with xlr connector is 421-U



Just don't get the HN model, anything else is fine.

Thank you Jfreak!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[albee1952]

Originally Posted by JFreak

Isn't that a bit heavy? I like D2's on rack toms, D4's on floor toms

Not at all(to me). I like the D6 better than the others you mention. It all comes down to how you balance the top/bottom in a mix. If I need less "fatness", the Miktek PM10 is a solid alternative, or I will ease up on the EQ(I know I sound like a Miktek fanboy, but their stuff has worked really well for me and I can actually talk to somebody there if I have an issue or question)

[JamesTheBest]

Sennheiser 421 - is a very good mic
I've been using for almost 2 months already