Neumann KMS 105 - Black

Neumann KMS 105

Neumann is a name all professionals and most serious amateurs know well, especially if studio recording is a frequent event. Nuemann U87 microphones are among the most prized microphones worldwide and often are the cornerstone of top quality recording studios. The Neumann \"sound\" adds what some call a \"sheen\" to the sound. It\'s this trademark sound, high end reputation and quality that Neumann offers in exchange for a serious entry cost to make these mics your own.

So when Neumann offered this microphone at a price point that attracts both professional and high end amateur users, it seemed like a \"no brainer\" that this microphone would soon be on everyone\'s short list of \"must have\" products. But, as is said by some, there is often quite a gap between perception and reality, and that\'s where I find the KWS 105 to require serious evaluation of your talent before committing to a long term relationship.

Unlike other microphones the design of this one includes no foam baffles, but relies upon a very well designed and constructed series of metal \"cages\" to provide the pop protection needed for aggressive closely miked vocals. Coupled with a built in, and non-defeatable low filter roll-off and a relatively narrow pickup pattern, the microphone has the unique ability to provide ulta clear vocal sound. The flip side is that it can tend to make some singers, especially soprano female voice, sound a bit thin, especially when compared to some other microphone brands.

The effect is magnified by a lack of upper range \"presence\" boost, typical again of other manufacturers standard offerings. The result is that relying upon built in boost to power up a vocal isn\'t what this mike is all about. Opera singers performing with wide vocal range and control, perfect diction and powerful voices would work perfectly with this microphone. Full voiced pop/rock and others may find similar nirvana. For those performers this microphone has the potential to provide a more true to life, clearer presentation than almost anything I\'ve used, but there is another consideration as well.

That consideration is the overall sound of your music. Do you play an acoustic guitar solo, or are you part of a five person vocal group. Is you music heavily amped or natural and mellow? If your in the big group camp, you may find that your sound man becomes your best friend as you try to balance the total characteristics of this mic with the rest of the vocals. Your soundman can boost your mic to match the rest, but if you do what happens to the clarity that you bought this mic to produce? Do you reduce the presence peak in the rest of the band, and if you do will they still sound \"punchy\" or will the lack of vocal contouring wash out their sound?

Overall this microphone can be so good that it makes you rethink how you present your music. That\'s a good thing, but requires honesty and careful listening and evaluation. At its best the 105 will challenge you to rise to the level that it offers, but if you aren\'t up to the challenge, or if your music isn\'t, you may find that the more well known competitors are more to your liking.

Highly recommended, but caveat emptor.