Sennheiser MD 411-N Early 1980s - Black Leatherette and Silver

Up for sale is a stunning, vintage Sennheiser MD 441-N dynamic microphone. Widely revered in top-tier studios as the most accurate, versatile, and detailed dynamic microphone ever built, the MD 441 delivers a near-textbook perfect hypercardioid/supercardioid pattern and transient response that rivals high-end condenser mics. This is the highly desirable early "N" variant, featuring the classic 3-pin screw-locking DIN connector (often referred to as Kleintuchel), a beautiful black leatherette finish, and timeless vintage styling.

Sonic Character & Performance

Unlike modern dynamic mics that require severe gain boosts or heavy EQ filtering, this vintage specimen performs with pristine clarity, immense headroom, and zero sonic degradation. The capsule offers a perfectly balanced, wide frequency response (30 Hz to 20 kHz), exceptional off-axis rejection, and an integrated hum-bucking coil for ultra-low noise floor environments. It excels phenomenally on vocals, snare drums, brass, and electric guitar cabinets.

Key Controls & Features

• 5-Position Bass Roll-Off Switch: Located transparently near the connector base, allowing you to tailor low frequencies from "M" (Music/Full Bandwidth) to "S" (Speech/Attenuated).
• Brilliance (Treble Boost) Switch: A discrete toggle underneath the housing to add instant high-end presence and bite.
• Advanced Internal Suspension: Damped internal shock mount prevents low-frequency handling noise entirely.

Condition Notes & Transparency

• Functional Condition: 100% operational. The bass roll-off wheel clicks firmly into all 5 positions, and the brilliance toggle engages flawlessly. The output is clean, punchy, and true to the historic Sennheiser legacy.
• Cosmetic Condition: Beautiful vintage condition. The silver basket grille is straight and clean, the black leatherette body wrap is fully intact, and the silver accent rails are in great shape. The bottom label plate is clean and fully legible, clearly showing the Serial Number 43486 (dating this unit to 1981). Remarkably, the original gold factory highlights on the M/S bass roll-off switch are still partially intact and visible, indicating very gentle historical use. Please inspect the high-resolution photos carefully to verify the exact cosmetic details.
• Included Clips Transparency: Includes the rare original Sennheiser clear acrylic guide-rail clip, which is currently supported with scotch tape. To ensure you can mount the microphone safely right away, I am also including a rugged, premium aftermarket Firemeyer carbon-reinforced nylon mic clip, which fits flawlessly, is incredibly durable, and offers a rock-solid grip.
• Connection Type: Native 3-pin DIN connector. Includes a short, vintage Kleintuchel-to-XLR adapter cable.

What’s Included:

• Sennheiser MD 441-N Vintage Microphone (1981)
• Original Sennheiser clear acrylic clip (supported with scotch tape)
• Premium aftermarket firemeyer mic clip (perfect fit, high-durability)
• Vintage short 3-Pin DIN to standard XLR adapter cable

🔌 OPTIONAL ADD-ON: Brand New Thomann Kleintuchel-to-XLR CablesIf you want a modern, long-run, one-piece cable to go straight from the mic into your modern audio interface or preamp without using the vintage adapter, I can include a brand-new, factory-sealed pro snake Kleintuchel to Neutrik XLR cable directly from Musikhaus Thomann at absolute break-even cost:

• 5-Meter (approx. 16 ft) Add-on: +$35 USD (€32 EUR)
• 10-Meter (approx. 33 ft) Add-on: +$43 USD (€39 EUR)

If you would like to add either of these new cables to your order, simply send me a message before checking out, and I will adjust the listing price for you!

Item will be meticulously packed, double-boxed, and fully insured for safe international transit.

➕ Need a Matching Vintage Desktop Stand?

Please note: The vintage Sennheiser MZT 441 desktop stand pictured in some of the mounting photos is not included in this auction. However, it is currently available for purchase in a separate listing on my store! If you are interested in purchasing both the microphone and the MZT 441 stand together, please send me a message before checkout so I can combine shipping for you.

SHIPPING NOTICE FOR US BUYERS: This item is shipping directly from a secure studio facility in Munich, Germany via premium, fully tracked, and insured DHL International Air. Total transit time to the United States typically averages 6–12 business days. The flat-rate shipping fee is fixed at checkout.

Please Note: As this is an international shipment from Germany, any applicable import duties, customs fees, or local taxes are determined by US Customs and are the sole legal responsibility of the buyer upon delivery. We ship strictly via standard customs declaration protocols and cannot mark shipments as a gift.

(Please note: Transaction processing seamlessly handles US currency, ensuring a completely standard checkout experience for US-based accounts).