Sennheiser MD 421-II

Okay, today this forum is about as active as a hundred-year old marathon runner, so I decided to breathe a little bit of life into it, just to stir up some talk. I'd like to hear from any users of the MD421 and comments pertaining to its use for home-based webcasting. I've listened to the files of 'The Ultimate Podcasting Mic Shootout' and I would say at least 50 times, and by golly I sure do like the sound and specs of that mic. Even so, I don't seem to find much discussion about it so either it's not that popular or I just suck at using the search criteria.

By the way I'll beat some of you to the punch by stating that no, I don't need it. Due to medical issues I'm home a good part of the time so I can justify more than one mic. Seems like it might provide a little bit more noise canceling than my Electro-Voice, but I'm just speculating at this point.

My current mic is an RE20 which I like, and it replaced my PR40, which in turn replaced my Apogee condenser mic. I don't plan to return any more mic's at this point as I'll just become a collector like some of you guys.

http://recordinghacks.com/2011/06/02...-mic-shootout/

I think it really boils down to what you like and your budget. This mic is a tad too bright for me, and if you get off axis, you're in trouble. I like the smoother sound of the RE20, and it's off axis response is "More Forgiving." The Heil PR40 is a great sound, a little fuller and brighter as well, and like the Sennheiser MD 421-II, it too is not forgiving for off axis response.

A big surprise for me, when compared to the EV RE20 was the Rode "ProCaster." To me it sounds like a cross between the EV RE20 and the Heil PR40, but it's off axis response rivals the RE20, which to me is a big plus. Also, the price is very attractive at around $230US, when compared to $450US for the RE20. I've seen a whole ProCaster package for $327US, which includes the ProCaster, it's shock mount and scissor boom.

Here's an audio file comparing the RE20 to the ProCaster: Click Here

Again, it really boils to to your personal preferences and budget.

Thanks for the response so maybe I'll give it some more thought as I'm very satisfied with my RE20. Frankly, I was just tempted to give something else a try for the heck of it, but if its similar to the PR40 I think I'll pass. For my voice, the Heil was just too bright although I didn't even know better until I received the Electro-Voice. Wow, what an improvement and the shock mount is super cool and very convenient to move around.

With regard to the mount...I would love if someone would make a universal mount of similar design. I may have to get a RE20 just so I can have the mount :) It's just that cool!

Here's what you need to try if you seem to be feeling a little "Mic-Froggy," and you want a good boost in your audio quality without sacrificing gain for noise... get a Triton Audio FETHEAD. You can give the audio quality of your vocal recording a really good boost and you don't have to sound artificial doing it.

Here's a podcast by "Da Man" Ray Ortega, where he talks about using a Fethead, that was recommended to him by Mike Phillips. He starts talking about it at around -40:05 Click Here

Also the video below is a good example of two things: 1) the Rode ProCaster Mic, 2) the Fethead. Note, he is using a Focusrite Interface turned up to about 9 without the Fethead, and when he plugs it in he turns the gain all the way down. Notice how it enhances the sound and how clean it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNOkuqMwhcY

I think that's the same one that 'Rush' uses. Naturally, there is now four versions available and three of which are tailored to dynamic mic's. I suppose if you have a decent mic pre then the basic version should be good enough. in any event, I've considered that option and may just have to pick one up. Interesting to note that his boom arm dropped slightly with the added weight.

I've got one and it's not that heavy he's probably got his boom adjustments too lose, although that mic is a bit heavy as well. The RE20 weighs 4.5 lbs ya know.

Yep! I'm using the OC White ProBoom Elite 45" Extended Reach Arm and it's absolutely fantastic! Both arms of the boom have three position adjustments for tension, and even with my RE20 with shock mount, the factory settings are perfect! So, where or who is a good source for the Fethead?

These are quick and dirty but you may get the idea.

http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...3115614-X2.jpg

http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/...3125688-X2.jpg

Nice pics, good and clean studio. ZenProAudio (No relation) is the USA Dist. or you can get it at TritanAudio.

Thanks Al for the comments and recommendation. I'm in the process of applying an Audimute 4x4 sheet to see how it works and go from there. Though my set up may look fairly straightforward I can tell you that selecting equipment that I actually liked was not easy. I went through three mic’s, three headsets, and two boom arms before settling on what I have.

Al? Hey Al... couldn't do it without ya bro? :rolleyes:

And this is why I will not do two shows a night! Apparently I took the name from another thread and gave it to you, so sorry about that.
Dan

Quote:

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Originally Posted by docizzen

Al? Hey Al... couldn't do it without ya bro? :rolleyes:

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Somebody calling my name :)

Okay, let's all pile on the bald-headed guy in the rat suit. BTW, I got the Audimute pad up and it has made a difference.

Very cool Dan... I am learning a lot about acoustics as part of this adventure...Read Matthew Mcglynn;s blog on his studio remodel and found it fascinating. He's the same guy who did the mic shoot out you and others have referenced. http://recordinghacks.com/2013/09/18...emodel-part-i/ From the looks of it sound treating my office is going to be quite the challenge. I may have to move the studio to the basement where I have more freedom to demolish :)

Oh and I played defense in football so "piling on" just comes naturally...