Sennheiser MD 42

A Reporting Classic: Sennheiser's Field-Oriented Approach

The Sennheiser MD 42 follows the tradition of dynamic microphones designed for live use and environments where there is no room for retakes. Its construction prioritizes consistency and durability, featuring a special steel grille and internal architecture aimed at minimizing typical nuisances of on-the-fly shoots and recordings: gusts of wind, frequent handling, passing the microphone from hand to hand, and inevitable minor shocks.

Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?

The MD 42 is intended for journalists, TV and radio crews, interviewers, event production teams, and content creators recording on the move. Its omnidirectional characteristic makes it a particularly reassuring choice when the speaker moves, turns their head, or when the microphone-to-mouth distance varies: intelligibility remains stable and the sound capture stays consistent without requiring millimeter-precise placement.

Voice-Focused Performance: Tolerance, Clarity, Endurance

Omnidirectional: More Forgiving Capture in Interviews

In reporting, the priority is often to obtain clear and usable speech, even when conditions change rapidly. The MD 42's omnidirectional directivity promotes a natural and uniform sound, reducing "misses" caused by poor axis alignment. This is a concrete advantage for quick exchanges, vox pops, and spontaneous speech where speed and securing the result are essential.

Reduced Unwanted Noise: Wind, Plosives, and Handling

The MD 42 incorporates a double membrane protection system, designed to better contain wind noise and plosives. Its elastic capsule suspension contributes to strong handling noise suppression : a key point whenever the microphone is handheld, pointed towards a speaker, or constantly repositioned during an interview.

Ergonomics and Robustness: Made for Field Use

Thanks to its extra-long body, the grip is more stable and comfortable, helping maintain a consistent distance and limiting unintentional rubbing noises. The metal construction and black special steel grille are adapted to field constraints, while preserving a sound signature focused on spoken voice and the reliability expected for broadcast applications.

Technical specifications

Frequency response	40 Hz - 18 kHz	Capsule	dynamic
Category	wired microphone	Color	Black
Directivity	omnidirectional

Transducer principle	dynamic	Connector	XLR-3
Sensitivity (free field, open circuit, 1 kHz)	2.0 mV/Pa	Grille	special steel, black
Nominal impedance	350 Ohm	Dimensions	49 x 250 mm
Minimum load impedance	1000 Ohm	Weight	360 g