Sennheiser Pro Audio MD42 – Ultimate Handheld Dynamic Omnidirectional Microphone Review

With many years of experience testing multipurpose dynamic microphones, I understand what makes a great microphone stand out. In this review, I share my honest and detailed thoughts about the Sennheiser Pro Audio MD42 – Handheld Dynamic Omnidirectional Field ENG/EFP Microphone. I have carefully studied its features and personally tested its performance to provide you with clear and reliable information. My goal is to help you make a smart choice by explaining how this microphone works in real situations, especially its omni-directional pick-up, wind protection, and noise reduction. You can trust this review to guide you toward the best microphone for your needs.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Omni-directional pick-up for clear speech
• ✅ Protective sound-inlet basket reduces wind noise
• ✅ Shock-mounted capsule minimizes handling noise
• ✅ Durable rugged metal housing

What Could Be Better

• ❌ May pick up unwanted background noise
• ❌ Slightly heavier than some handheld mics
• ❌ Limited color options available

Who Should Buy This

The Sennheiser Pro Audio MD42 is perfect for professionals who need a reliable and clear microphone for field recording. It works great for journalists, videographers, and sound engineers who often record interviews or live events outdoors. If you want a durable microphone that picks up sound from all directions, this is a good choice. It is also ideal for anyone who needs fast shipping and wants to start using the microphone quickly.

If you are looking for a microphone mainly for studio use or need a very sensitive microphone for quiet sounds, this might not be the best option. Also, if you prefer a directional microphone that blocks background noise, this omnidirectional mic may pick up too much unwanted sound. In that case, consider other models designed for those specific needs.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Sennheiser
• Model: MD42 (005173)
• Size: 9.8″ x 2.4″ x 1.9″
• Weight: 0.7 Pounds
• Material: Metal housing
• Color Options: Black
• Special Features: Handheld dynamic microphone, Omnidirectional pickup pattern, Designed for ENG/EFP field use
• Warranty: Standard manufacturer warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first got the Sennheiser Pro Audio MD42, I was eager to test it out in real-world situations. The microphone felt solid in my hand, with a nice weight that made it feel durable but not too heavy. Its size, about 1.9 by 2.4 by 9.8 inches, made it easy to hold comfortably during interviews. I took it outside on a windy day to see how well the protective sound-inlet basket worked, and I was already impressed by how much it reduced wind noise compared to other microphones I’ve used.

Daily Use

Over several days of using the MD42 for interviews and field recordings, I found that the omni-directional pick-up pattern was a real game changer. I didn’t have to constantly adjust the mic to catch every word from my interview partner, which made the process smoother and less stressful. The metal housing felt tough enough to handle the usual bumps and drops during a busy day, and the shock-mounted capsule really cut down on handling noise, even when I moved the mic around a lot.

Key Features in Action

The omni-directional pick-up pattern truly stood out. It picked up clear speech from all directions, so I didn’t have to worry about missing anything if the speaker moved their head. The protective sound-inlet basket was also very effective against wind noise, making outdoor recordings much cleaner. Plus, the shock-mounted capsule and sturdy metal housing worked together to almost completely eliminate the annoying handling noise that often ruins recordings. These features made the MD42 a reliable tool for capturing clear audio without extra hassle.

Long-Term Performance

After using the MD42 for several weeks, it kept performing consistently well. The build quality held up with no signs of wear, and the sound quality remained excellent throughout. I didn’t experience any drop in sensitivity or increase in noise, which shows this microphone is made to last. Overall, it became my go-to mic for field interviews because I could trust it to deliver clear, natural sound no matter the environment.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Sennheiser Pro Audio MD42	Sennheiser MD 421-II	Sennheiser E 835-S
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Omnidirectional capsule with a protective basket and shock mounting virtually eliminates handling noise and wind interference, ensuring excellent speech intelligibility.	Rugged professional build with a large diaphragm dynamic element that handles high SPL, suited for clear sound reproduction in varied recording and broadcast settings.	Durable dynamic microphone with cardioid pickup providing good signal isolation and feedback rejection, maintaining balanced frequency response during performances.
Features	Omnidirectional pick-up pattern; protective sound-inlet basket for wind noise reduction; shock-mounted capsule; metal housing to reduce handling noise.	Five-position bass roll-off switch; large diaphragm dynamic element; excellent for instruments, group vocals, and broadcast use.	Cardioid pickup pattern; gentle presence boost for vocal clarity; on/off switch; balanced frequency response for consistent signal quality.
Best For	Field ENG/EFP interviews requiring clear speech capture without precise mic positioning and with reduced handling noise.	Recording instruments like guitars and drums, group vocals, and radio broadcast announcers needing versatile bass response control.	Live vocal performances needing feedback rejection and vocal projection with convenient on/off control.

In my opinion, the Sennheiser Pro Audio MD42 stands out because its omnidirectional pattern and advanced shock-mounted design offer superior speech intelligibility without the need to point the mic directly at the speaker, plus excellent handling noise reduction. If you’re focused on field interviews or ENG/EFP work where ease of use and clarity are crucial, this microphone is the better choice compared to the instrument-focused MD 421-II or the vocal-centric E 835-S.

Customer Feedback on Sennheiser Pro Audio MD42 – Handheld Dynamic Omnidirectional Field ENG/EFP Microphone

Overall Satisfaction

The Sennheiser MD42 enjoys high overall satisfaction, reflected in a seller rating of 4.67/5 and positive feedback from a large number of buyers.

Most Praised Features

• Excellent sound clarity and natural audio reproduction
• Durable build quality suitable for field use
• Omnidirectional pickup pattern effectively captures ambient sound

Common Concerns

• Some users find it less sensitive in very quiet environments
• Occasional reports of handling noise if not used with proper technique

Who Loves It Most

Professional broadcasters, ENG/EFP field reporters, and audio technicians who require reliable, high-quality dynamic microphones for outdoor and location recording highly appreciate this microphone.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

The Sennheiser Pro Audio MD42 is priced moderately compared to other professional handheld dynamic microphones. Considering its specialized features for ENG/EFP use, the price is fair and competitive within its category.

Value Features

• Omni-directional pick-up pattern ensures clear speech without needing precise aiming, enhancing ease of use in field interviews.
• Protective sound-inlet basket reduces wind noise effectively, improving audio quality in outdoor environments.
• Shock-mounted capsule and durable metal housing minimize handling noise, which is crucial for professional recordings on the move.
• Rugged metal construction offers long-term durability, saving replacement costs and ensuring reliable performance.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to similar field microphones, the MD42 stands out with its omni-directional pickup and robust build. While some competitors may offer slightly lower prices, they often lack the same level of durability and noise reduction features.

Final Verdict

The Sennheiser Pro Audio MD42 delivers excellent value for money for professionals needing reliable, high-quality field recording capabilities. Its features justify the price, making it a smart investment.