1971 Sennheiser MD 421 N - West Germany - Time Capsule, Complete w/ QC Sheet, 15 FEB 1971

Part vintage microphone, part time capsule.

Offered here is an exceptionally preserved February 15, 1971 Sennheiser MD 421 N, manufactured in West Germany and accompanied by its original factory frequency response quality control sheet dated the very day it left production.

This example was recently uncovered in Germany after 55 years of careful, dry storage. It presents not as a “well-kept” vintage microphone, but as a true time capsule.

The microphone remains in its original protective plastic sleeve. The grille is pristine. The Tuchel connector pins are bright and untouched. The housing shows no evidence of handling wear, oxidation, or studio use. Even the red interior lining of the leatherette case remains vivid and unfaded - something rarely seen on examples from this era.

The documentation is equally remarkable: bright white, free from discoloration, and preserved exactly as it was packed. The QC sheet is clean and legible, folded only along its original factory creases.

Complete Set Includes:

• Original blue Sennheiser MD 421 N retail box

• Serial-matched factory labels (No. 51338)

• Original leatherette zip case with red interior

• Factory frequency response QC sheet dated 15 FEB 1971

• “Mikrofon Anschluss Fibel” booklet (5th expanded edition)

• 1-Year Guarantee card (unfilled)

• Original HiFi DIN 45500 hang tag

• New Tuchel-to-XLR adapter cable


This is a fully intact, serial-consistent early 1971 set.

Why Early 421 N Models Matter:

Produced during Sennheiser’s West German manufacturing era, the MD 421 N represents the original Tuchel-era specification before later connector standardisation and subsequent revisions.

Early 421 N examples from the late 1960s and early 1970s are particularly sought after among engineers and collectors for their robust internal construction, transformer-balanced output stage, and the distinctive capsule voicing that helped define countless drum, guitar cabinet, brass, and broadcast recordings.

While the MD 421 remains in production today, original West German “N” versions in complete, preserved condition are increasingly scarce. Those accompanied by dated factory QC documentation tying them to a specific production day are almost non-existent. It is difficult to imagine finding another example preserved so completely from this period.

Condition & Functionality:

The microphone has been carefully tested in February 2026 to confirm full operational integrity while maintaining originality.

• Output level consistent with period-correct MD 421 N sensitivity

• Clean signal path with no crackle or intermittent behavior

• M/S roll-off switch smooth and fully functional

• Connector threads stable and secure

• Balanced operation verified

It performs exactly as a healthy early MD 421 N should.

Examples of this model appear from time to time.

Examples like this do not.

A museum-grade 1971 MD 421 N for the collector, engineer, or studio seeking a truly preserved West German original.

Shipping:

Ships from Ireland via fully insured tracked service with signature confirmation.

International buyers are responsible for any applicable customs duties or import taxes.

Local collection available.