Sennheiser
Sennheiser MD 431 II
Dynamic, supercardioid, handheld vocal mic with shock-mounted capsule, hum-bucking coil and lockable reed on/off switch
Power None (passive). Low output: it needs a lot of preamp gain.
- Type
- Dynamic
- Pattern
- Supercardioid
- Sensitivity
- −54 dBV/Pa
- Among 78 dynamics: more output than 47%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 16%
- Rated range
- 40 – 18k Hz
vs 25 handheld dynamics
More output than 29% of 25 handheld dynamics.
Each stripe is one handheld dynamic with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet, p. 1.
Titled "Frequency response"; legend 0°, 90°, 120°; drawn as absolute sensitivity ("dBv"). Distance, room and smoothing not stated.
The manufacturer draws absolute sensitivity (dBV/Pa); shifted here by a constant so 1 kHz is near 0 dB.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet, p. 1.
Titled "Polar pattern". Each frequency is drawn on one side only (125 to 1000 Hz left, 2000 to 16000 Hz right); the pattern is taken as symmetric. Measuring conditions not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | −54 dBV/Pa (2 mV/Pa)free field, no load, 1 kHz; ± 3 dB; also −53 dBV/Pa, 2003 instructions: field open-circuit sensitivity at 1 kHz, "2.2 mV/ Pa ± 2.5 dB ( = - 53 dBV)". "Sensitivity (free field, no load, 1 kHz) 2.0 mV/Pa ± 3 dB"; converted (20 log10 0.002). | p. 1 |
| Output impedance | 250 ohmnominal, 1 kHz | |
| Rated load impedance | 1000 ohmminimum terminating impedance. "Min. terminating impedance 1 kΩ". | |
| Rated frequency range | 40 Hz to 18 kHz"Frequency response 40 – 18,000 Hz"; the 2003 instructions give the same "transmission range". | |
| Powering | none (passive)Not stated by the manufacturer: A dynamic mic; no powering is mentioned. | |
| Switches | power: on, off"On/off switch (reed switch) can be locked in the ‚ON‘ position if required"; recessed in the handle. | |
| Connector | XLR-3 | |
| Weight | 250 galso 230, 2003 instructions, "aprox. 230 g" | |
| Dimensions | 49 × 200 mm"Ø 49 x 200 mm" (diameter by length); the 2003 instructions agree. | |
| Supplied accessories | MZA 4031 quick release clamp"Delivery includes". | |
| Construction | Shock-suspended capsule, hum-bucking (hum compensating) coil, steel-mesh grille, integral pop filter | |
| Proximity effect | Internal electronics for refining proximity effect | |
| Article number | 001605 | |
| From the manual (Recording Hacks copy) | ||
| Acoustic operating mode | Pressure-gradient receiver | p. 2 |
| Optional accessories | StageHand quick-change clamp (art. no. 3388); MZW 4032 pop/windshields in five colours; MZW 416-1 windshield | |
Documents
- MD 431 II Dynamic microphone, Product SpecificationSP 1319 v1.0
- MD 431-II Instructions for usePubl. 01/03, 53696 / A 02
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents), unchanged, with their original addresses. Each is © its publisher.