Neumann KMS 104 PLUS BK Cardioid Microphone - Black

The Neumann KMS 104 PLUS BK Cardioid Microphone - Black is a studio grade vocal microphone for stage use with a Neumann condenser capsule and all the virtues of a rugged stage microphone: excellent pop protection, enormous SPL capability, and high feedback resistance, thanks to its tight cardioid pattern. Compared to the KMS 104, the KMS 104 plus offers an extended bass response.

Studio Quality for Stage Vocals

The KMS 104 plus brings studio sound quality to the stage. Unlike usual stage microphones, which use dynamic capsules, the KMS 104 plus 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 104 plus possesses the ruggedness required of a stage mic, thus refuting the myth that condenser microphones must be “fragile”. The KMS 104 plus can stand enormous sound pressure levels of up to 150 dB without clipping, and its tight cardioid pattern ensures high gain before feedback. The KMS 104 plus has a much smoother frequency response than dynamic microphones and an airy top-end. Compared to dynamic microphones, the Neumann KMS 104 plus has a vastly superior transient response resulting in a more immediate and emotional vocal sound. In practical terms: effortless intelligibility, without the usual EQ boosts – which further improves feedback resistance.

As a stage microphone, the KMS 104 plus is optimized for close miking; a fixed low-cut filter compensates for the proximity effect and ensures clear bass. Compared to the KMS 104 the KMS 104 plus gives added emphasis to the lower register (100-150 Hz), thus lending more “weight” and “warmth” to voices which might sound too “light” with the KMS 104. The plus version is particularly popular with female singers.

The head grille is made of hardened steel and features a highly effective internal pop screen which also keeps moisture away from the capsule. Thanks to careful Neumann engineering, these acoustic filters do not cause any sibilance problems. The head amplifier is protected by a thick-walled housing. Its transformer less output minimizes electromagnetic interference, such as hum. Because of its low output impedance of only 50 ohms, the KMS 104 plus can drive very long cable runs of up to 300 m (1000 ft) without transmission losses.

Applications

The KMS 104 plus 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. The KMS 104 plus is also a superb microphone for home recording and broadcast applications. As the KMS 104 plus is optimized for close mic placement, it will pick up a dry sound with very little ambience, which is a big advantage in untreated rooms.

Product Specifications

Form Factor: Handheld

Operating Principle: Pressure Gradient

Capsule: Dynamic

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

On-Board Controls: None

Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Maximum SPL: 150 dB SPL (5% THD)

Impedance: 50 Ohms

Load Impedance: 1000 Ohms (Rated)

Sensitivity: 4.5 mV/Pa at 1 kHz into 1 Kilohms

Output Level: 12 dBu

Dynamic Range: 132 dB

Operating Voltage: 48 V ± 4 V (Phantom Power)

Operating Current Consumption: 3.5 mA (Phantom Power)

Color: Black

Mounting: Mic Clip/Stand Adapter (Included)

Included Case: Soft Case

Package Weight: 2 lbs

Box Dimensions (LxWxH): 9 x 4 x 4"