Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (19)
$549.00
Amazon
4.3 (18)
$549.00
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$549.00 New
$403.55 Used
B&H
5.0 (2)
$549.00
Thomann
4.7 (59)
$499.00 $479.00 $20.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£447.00
Vintage King
5.0 (1)
$549.00

Average Price: $527

High-end/Boutique

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Sennheiser MD 431 II". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Sennheiser MD 431 II is a dynamic microphone that transcends the ordinary. Revered as an exceptional vocal mic, it has earned a reputation as a secret weapon in the studio, particularly for recording snare drums, thanks to its bright, crisp sound. The MD 431 II is not just a live performance workhorse, it shines equally in studio settings, showcasing its versatile nature.

Its supercardioid design offers excellent noise rejection for clear, transparent sound, making it a stellar performer on stage. The tailored frequency response of the MD 431 II delivers added transparency, while its nearly frequency-independent polar pattern gifts it with high gain before feedback and uncolored off-axis response.

The MD 431 II doesn't compromise on durability either. Its rugged steel housing and steel mesh grille ensure it stands up to the rigours of the stage and studio. The shock-suspended capsule and humbucking coil significantly reduce handling and mechanical noise, ensuring your performances are captured as cleanly as possible.

Key Features:

  • Supercardioid dynamic microphone for stage and studio use
  • Exceptional feedback rejection
  • Frequency response: 40Hz-18kHz
  • Shock-mounted capsule for good handling noise rejection
  • Hum compensating coil
  • Integral pop filter
  • Recessed and lockable On/Off switch
  • Includes quick-release clamp

The Sennheiser MD 431 II is a powerhouse microphone that delivers professional performance, whether you're on stage or in the studio.

Product specs

Microphone Type Dynamic
Polar Pattern Supercardioid
Frequency Response 40Hz-18kHz
Output Impedance 250 ohms
Connector XLR
Weight 0.55 lbs.

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the Sennheiser MD 431 II, and how does it affect performance?

The Sennheiser MD 431 II has a supercardioid polar pattern, which provides excellent off-axis rejection. This makes it ideal for live performances, as it minimizes feedback and isolates the sound source from surrounding noise.

Is the Sennheiser MD 431 II suitable for vocal performances?

Yes, the Sennheiser MD 431 II is specifically designed as a handheld vocal microphone, offering a clear and natural sound that is highly suitable for both live and studio vocal performances.

What is the frequency response range of the Sennheiser MD 431 II?

The Sennheiser MD 431 II has a frequency response range of 40Hz to 18kHz, providing a wide spectrum that captures both the low and high ends, making it versatile for various vocal styles.

Does the Sennheiser MD 431 II have an on/off switch?

Yes, the Sennheiser MD 431 II features a convenient on/off switch on the microphone body, allowing easy muting during live performances or presentations.

What type of connector does the Sennheiser MD 431 II use?

The Sennheiser MD 431 II uses a standard XLR connector, ensuring compatibility with most professional audio equipment and sound systems.

Anton Browne

Anton Browne

A Sennheiser Sorority - e965 vs e865 vs MD 431 II

Video thumbnail for A Sennheiser Sorority - e965 vs e865 vs MD 431 II by Anton Browne

A Sennheiser Sorority - e965 vs e865 vs MD 431 II

Anton Browne

Anton Browne

Video thumbnail for Sennheiser MD 431-I vs 431-II by Anton Browne

Sennheiser MD 431-I vs 431-II

Anton Browne

Anton Browne

Video thumbnail for Shure KSM8 vs Sennheiser MD 431-II vs Beyerdynamic M88TG - Delicious Dynamic Deliberations. by Anton Browne

Shure KSM8 vs Sennheiser MD 431-II vs Beyerdynamic M88TG - Delicious Dynamic Deliberations.

Anton Browne

Anton Browne

Video thumbnail for Ribbon vs Dynamic vs Condenser - Earthworks SR40V vs Sennheiser MD431 II vs Beyerdynamic V90r by Anton Browne

Ribbon vs Dynamic vs Condenser - Earthworks SR40V vs Sennheiser MD431 II vs Beyerdynamic V90r

Anton Browne

Anton Browne

Video thumbnail for Sennheiser e945 vs MD 431 II  - Earthworks Ethos (narration) Beyer M88 for Reference by Anton Browne

Sennheiser e945 vs MD 431 II - Earthworks Ethos (narration) Beyer M88 for Reference

Anton Browne

Anton Browne

Video thumbnail for Cover - That Old Feeling - Chet Baker by Anton Browne

Cover - That Old Feeling - Chet Baker

Anton Browne

Anton Browne

Video thumbnail for Using the Rode NT1, sE Electronics V7 & Sennheiser MD 431 II - back on the SV33! by Anton Browne

Using the Rode NT1, sE Electronics V7 & Sennheiser MD 431 II - back on the SV33!

Anton Browne

Anton Browne

Video thumbnail for Sennheiser MD 431-II by Anton Browne

Sennheiser MD 431-II

Anton Browne

Anton Browne

Reviews

PROS

  • Handles all levels of frequency in live music, sounds like studio performance

  • Warmer vocal reproduction for deeper voices

  • Lightweight with incredible sensitivity and power

  • Can handle powerful vocals without popping

  • Very easy to EQ on any desk

  • Offers massive volume without feedback and minimal handling noise

  • Highly directional, nearly eliminates feedback issues

  • Smooth/warm sound with a huge frequency range response

  • Noticeably flat sound without higher frequency boost

  • Great feedback rejection, can push PA harder

CONS

  • Plastic construction may concern some users

  • Expensive compared to other options in its category

  • On/off switch not preferred by all professionals

  • Occasional slight distortion/booming at high volumes when close up

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sennheiser MD 431 II.

Comparisons

  • The MD-431 II offers more headroom before feedback and is described as "dry" and flat compared to the e935, making it easier for sound adjustments.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The MD-431 II is noted for its high price, but its performance justifies the cost according to users, who find it superior in live settings.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the MD-431 II for its exceptional performance in loud rock band environments, offering clarity and feedback resistance.

    Source

Build quality

  • The MD 431 II is constructed from composite materials, giving it a lighter, more plasticky feel compared to models like the e835.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MD 431 II's feedback resistance allows for input gain levels exceeding 40 dB in certain speech applications without monitors.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
simeon_boyadjiev

My go to Vocal Mic.

Simply a highly versatile, smooth/warm sounding Mic with a huge frequency range response. A workhorse in the Music Industry for many decades and the main choice of my favourite Songwriting Couple the great Ashford & Simpson.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Sennheiser MD 431 II

Kurt Cobain

Singer, Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via YouTube

On November 27, 1991 - Studio C, BBC Elstree Centre (Top of the Pops), Borehamwood, UK.

During the Top of the Pops, you can see during "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Kurt is using a Sennheiser MD 431 II Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone.

See how Dave Grohl uses Sennheiser MD 431 II

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

In this source Ian Beveridge lists what mics were used by FooFighters for the "In Your Honor" tour - "I've wanted to try a 431 on Dave's vocals for a long time," reveals longtime monitor engineer Ian Beveridge.

See how Geddy Lee uses Sennheiser MD 431 II

Geddy Lee

Singer, Bassist

Rush

...
Verified via Photo

Geddy Lee used the Sennheiser MD 431 II microphone during their recent comeback gig in March 2026, as evidenced by the image found on Equipboard.

See how Justin Vernon uses Sennheiser MD 431 II

Justin Vernon

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Iver

...
Verified via Mixonline

In a Mix online article on Bon Iver's Tour Profile FOH engineer Xandy Whitesel says the band uses Sennheiser MD431s.

See how Caleb Followill uses Sennheiser MD 431 II

Caleb Followill

Guitarist

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via YouTube

Caleb and his band (Kings Of Leon) use Sennheiser MD 431 for vocals.

See how PJ Harvey uses Sennheiser MD 431 II

PJ Harvey

Keyboardist, Harpist

The Desert Sessions

...
Verified via ProSoundWeb

Howard Bullivant thought that the MD 431 had slightly better rejection, and Polly choose it above the MD 441 to use for the festival shows. This is a show where the audibility of the vocal is crucial.

See how Alex Trimble uses Sennheiser MD 431 II

Alex Trimble

Singer, Guitarist

Two Door Cinema Club

...
Verified via NME

At the Reading Festival 2021, Alex Trimble of Two Door Cinema Club used the Sennheiser MD 431 II microphone, as reported by NME.

See how Kid Cudi uses Sennheiser MD 431 II

Kid Cudi

Singer, Guitarist

Kids See Ghosts

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Willis on February 6, 2016, Kid Cudi is pictured using a Sennheiser MD 431 II microphone while playing an acoustic guitar and singing.

See how Passenger uses Sennheiser MD 431 II

Passenger

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via The Uncontainable

Various photos of Passenger's 2017 world tour (particularly the show in Toronto) show him using a Sennheiser MD 431-II as oppose to his previous tour's AKG D7.

See how Andy Shauf uses Sennheiser MD 431 II

Andy Shauf

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Andy uses this mic for live performances. I know that he at least took it on his 2020 Neon Skyline Tour. His sound engineer, Justin Nace, confirmed that it is a 431 dynamic. Nace said it was chosen because of how great it is at picking up Andy's soft vocals.

Album Usage

The Sennheiser MD 431 II has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sennheiser MD 431 II, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Sennheiser Dynamic Microphones

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides