Neumann KMS 104

The KMS 104 and KMS 105 microphones have been developed to permit optimal transmission of the human voice, and are thus microphones of choice for demanding live applications. The KMS 105, which has already been available on the market for some time, has become an internationally recognized standard in the field of high-quality stage microphones.

Due to their low self-noise and crosstalk behavior which is free of coloration, both microphones are ideal for use with in-ear monitoring systems.

The KMS 104 has a microphone capsule with a cardioid directional characteristic which provides the best possible suppression of sounds originating from behind the microphone. In contrast, with its supercardioid characteristic the KMS 105 is particularly good at suppressing sounds originating from the entire 180° hemisphere behind the microphone. The user can thus select the version that is optimally suited to the specific application.

The high acoustic resolution and smooth frequency response of the microphones ensure that the musician has optimal control of the stage performance at all times.

The studio condenser capsules used in both microphone versions provide 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 both 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 and KMS 105 vocalist microphones when they are used with a stage sound system.

Since vocalist 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, each 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 dynamic range of the KMS 104/105 is 132 dB, and the maximum sound pressure level is 150 dB.

The low self-noise level of only 18 dB-A permits both microphones to be used at high gain levels without the risk of additional noise. Even at large distances, the microphones thus operate 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.

Microphones designed for use on stage require a particularly robust construction. The KMS 104 and KMS 105 therefore have 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.

The KMS 104 and KMS 105 microphones, with a matching stand clamp, are supplied in an attractive padded nylon bag that is sufficiently durable for touring.