Chat about Equipment Info
 #67092  by folkhippy
 
I was wondering if anyone knew what brand thoes big black mics the Dead used beginning 76-77 were? They are used in the Closing of Winterland movie and can be seen in many concert photos from that era. They look like studio vocal mics.
 #67093  by jdsmodulus
 
I'm pretty sure your seeing the Sennheiser MD421
 #67106  by SarnoMusicSolutions
 
The Sennheiser 421 is THE drum (toms) mic for sure. Also it's THE mic for Jerry's JBL cabinet. Although Healy messed with some other mic's at times, the 421 is THE Jerry speaker mic for me. I like it as a kick drum mic too as it was for them for a long stretch of time. It's a good clear vocal mic, but not great about feedback rejection. You can see them singing into them for quite a stretch of time.

The 421 is one of those essential mic's for anyone with a mic collection. Clear and big and up front sounding mic.


Brad
 #67124  by 1960strat
 
There are a bunch of these mics for sale on ebay. Does it make sense to go after a vintage one? are there any years that are better than others?
 #67157  by SarnoMusicSolutions
 
Avoid the MKII models as they are reported to be harsh and nasty sounding. It's hard to know how much cost cutting and changes Sennheiser has made in recent years, even to the more standard version. Personally, I'd buy clean used older ones on eBay. Save money and also get from the era where we know they're good.


Brad
 #67159  by Laytonco
 
Hey Brad, quick check here. On ebay I am seeing some good deals ($200 less than retail) on new Sennheiser MD421 II dynamic microphones. You said avoid MKII. Just checking because I may pull the trigger and get a few of these for the band.

Peace,

Gil
 #67160  by jdsmodulus
 
Laytonco wrote:Hey Brad, quick check here. On ebay I am seeing some good deals ($200 less than retail) on new Sennheiser MD421 II dynamic microphones. You said avoid MKII. Just checking because I may pull the trigger and get a few of these for the band.

Peace,

Gil
Just to chime in here I would buy these new with no problem I have used newer ones in the studio and they rock! But I do agree with Brad that the quality may be compromised since the Boys used them, still using them today would be awsome!