Sennheiser Consumer Audio MD 441-U Dynamic Super-Cardioid Microphone,Black

I am a bass-baritone and use this mic to record vocals in a space with bad acoustics where a condenser had been giving me less than stellar results. It's sound is phenomenal and very easy to sit in a mix. The built in high-pass filter is a bit heavy handed so for my voice I set it on the first position after "M" and cut the lows in the mixer; if you have a higher voice you can probably set it 2 positions after "M'. You CAN get really close to this mic with minimal proximity effect boominess but for recording I get the best results about 3 inches away. The bright switch is excellent, I always leave it on. This is probably going to be both my recording AND live mic for life!

Those in the know will recognize this amazing microphone. For the rest, let me clarify: Sennheiser...say it with me...ahh...isn't that better? This microphone is the top of the line. Yes, it's expensive, and worth every penny. Not as durable as a Shure 58, but then again, it's not meant to be. The signal/noise ratio is astonishing, separation outside the pattern is excellent, isolating just what's in front of it, and if looks are important, you're not going to be disappointed. This is an excellent choice for so many applications. The build is what we've all come to expect from German engineering and manufacturing - there is nothing better. Take good care of it, and you will only need to buy one, ever. Simply one of the most elegant and functionally perfect pieces of equipment I've ever owned.

I normally don't write reviews - but I saw this listing and just had an experience with the 441 so I thought - what the heck...I've had my 441 for 20+ years and have used it on and off over the years in a variety of applications. But just last week I was having trouble getting a sound I wanted from a floor tom. After trying 4 or 5 mics that should have done the job but didn't, I pulled out the 441 and put it up - and it was great - really clear, focused, and a nice full tonality that included great stick definition on the head. Also, minimal bleed from the other drums. The next day I had a male "screamer" type kid in the studio. I don't get a lot of these types of clients, but I've been using a Shure SM7 lately on this type of voice and getting a good sound. I saw the 441 still on the tom from the day before and thought I'd give it a shot, just to see. I was really amazed at how much better the track sounded. Really much clearer - and with a whole lot more thickness - not mud or hype - just a clean thick sound that held up really well to the high SPL and didn't require any eq.Like everyone else, I've ended up with a variety of mics over time. Until last week I forgot how much I liked the 441 - and just how versatile it is. Lesson learned, I shouldn't get too comfortable with the way I do things.When I bought the 441 20 years ago (about $500 if I remember correctly) I was recording to 1/2" tape and thought it sounded great. The amazing thing is that now that we record digitally, it sounds better to me than it did then - and better than a lot of other newer mics I have.I still get excited about new mics and will try and add some new tube and ribbon mics. And $800 can buy a lot of good mics today. But this dynamic is still something special. Bottom line is - if anything happened to my 441, I'd replace it.

Highly overrated. Don't waste your time.

Probably the best dynamic microphone for vocals ever made. My first experience with one of these was on an FM station. The combination of microphone and the station's audio processing brought out parts of my voice I didn't know I had. In the time since then, I've used one for vocals on an AM station and for voice-tracking scripted stories for television. The noise-rejection super-cardioid design minimizes any problems with room acoustics, but insists that the person directly address the microphone and be cautious about plosive voicings. Any pro will already know the technique. I bought this one a few years ago on fears it may soon go out of production. As it was, I located and bought what Sennheiser says was the last of the original mic holders for the 441, a beautiful clear holder that was somewhat fragile on stage, and was replaced by the ugly black lump they include today.

An industry standard.

This is my second 441. All-time favorite mic! Gives the closest sound to an unmiced voice or instrument. Excellent in any conditions in which I have used it live and in studio. Looks super cool, too; very Star Trekian. Fast shipping. Knowledgeable and prompt response to questions by Sennheiser, they are very available to their customers. Mic is so well made and solid, and the case is sturdy. Comes with individualized output graph and substantial mic stand clamp. 2 year manufacturer's warranty. Worth every penny. ADORE!