STUDIO QUALITY FOR STAGE VOCALS

The KMS 105 brings studio sound quality to the stage. Unlike usual stage microphones, which use dynamic capsules, the KMS 105 is equipped with a true condenser microphone capsule offering the superior clarity that made Neumann studio microphones famous all over the world. At the same time, the KMS 105 possesses the ruggedness required of a stage mic, thus refuting the myth that condenser microphones must be “fragile”. The KMS 105 can stand enormous sound pressure levels of up to 150 dB without clipping, and its tight, frequency-independent supercardioid pattern ensures high gain before feedback. The KMS 105 has a much smoother frequency response than dynamic microphones and an airy top-end. Compared to dynamic microphones, the Neumann KMS 105 has a vastly superior transient response resulting in a more immediate, more emotional vocal sound. In practical terms: effortless intelligibility, without the usual EQ boosts – which further improves feedback resistance.

As a stage microphone, the KMS 105 is optimized for close miking; a fixed low cut filter compensates for the proximity effect and ensures clear bass, even if the singer’s lips touch the microphone. The headgrille is made of hardened steel and features a carefully designed multi-level pop filter made of wire gauze. Despite its effectiveness, this acoustic filter does not cause any sibilance problems or compromise the capsule’s directivity. The head amplifier is protected by a thick-walled housing. Its transformerless output minimizes electromagnetic interference, such as hum. Because of its low output impedance of only 50 ohms, the KMS 105 can drive very long cable runs of up to 300 m (1000 ft) without transmission losses.

APPLICATIONS

The KMS 105 is primarily designed as a handheld vocal microphone but can be used for other stage applications as well, due to its high SPL capability and wide dynamic range. Examples include percussion, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, harmonica, acoustic guitar, and guitar cabinets. Thanks to its superior sound quality, the KMS 105 is also an excellent microphone for home recording and broadcast applications. Because it is optimized for close mic placement, the KMS 105 will pick up a dry sound with very little ambience, which is a big advantage in untreated rooms.