The difference between various models of Sennheiser MD441 MD 441

What an extremely beautiful microphone is this.


MD 441 N
Roll-off filter and brilliance switch
3 pin DIN (small Tuchel?) connector

MD 441 U
Same but 3 pin XLR (Cannon)

MD 441-2
Only brilliance switch
3 pin Tuchel connector (big connector)

MD 441 U 3
Only brilliance switch
XLR connector (Cannon)

As from manufacturer code DC (March 1986) the MD441 is equipped with a new system, which enables the exchange of the dynamic module without requiring the exchange of the filter system at the same time.


They can be separated by unscrewing threaded pins.


The brilliance circuit is inside the capsule assembly. So the capsule has 4 wires out.


The brilliance switch has 4 in 2 out.


What is inside the capsule EQ circuitry? , a capacitor in parallel with a resistor perhaps? Or is it a similar passive circuit that removes an already existing peak?. Actually after listening (see newer euroelectron entry), it seems the filter removes mid bass and bass frequency content by the stated 5dB amount.


The bass roll off filter is at the end of the mic. Does it consist of a capacitor in parallel with various switched resistors?


Or is it an inductor Pleiades filter?


It will be nice to try the 441 U3 with various Pleiades (inline XLR) filter cut off frequencies. The added advantage of the inductor coil would be to further damp low frequency pop and wind noise.


Abbey road studios have a few MD441 U3 as seen in their microphone list. The U3 may be bass heavy due to the proximity effect, Fletcher-Munson curves, voice effort curves. A Pleiades filter may prove useful for flat frequency responce from artist's brain to listener's brain.


References:


Sennheiser MD441 service (manual)


Flat frequency responce form actor-singer's vocal chords to listener's brain, Sound Picture Recording and Reproducing Characteristics - Loye, Morgan - Journal of the Motion Pictures Sound Engineers


Pleiades Filters - euroelectron