The mic head that refused to stay retired is back! For years, touring sound engineers have been clamoring for it, and now, Sennheiser has answered the call. The legendary MD 9235 wireless microphone head is making a triumphant return, much to the delight of professionals who rely on its exceptional performance.
This isn't just any microphone capsule; the MD 9235 carved out a niche for itself by being a true champion in demanding live settings. Its secret weapon? An uncanny ability to slice through the loudest stage noise and fend off unwanted crosstalk, even when performers are doing their thing right in front of the powerful PA system. When Sennheiser initially phased out the MD 9235 in 2020, introducing the MM 435 and MM 445 as its successors, these new heads certainly gained their own loyal following. But here's where it gets interesting... the demand for the original MD 9235 never truly faded.
Sebastian Schmitz, a product manager at Sennheiser, shared, "When the MM 435 and the high-rejection MM 445 mic heads took over from the MD 9235 in 2020, they quickly established their own fan base. However, we continued to receive inquiries for the MD 9235, even after a considerable time had passed since its discontinuation." This persistent demand prompted a deep dive. "So, we gathered our development and manufacturing engineers to explore how we could bring back the MD 9235," Schmitz continued. "We had several touring sound engineers rigorously test prototypes, and they were absolutely thrilled to have the MD 9235 back in their hands."
And it's easy to see why this capsule has such devoted fans. At its heart is a remarkably lightweight aluminium-copper microphone coil. This innovative design allows for faster movement compared to more traditional coils, resulting in a level of detail and transparency that simply shines, even in the most challenging live environments. Its cardioid pick-up pattern is a masterclass in precision, capturing vocals with accuracy and power while expertly rejecting ambient noise from the sides and rear. This makes it an ideal choice for artists who love to move dynamically on stage and often find themselves in close proximity to the speakers – a situation that can be a nightmare for lesser microphones.
Technically, the MD 9235 boasts impressive specifications that truly back up its reputation. It offers a wide frequency response of 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz (±2 dB), can handle a colossal maximum SPL of 163 dB, and weighs in at a mere 119 g. Its compatibility is also a major plus, working seamlessly with a broad range of Sennheiser systems, including Spectera, Digital 6000, Digital 9000, EW-DX, EW-D, EW-DP, the 2000 series, and the evolution wireless G4 300 and 500 series. To get you started, each unit comes complete with a protective pouch and five replacement foam inlays.
Now, here's a thought-provoking question for you: With the return of the MD 9235, does this signal a shift back towards prioritizing established, high-performing tools in live sound, or is it simply a testament to the enduring quality of a well-loved product? What are your thoughts on bringing back classic gear? Let us know in the comments below!
