Neumann KMS 104 plus Stage Condenser Microphone

The Neumann KMS 104 plus is cardioid handheld condenser microphone with extended bass frequency response.

The KMS 104 plus microphone has been developed to optimally transmit the human voice with respect to the demanding conditions present on the live stage. The KMS series has become the internationally acknowledged standard for first-class stage microphones. The high acoustic resolution and smooth frequency response of the microphone ensures that the musician has optimal control of the stage performance at all times.

Especially due to the low self-noise and crosstalk behavior which is free of coloration, the KMS 104 plus is ideal for use with in-ear monitoring systems. The KMS 104 plus has a condenser microphone capsule with a cardioid directional characteristic which provides the best possible suppression of sounds originating from behind the microphone.

Features

• Neumann sound on stage
• Excellent transparency for vocals/speech
• Supercardioid polar pattern with excellent feedback rejection
• Without off-axis coloration
• Transformerless output
• Effective pop shielding without any side effects
• Set includes stand clamp

Applications

• Vocals and speech on stage
• Announcer’s mic for broadcasting/dubbing
• Especially suited for in-ear-monitoring
• For feedback-prone environment

Acoustic Features

The studio condenser capsule used in the microphone provides the basis for transmitting all the nuances of the human voice. In comparison with other handheld microphones, which operate mostly with dynamic capsules, the KMS series has a particularly high acoustic transparency, a wide frequency range and a fine resolution of transients.

In KMS microphones, carefully adjusted acoustic filters and transformerless impedance converters that can handle very high sound pressure levels prevent the microphones from being overloaded even by strong plosive sounds.

In spite of excellent pop protection, sibilants and “S” sounds are transmitted with their natural accentuation, as is possible only with condenser microphones. Furthermore, the above-mentioned acoustic filters are designed so that the distinctive directional characteristics of the capsules are preserved even in the bass range. The filters thus ensure a very high level of feedback protection for the KMS 104 plus vocal microphone when they are used with a stage sound system.

Electrical Features

Since vocal microphones are typically addressed at close range, for the bass frequency response of the microphones, electronic compensation is used for the proximity effect in the respective capsules.

In addition, the microphone has an invariable, built-in high-pass filter with a cutoff frequency of 120 Hz (–3 dB, measured in a free sound field). The maximum sound pressure level of the KMS microphones is 150 dB.

The low self-noise level of only 18 dB A permits the microphone to be used at high gain levels without the risk of additional noise. Even at large distances, the microphone thus operates with a high signal-to-noise ratio, facilitating the freedom of movement and creativity that are important to the artist. Due to the transformerless output circuit, the microphone signals can be transmitted even through long cables without loss of sound.

Mechanical Features

Microphones designed for use on stage require a particularly robust construction. The KMS 104 plus therefore has thick-walled metal housings, which also provide effective protection against handling noise. The microphone headgrilles are made of hardened steel. If required, they can easily be unscrewed to permit cleaning of the interior acoustic filters.

SG 105 Stand Mount

Stand clamp for KMS vocalist microphones. The clamp can be swivelled and has a 5/8"-27 thread, plus a thread adapter to connect to 1/2"- and 3/8" stands.

Delivery Range

The KMS 104 plus microphone, with a matching stand clamp, is supplied in an attractive padded nylon bag that is sufficiently durable for touring.