Hi,
Anyone had any experience with the above condenser mike. I have recently picked up discussions about this and they all seem to be really positive especially with the characteristic which provides the best possible suppression of sounds originating from behind the microphone. Seems a pretty good upgrade from my Sure SM58 Beta. It’s obviously more expensive but some times it’s worth accompanying it with an expensive system like the L1 Type II.
Thanks,
Tony
Hi tonyparnham,
I have been using my Neumann KMS 105 for 8 years with my L1® (originally with the Classic, and for the last 5 years, with my Model II).
I have tried lots of different microphones with my Model II under a wide array of circumstances, and the KMS105 is the best I have experienced for live sound.
I understand that the KMS104 (introduced after the KMS105) has a cardioid polar pattern, and the KMS105 has a super-cardioid polar pattern.
For live use, with the L1® behind you (as recommended by Bose), I find that the KMS105 with its super-cardioid polar pattern, is very easy to control with respect to gain-before-feedback.
Have you considered the KMS105?
Here is a review of both.
http://www.kellyindustries.com…/neumann_kms104.html
Hi ST,
Thank you for the response. An interesting review. No I hadn’t considered the 105 as I assumed the 104 was the latest upgrade model. Because I have the Sure SM58 Beta I have concentrated on the comparisons of this and the newer 104. Suffice to say it is obvious now from my enquiries and your response both Neumann’s are a significant leap from the Sure. I have made the decision to upgrade but the focus now has shifted to which one of these the 104, the 104 plus or 105.
Just by accident I found this user review on the Sweetwater site;
Quote;
“I’ve been playing out in bands solo, duos trios etc for about 30 years and have always been considered an excellent singer. I’m also a gear slut and sound freak. I thought I had found the perfect mic in a Sennheiser . I surrendered and purchased the Neumann KMS 105 to use with my Bose L1 Model 2 system. Simply the best my voice has ever sounded on stage. It’s a studio quality condenser mic with the rugged construction of a Shure SM58. It actually pulls the notes right out of me. After long gigs my voice is fresh and ready for the next one. No straining at all. The Bose ToneMatch Preset for this mic is perfect but I get the feeling it requires very little EQ. I do very long sets some nights two two hour and fifteen minute sets and this mic has been a voice saver. I’m purchasing the 104 for my female partner. Right now she’s on the Shure Beta 87 condenser and the difference jumps out at you. This will be my mic for life as far as vocals go. Well worth the money just make sure you get quality cables obviously. The system is only as good as its weakest link so why put a $25 cable on a $700 mic. Can’t wait to hear us when all three vocalists in the trio are using the Neumann 105 or 4s”.
To ST’
I would be most grateful for any final thoughts you have on the two Neumann’s before I go ahead. Thank you
Tony
Hi Tony,
I can only speak from direct personal experience about the KMS 105. From what I can see on the Neumann KMS 104/105 web page I would expect these to sound the same. (The KMS 104a would be different but it seems to have been optimized for female vocalists).
The key difference is the polar pattern, and if I were to compare the KMS 105 to any of my microphones that have a cardioid polar pattern (like the KMS 104), I would tell you to expect the KMS 105 to be signiicantly easier to manage with respect to gain-before-feedback.
Sorry that I can’t give you more insights here.
Bonjour Tony (and ST),
Did you ever try the Blue Encore 300? It’s also a condenser microphone, I don’t remember what pattern, designed for the stage. I have not had any difficulties with feedback, but then again I don’t push the volumes very much. I love my voice through it and when I have guest singers they are enchanted.
When I bought mine, the tech at the store mentioned he recommended it over the Newman these days: 200$ vs 700$. You can do a lot with the 500$…
Cheers,
JFd
Tony,
Head on down to your local L1 dealer and do an A/B/C with your current mic and any others you are considering for use with an L1 product.
In addition to the ones you are considering already - i will go ahead and suggest a Blue enCore 300 which i have found to be an excellent condensor stage mic - at a very reasonable price.
Try before you buy.
Thanks to everyone for their input and sorry a little late responding as I have been at Berwick-on-Tweed UK for the last few days.
I finished up with the Neumann 104. (to ST…I would have gone for the 105 but because of its polar pattern one has to stay very close to it as opposed to the 104 which gives more flexibility around the head to move away slightly further and with me being a guitar vocalist in my 60’s it suites better.)
The performance is a significant leap from the Sure 58 beta without a doubt and in fact it’s much easier to sing due to it’s transparent clarity.
EQ Flat Flat -2.4
Comp/Gate. Comp 1 Thresh -20 Gain 3.00
I was unable to try the Blue enCore 300 due to no stock.
Cheers Tony
Hi Tony,
Thanks for coming back to tell us what you decided to do. I understand your choice (being a guitarist that sings) it does take some vigilance to stay in the zone with a hypercardioid polar pattern. In my case this has worked out fine but I completely understand your choice.
I really hope that you enjoy your new microphone with your L1® and get many years of service from it.