Neumann KMS-105

I've been playing guitar for almost 30 yrs., some band work, some studio work and mostly home studio stuff. I just recorded a CD using a top-end Gefell and other Neumann mics.
I spend most of my time with a 12 channel mixer and JBL loudspeakers, in my home studio. I've been using an AT 3030, and a Shure 58 for vocals. I was looking to upgrade my personal vocal mic with the Neumann KMS 105.

The Neumann is a high end condenser mic, with a super cardoid polar pattern.
I was looking at Rode mics as I had some experience with the brand. I was wanting to get away from a large capsule mic without sacrificing the great sound.
The Neumann is even more than I hoped it would be. Being an average to below average singer, this mic greatly improves the sound of my voice. This wasn't expected because many reviews contradicted this aspect of my experience. I actually could not tear myself away from the mic. It gave my vocals a new dimension and I love it.

I have been studying and playing music for the last 7 years. My primary instrument is guitar and adding bass more this year. I have been taking professional voice during these 7 years. Very nice day job allows me high end gear and the gear changes as need and knowledge dictate. I am a baritone, E>F, and support churches as my primary venue.

I am submitting this review to help those who read here before a purchase to hear what owners think vs. the guy at the store.

I too have used the Shure 87a as my primary phantom powered condenser mic over the years. When one actively studies voice the ear too gets more particular as the vocal ability develops further. So, I wanted to pursue a mic which similarly was able to meet a growing vocal ability.

Another premise is the microphone is an instrument in and of itself. It too has to be studied and understood to then aid our art or it will be of little help or even detract.

This review is considering the KMS-105 for live stage use.

Here at the house I A/B tested the KMS-105 and the Beta 87a through Canare cable to my AER Acousticube 3, for simplicity. Amp settings remained the same for both and no effects were used.

The 105 has more stock and better balance for weight. Its handle is less narrow. I never perform without the mic in a cradle, though.

The 105 has a tighter roll-off with less pickup when you move to the side of the grille. It also picks up your voice from an easy 5-6 cm whereas the 87 is more like 1.5 cm or eat-the-mic.

I handheld each mic and rapidly swept the mic right-left, north-south and found the Neumann captured to voice much better whereas you could generate a doppler effect with the other. Not that we're going to sing like that but working around both mics revealed the 105 could capture the voice better and predictably provided a better position effect which was more gradual and consistent and this little test magnified the perceived difference.

Regarding range, we often read the expression that a mic is better for a female voice. I this comparison the 105 was better in range. Low end was warmer, more detailed and accurate on the 105 and, the high end had more range. Then I pulled spec sheets on the two: 20-20K vs. 50-18K. But you won't need a scope to hear this, just your ears.

Both mics are classically uncolored and represent your voice accurately. I use EQ to compensate for room problems and not for voice 'problems'.

Now, this is just another case of 'bester'. If you use a Beta 87a it will be cherished and is a huge climb from your 58. If you never use a 105 you will be very happy with the 87a. However, if you have been actively working on your voice and want to deliver it true to an audience without limit or compromise save and claim a 105.

You could argue that a noisy venue with a pickled crowd doesn't warrant the 2.5X expense for the 105 over the 87a and I can agree. But if that's not where you deliver, try the 105 for live stage and hear why. BTW, I selected the 105 over the 104 because of guitar in hand and stage monitors used some instead of in-ear monitors thereby reaching for supercardroid over cardroid.

New friends at RatSound gave me a great price.

I have been performing vocals live and in the studio for about 5 years. My voice is a female Alto voice, so it is in the lower range for a female voice. It has always been the biggest challenge to get a good vocal live and be miced properly to be heard above the band. I would tend to lose my voice from over-singing. I have used the Shure Beta 58 which is a pretty nice sounding dynamic mic, but I wanted to upgrade because I still felt like I had to work too hard, and be really up on the mic which I don't like to do, I like to be a few inches away when I sing, to give more breath and dynamics in the vocal.

The Nuemann KMS 105 is a condenser mic with a supercardioid pattern. I decided to go with the Nuemann KMS 105 because in studio recordings I had found that the Neumann U87 really brought my vocal texture and range to life. It picked up the subtleties of my alto sound. The engineer recommended I try the KMS 105 because the pickup pattern would be similar and because it is a condenser mic I wouldn't have to work so hard to get a response out of it.

After working with the KMS 105 I am really pleased with the color and response I get in both a studio and live setting. It is a very clear and open sound. I tried it several times back and forth with my Shure Beta58 and the Beta58 seemed to fabricate a boomier bassy sound, which some people might like, but I liked the clear tone from the Neumann without the muddy bassy bottom.

My only complaint would be that it seems to not have enough pop filtering, when I am in the studio the pop screen is essential. For live settings, I find myself singing a little differently to minimize pop noise. I think though that this might be due to me singing with dynamic mics and pushing too hard, so learning to be more subtle with the more responsive mic was part of the learning curve.

I have read that this mic is not responsive for female vocals but I would have to disagree, this is the best mic I have found to respond to my specific range and texture.

The price is well worth it, I just had to get over the hurdle of taking my voice seriously as an instrument, since my primary instrument is bass guitar. Once I realized I would be willing to spend 3-5 times as much on a bass guitar, there is no reason not to spend this amount to get a consistent and clear vocal sound.
my band: Kink Ador
www.kinkador.com

I have been singing last 20 year as a profi,also as a recording engineer for few projects.

This is a dream come true for a good singer,A ultimate mic for any one want to get a clear transparent sound without much messing around with the EQ,have it almost 8 year still works fine and sounds good.On stage I use with a SPL gold mike pre amp even its sound more warm and clear.

I've been in the industry for 15 yrs now performing and recording Jazz, Blues, Pop, HH.
I use Shure's Beta87 and KMS105 and even that the Beta87 is been in top of the list live vocals the KSM105 is definetly the best choice for live vocals. Like another posts say, may not work as great whit soprano females vocals.
I love the clear and smooth sound of this mic and of course the slik look it has.
It's an awsome sound...try it.

Been singing for 5 years...

I used many microphones,20,30$ ones and 600-700$ ones like this one.
I own this mic for 6 months and it is the best thing ever...
Natural sound,clear,rich sound,so beautiful...and you don't have to "eat" the microphone so people can hear you...I love it....
As soon as I get some serious money,will get myself one more but 104(cardioid one) and as soon as I get the chance,I will for sure get wireless version Sennheiser SKM5200 with Neumann capsule.
For people with clear and beautiful voice,and of course very good singing technique(believe me,you have to know how to sing good,otherwise it will be a disaster for you....sorry) this mic will make wonders....
Neumann=$$$=the best you will ever get for the money you give.Worth every cent....
Cheers

I play pop; jazz, blues, folk and own stuff.
Use a AER Accoustic Cube 3.
Play guitar since Im 9 (now about 40) and have a great vocal coach since 2 years. My voice covers 3 octaves now, so quit a job for a good mic.

I asked my wife for a blind test of
- my old Sennheisser 581 (or something like this)
my wifes comment: none, just listening
mine: fair sound, but it does not cover a lot details
well, its quit old and they might have never once
- Shure Beta 87
my wifes comment: none, just listening
mine: very clear sound, bright
- Neumann 105.
my wifest comment after the 2nd word I sang: THATS IT!!!!!!

Very clear, really catches every aspect of the voice and provides such a full sound. I will never speak/sing without it. Hard work to carry an amp and mic with you all day :-)

Well the price is about $500+, so I will hurt my account once more but saving $200 for a compromise... If I would take the cheaper once, Im sure the Neumann would remain on my wishlist.

Find a good dealer who gives you the opportunity to test it with your gear and it will speak (or sing) for itself.

Playing music for a while.

Condenser. Supercardiod. Using it for stage vocals, and on informal occasions, recording. Used familiar Senheiser, AKG, and Shure mics. Picked this one for the postitive artist/engineer feedback bout it, the fact that its a Neumann, and, frankly, because Jackson Browne uses one. The 105 has a beautiful, natural sound with minimal bass boost while still retaining a nice proximity effect. Perfectly suits me, but may not be effective for deep voiced guys looking to really showcase those lows. Also may not be ideal for girls that need some bass to round out a thin vocal. Overall, though, I think this mic is fantastic.

Currently a Worship Leader and Lead Singer/Guitar player for the Psalm Pilots. I've been playing over 25 years. Currently using the mic through a TC-Helicon Voice Live Unit to an Allen & Health Console. Montoring through Yamaha floor wedges 2, using a QSC power amp. This mic will knock your socks off, even without in-ear systems.

This is a condenser mic with a super cardiod pattern. I will say the sound is simply fantastic. I was using a Beta58 and the difference is readily apparent even to the average listener and background singers. Open sound, sweet and balanced, with little coloration other than the Neumann shimmer!! Your voice will sound "more" like what you hear inside your head, rather than colored with the muffled highs and upper-mids that eq's cannot fix no matter how good they are. I would strongly recommend this mic for male vocals as most are set/mixed with to much low mids and the presence peak not far enough up (s/b approx 10K). I removed almost all the eq on the helicon unit as well as the console and was blown away...sounded almost like the studio.

If your singing a lot, and a lot of people are listening regularly, this is THE BEST vocal mic on the planet....period. No doubt about it and EVERYONE will hear the difference.

25 years
recording engineer
tape and digital
Genelec 1032s

I have found this mike to be one of the best live male vocal mikes there is.It has the depth and warmth that you try to capture in a studio to a live stage and is very rugged.it doesn't tend to suit the female singers I have worked with unless they sound like Barry White.
I definately recommend them.They might seem a bit pricey but there worth every penny.