ANAHEIM, CA — January 17, 2011: Audio specialist Sennheiser announced that its classic MD 421 microphone was inducted into the TEC Foundation’s TECnology Hall of Fame following a ceremony at the NAMM convention on Friday night. The MD 421, which was originally introduced to the professional audio market in 1960 to broad international acclaim and is still in production as the MD 421 II, has been one of Sennheiser’s best-selling dynamic microphones for decades thanks to its durability, versatility, and ability to handle high sound pressure levels.
The TEC Foundation for Excellence in Audio established the TECnology Hall of Fame in 2004 to honor and recognize audio products and innovations that have made a significant contribution to the advancement of audio technology. Inductees to the TECnology Hall of Fame are chosen by a panel of more than 50 recognized audio experts,
including authors, educators, engineers, facility owners and other professionals. Products or innovations must be at least 10 years old to be considered for induction; last year, the Sennheiser MD 421 celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Since 1960, Sennheiser has manufactured over 500,000 of the MD 421s, many of which are still in use today.
John Falcone, President/CEO of Sennheiser USA, commented: “It is deeply gratifying that the MD 421 has served international musicians and recording artists in so many important capacities since its introduction in 1960. Having this technical accomplishment recognized by the TEC Foundation in this way is especially moving considering the recent passing of Dr.-Ing. Fritz Sennheiser.”
Offering exemplary performance on voices, but equally effective on a wide range of acoustic and amplified instruments, the MD 421 continues to be a fundamental component of any microphone collection both in the studio or on the road. In 2003, Sennheiser released a limited-production MD 421 Special Edition to commemorate the ninetieth birthday of Sennheiser founder, Dr.-Ing. Fritz Sennheiser who passed away last year. The MD 421 II – which features an upgraded design – continues the longstanding tradition of the MD 421 while taking advantage of the latest production techniques and materials.
