SENNHEISER MD 406

An unusual early Sennheiser dynamic microphone design. The MD 406 features a distinctive spherical capsule and grille architecture, with a wide cylindrical body, straight conical transition to the head, no on-board switch or clothing clip, and an original large flat-blade Tuchel connector.

This example is particularly interesting as an early professional Sennheiser configuration. Sonically, it is clear, immediate and surprisingly refined, with excellent articulation and a character that works just as naturally on instruments as on voice. Here, the physical configuration suggests a microphone intended more for conventional handheld, instrument or studio use than for reporter use.

OPTICAL CONDITION

Excellent vintage condition.

The silver body and grille are exceptionally clean, showing only minimal traces of handling. The mesh is clean and free of significant dents.

TECHNICAL CONDITION

REFURBISHED

Fully tested and perfectly functioning.

THIS LISTING INCLUDES

• Sennheiser MD 406 microphone
• Original Sennheiser case

BUILD & DESIGN

The MD 406 uses Sennheiser’s characteristic spherical perforated grille over a dynamic capsule, combined with a substantially wider cylindrical metal body.

The body terminates in a straight conical shoulder beneath the capsule, giving the microphone a particularly solid and purposeful construction. There is no clothing clip and no integrated on/off switch.

At the bottom is the microphone’s original large flat-blade Tuchel connector, placing it firmly within Sennheiser’s earlier professional connector ecosystem.

The overall construction feels like a conventional professional handheld or instrument microphone.

SOUND / FREQUENCY RESPONSE

The MD 406 has a remarkably articulate sound for an early dynamic microphone. The presentation is clean, immediate and detailed, with controlled low and high ends, a highly intelligible midrange and an open upper register.

There is a characteristic presence emphasis that gives instruments and voices definition without the microphone becoming excessively hard or aggressive. The restrained low and high ends also make it particularly useful at close distances, where many dynamics can become overly heavy.

WHERE IT SHINES

A particularly interesting choice for guitar amplifiers, acoustic instruments, percussion, speech and character vocals. Its combination of relatively lean lows and strong articulation allows a source to sit clearly in a recording without requiring extensive EQ.