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MD421 repair question [message #415304]

Thu, 02 April 2009 15:39

jrmintz
Messages: 361
Registered: March 2009
Location: NY

Active Member

Hi all,

A friend of mine sent an older 421 to Sennheiser for repair. He was told by a customer service person - not a tech - that the mic needed a new capsule and they were unable to do the repair because "they didn't have access to the capsules". Has anyone heard anything like that? Are the new capsules so different that they can't go in an older mic?

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Re: MD421 repair question [message #415340 is a reply to message #415304 ]

Thu, 02 April 2009 18:32

panman
Messages: 229
Registered: May 2007
Location: Bern,Switzerland

Active Member

Hi Seth,
I did not get that "access" part, but it is true, that these new capsules are mounted totally different and don`t fit the old mics without some heavy modifications. Now, that does not mean it cannot be done, but Sennheiser would not do it.
It is also a fact, that it is not the same capsule and it does not have same properties as the old ones. It is not far away, but the old ones simply win. Besides, the capsule alone would cost almost the price of a new mic(correct me, if I`m wrong). These old capsules can also be repaired, but I would suggest your friend to buy a second-hand old-style mic. That is likely to cost less than a new capsule.
But if someone decides to fit a new capsule into an older MD421, this is a possible way:
The first pic shows the two capsules and how they are differing from each other(black:new,grey:old). The second one shows a new capsule modified with a mounting-rod from an old capsule glued into the center hole. The rod has threads on both ends, but you have to push the thick end into the center hole, that it fits tight. Closing the hole does not change the sound as I noticed and the older ones don`t have a hole anyway.
Regards,
Esa
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