MD 421 KOMPAKT + Drum Clamp

The Sennheiser MD 421 KOMPAKT + Drum Clamp is a compact, professional-grade dynamic cardioid microphone engineered specifically for close-miking percussion. Building on the legendary sonic heritage of the MD 421 II, the KOMPAKT variant strips the design down to a shorter, lighter body purpose-built for tight studio and live setups. The included drum clamp mounts directly to a drum rim, eliminating mic stands from the equation and giving engineers precise, repeatable placement every session. Together, they form a complete capture system designed around the realities of drum recording.

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Compact form factor built for percussion

At roughly two-thirds the length of the standard MD 421 II, the KOMPAKT's reduced footprint dramatically changes what's possible in tight drum configurations. Whether tucked inside a kick drum, angled over a snare, or clipped to a rack tom, the mic stays out of the performer's way without compromising on sound. The integrated five-position bass roll-off switch — a hallmark of the MD 421 family — gives engineers on-mic control over low-frequency content, making proximity effect a tool rather than a problem. The cardioid polar pattern provides strong off-axis rejection, keeping bleed from adjacent drums and cymbals to a minimum even in dense mix environments.

The MZH 421 drum clamp: a mounting system that works

The bundled MZH 421 drum clamp is not an afterthought. It locks onto drum rims quickly and holds firmly under the vibrations of heavy playing, rotating to allow precise angle adjustment. Once set, position is repeatable take after take — a significant advantage in multi-session productions where consistent tone across recording days is essential. The clamp integrates naturally with the KOMPAKT's body, creating a low-profile assembly that sits close to the drum head and captures the attack and body of the hit with clarity and punch.

Professional-grade sound with Sennheiser heritage

The MD 421 KOMPAKT delivers the wide frequency response and transient handling expected of Sennheiser's professional dynamic microphone line. A frequency range of 30 Hz to 17 kHz captures the full spectrum of a drum kit — from the deep sub-resonance of a kick to the crack of snare wire. With a maximum SPL handling of 160 dB, the mic takes everything a drummer can deliver without flinching. The dynamic transducer requires no phantom power and is road-ready, built for the consistent abuse of touring and the precision demands of studio recording alike.

Why We Love This

Drummers and engineers trust the MD 421 KOMPAKT because it solves real problems. The compact body clears the snare stick stroke and fits inside kick ports with ease. The rim clamp means setup is faster and more consistent than stand-and-clip solutions. The five-position bass filter hands control directly to the engineer at the source. And behind all of it is the MD 421's decades-proven transducer — a mic that has appeared on more hit drum records than most can count.

Top Ten Features

• Compact body — shorter than MD 421 II for tight drum placements

• Cardioid polar pattern with excellent off-axis rejection

• Five-position bass roll-off switch for on-mic low-end control

• Handles up to 160 dB SPL — built for extreme drum transients

• Wide frequency response: 30 Hz – 17 kHz

• Dynamic transducer — no phantom power required

• MZH 421 drum clamp included for rimless, stand-free mounting

• Adjustable clamp angle for precise head placement

• Robust build quality suited to live touring and studio use

• Backed by Sennheiser's MD 421 professional heritage