Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. Prices were checked on the date shown and may change.
An introduction to Sennheiser MD 435, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Dynamic vocal microphone with nuanced resolution and transparency for a detailed sound.
— Sennheiser official site
What is MD 435?
The Sennheiser MD 435 is a dynamic vocal microphone. Sennheiser describes it as a high-end model that reproduces vocals clearly even in loud, live settings. It has a cardioid pattern and a wired XLR connection.
Sennheiser says its tonal character is shared with the MD 9235 wireless transmitter capsule. A lightweight, fast-responding aluminum-copper voice coil refines high frequencies with detail. The MD 435 makes this available as a wired microphone.
On the construction side, the capsule is spring-mounted to shield it from handling noise, and a hum compensation coil reduces electromagnetic interference. The body is rugged metal.
It is designed for live use, but may also suit home vocal recording or narration. As a dynamic microphone it needs no phantom power; connect it to an audio interface mic input with an XLR cable.
Lightweight aluminum-copper voice coil
Sennheiser says the fast-responding coil refines high frequencies in detail, which may help capture small changes in a voice.
Cardioid pickup pattern
The cardioid pattern mainly picks up sound from the front. Sennheiser says it allows varying distances and angles and resists feedback.
Large diaphragm diameter
Sennheiser lists a large diaphragm diameter among the key features.
Spring-mounted capsule
The capsule is spring-mounted internally to shield it from body-borne noise, which suits handheld use.
Hum compensation coil
A hum compensation coil counters electromagnetic interference, which may help on a desk crowded with gear.
Rugged metal body
The body is rugged metal; dimensions are 47.5 mm diameter x 181 mm and weight is 350 g.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Transducer principle | Dynamic |
| Pick-up pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency response | 40 – 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 1.8 mV/Pa (-54.9 dBV/Pa, free field, 1 kHz) |
| Dynamic range | 146 dB(A) |
| Nominal impedance | 245 ohms (1 kHz) |
| Min. terminating impedance | 1 kilohm |
| Connector | XLR-3M |
| Dimensions | 47.5 mm diameter x 181 mm |
| Weight | 350 g |
What is included and system requirements
- MD 435 microphone (art. no. 508827)
- Optional accessories: MD 435 basket (black) and MD 435 pop protection (art. no. 509206)
How to use it
- Attach the microphone to a stand clip or boom arm.
- Connect it to an interface mic input with an XLR cable.
- As a dynamic microphone it does not need phantom power.
- Place it about 5-15 cm from the mouth, angled slightly to avoid plosives.
- Raise the gain gradually while singing normally and check the level.
- With -54.9 dBV/Pa sensitivity, quiet voices may need plenty of gain.
- Use the optional pop protection if needed.
- Vary the distance while singing to check level and tone.
Live and stage
Sennheiser positions it for live use; its feedback resistance may be reassuring close to speakers.
Home vocal recording
Dynamic microphones tend to pick up less room reflection, so it may be worth trying in a room with a lot of reverberation.
Streaming and narration
As an XLR dynamic mic it may also work for streaming through an interface.
Guitar amp or snare
The official use is vocals, but a dynamic design for loud levels may be worth trying on other sources.
Who it may suit
- Those wanting a vocal mic for both live and studio use
- Those who want detail in high frequencies when tracking vocals
- Those who want a mic that works without phantom power
- Those looking for a rugged metal handheld
Good to know before you buy
- It is XLR only (not a USB microphone).
- At 350 g it can be heavy for light boom arms.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Shure Nexadyne 8
The MD 435 is a cardioid dynamic with a 40-20,000 Hz response and 350 g weight. The Nexadyne 8 uses a dual-engine design with a choice of 8/C (cardioid) or 8/S (supercardioid), and comes with a mic clip and case.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
See MD 435 on the product page
Sources: sennheiser.com (checked 2026-10-27)
Comments