Sennheiser MD 441-U Dynamic Supercardioid Microphone
SKU
Price range: $50 through $550
Professional dynamic supercardioid microphone with near-condenser accuracy. Flat 30Hz–20kHz response, 5-position bass roll-off, 2-position brilliance (treble boost) switch, critically damped capsule suspension, and hum-compensating coil. Exceptional off-axis rejection for noisy environments. No phantom power required. Standard 3-pin XLR (U3). Includes mic clip and carry pouch.
Description
The Sennheiser MD 441-U is widely regarded as the finest multipurpose dynamic microphone ever made — a supercardioid studio dynamic that delivers condenser-like accuracy, low noise, and textbook polar pattern control in a rugged all-metal body. Its nearly flat 30Hz–20kHz frequency response, critically damped capsule suspension, and hum-compensating coil produce clean, natural results across vocals, instruments, voiceover, broadcast, and field recording.
Five-position bass roll-off and a high-frequency brilliance switch give you surgical control over proximity effect and presence — critical when recording in untreated spaces or noisy environments. The tight supercardioid pattern kills off-axis bleed from monitors, crowd noise, and room ambience with exceptional precision. Supplied with the standard 3-pin XLR connector (U3).
SPECIFICATIONS
| Transducer Type Dynamic (moving coil) |
Polar Pattern Supercardioid |
| Frequency Response 30 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
Sensitivity 1.8 mV/Pa (±2 dB) |
| Nominal Impedance 200 Ω |
Min. Terminating Impedance 1000 Ω |
| Bass Roll-Off 5-position switch (M, 1, 2, 3, S) |
Brilliance Switch 2-position (flat / +4dB treble boost) |
| Connector 3-pin XLR (U3) |
Power Requirement None — passive dynamic |
| Body All-metal, black leatherette finish |
Weight 450g (approx. 16 oz) |
BEST FOR
Dynamic Mic Rental Tips
Position M is flat — the full natural response of the microphone. Start here and only roll off low frequencies if you’re experiencing proximity effect (boominess from close-miking) or low-end rumble. For voiceover and narration at 15–20cm, positions 1 or 2 often give the most natural broadcast tone.
The MD 441-U is a passive dynamic microphone — it requires no phantom power (+48V) from your preamp or audio interface. You can safely use it with any XLR input. That said, because of its relatively low sensitivity (1.8 mV/Pa), it benefits from a clean, high-gain preamp for quiet sources.
The MD 441-U’s supercardioid pattern is tighter than a standard cardioid — excellent for rejection but unforgiving of off-axis positioning. Point the mic directly at the sound source and keep it on-axis. In interviews, mount it on a boom positioned at 45° from above rather than handheld for consistent results.
The high-frequency brilliance switch adds approximately 4dB of treble boost above 8kHz — useful for cutting through a dense mix on a loud live stage or adding air to a voice that sounds slightly dull in a dead acoustic environment. For most studio recording, leave it flat and add presence in post if needed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s the difference between the U3 and U5 versions?
The U3 has a standard 3-pin XLR connector — the industry standard for professional audio. The U5 has a 5-pin XLR used in certain broadcast and intercom systems. For film, video, and general audio production, the U3 (this unit) is what you want. It works with every standard recorder, mixer, camera, and audio interface.
How does it compare to the Sennheiser MD 421?
The MD 421 is a cardioid with a more coloured, characterful sound — especially in the midrange — and is a classic choice for drum toms, guitar cabs, and broadcast. The MD 441-U has a flatter, more accurate response closer to a condenser microphone, making it more versatile across a broader range of sources including vocals, voiceover, brass, and strings. The 441 also has a tighter supercardioid pattern for better rejection.
Does it come with a stand mount or clip?
Yes — a standard microphone clip and carry pouch are included. A boom arm or mic stand is not included and should be rented or sourced separately. For boom pole / on-camera operation, a shock mount is recommended to reduce handling noise transmission.
Is it suitable for recording in untreated rooms?
Yes — the supercardioid pattern is one of the MD 441-U’s greatest strengths in untreated spaces. It rejects room reflections and ambience far better than cardioid or omnidirectional mics. Combined with the five-position bass roll-off to manage low-frequency room buildup, it’s an excellent choice for recording in homes, offices, and location environments that aren’t acoustically treated.
Rent the Sennheiser MD 441-U Dynamic Supercardioid Microphone in Williams Lake, BC — available by appointment from Gear Locker, serving photographers, filmmakers, videographers, wedding professionals, event planners, corporate event coordinators, and production crews across the Cariboo-Chilcotin region.
| Rental Duration | 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days, 1 Week, 2 Weeks, 3 Weeks, 1 Month |
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