Sennheiser MD431-II is a dynamic, supercardioid stage vocal mic – part of the Classic Series. When you first grab a 431, you’ll realise it’s ‘not your average microphone’. The ‘retro-futuristic’ styling really hasn’t changed since its first inception, and neither has the performance. MD431 looks heavier than it actually is – and at just 230g, we’re calling this a ‘lightweight’ handheld vocal microphone. The supercardioid pattern is tight, and suitable for loud stages. But what does MD431 actually sound like? Compared with a stack of other stage vocal micorphones, the 431 output is slightly lower, but once you give the gain knob a little crank on your mixing console, you’ll be rewarded by one of the smoothest sounding microphones available. Frequency range is advertised at 40 – 18,000 Hz, and although there’s a pleasing little lift in the top end, an MD431 really does give a ‘full frequency’ sound, with plenty of detail. What’s with the switch? You can lock it permanently to the ‘ON’ position if you want. Otherwise, you’ve got hands-down the best DJ or MC microphone ever manufactured.