Neumann KMS 104 Handheld Vocal Condenser Microphone

The KMS 104 is a studio grade vocal microphone for stage use. Its precision manufactured condenser capsule offers true Neumann sound quality, combined with all the virtues of a rugged stage microphone: excellent pop protection, low handling noise, enormous SPL capability, and high feedback resistance, thanks to its tight cardioid pattern.

Neumann KMS 104 Features

• Neumann sound on stage
• Excellent transparency for vocals/speech
• Cardioid polar pattern with excellent feedback rejection
• Without off-axis coloration
• Transformerless output
• Effective pop shielding without any side effects
• Set includes stand clamp

Acoustic Features
The studio condenser capsule used in the KMS 104 microphones provide the basis for transmitting all the nuances of the human voice. In comparison with other handheld microphones, which operate mostly with dynamic capsules, the KMS series has a particularly high acoustic transparency, a wide frequency range and a fine resolution of transients.

The KMS 104 has carefully adjusted acoustic filters and transformerless impedance converters that can handle very high sound pressure levels prevent the microphones from being overloaded even by strong plosive sounds.
In spite of excellent pop protection, sibilants and S sounds are transmitted with their natural accentuation, as is possible only with condenser microphones. Furthermore, the above-mentioned acoustic filters are designed so that the distinctive directional characteristics of the capsules are preserved even in the bass range. The filters thus ensure a very high level of feedback protection for the KMS 104 vocalist microphone when used with a stage sound system.

Neumann KMS 104 Applications

• Vocals and speech on stage
• Announcer’s mic for broadcasting/dubbing
• Especially suited for in-ear-monitoring
• For feedback-prone environment

These are just some of the most common applications. Neumann recommends additional experimentation to gain maximum use from this microphone.

Electrical Features
Since vocalist microphones are typically addressed at close range, for the bass frequency response of the microphones, electronic compensation is used for the proximity effect in the respective capsules.
In addition, each microphone has an invariable, built-in high-pass filter with a cutoff frequency of 120 Hz (–3 dB, measured in a free sound field). The dynamic range of the KMS 104 is 132 dB, and the maximum sound pressure level is 150 dB.

The low self-noise level of only 18 dB-A permits both microphones to be used at high gain levels without the risk of additional noise. Even at large distances, the microphones thus operate with a high signal-to-noise ratio, facilitating the freedom of movement and creativity that are important to the artist.
Due to the transformerless output circuit, the microphone signals can be transmitted even through long cables without loss of sound.

Mechanical Features
Microphones designed for use on stage require a particularly robust construction. The KMS 104 has a thick-walled metal housing, which also provide effective protection against handling noise.
The microphone headgrilles are made of hardened steel. If required, they can easily be unscrewed to permit cleaning of the interior acoustic filters.

Delivery
The KMS 104 microphones, with a matching stand clamp, are supplied in an attractive padded nylon bag that is sufficiently durable for touring.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
 WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm -

Neumann KMS 104 Specifications

• Acoustical Operating Principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Directional Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz ... 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kOhm: 4.5 mV/Pa
• Rated Impedance: 50 ohms
• Rated Load Impedance: 1000 ohms
• Equivalent Noise Level, CCIR1): 28 dB
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted1): 18 dB-A
• Signal to Noise ratio, CCIR1) (rel. 94 dB SPL): 66 dB
• Signal to Noise Tatio, A-weighted1) (rel. 94 dB SPL): 76 dB
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%2): 150 dB
• Maximum Output Voltage: 12 dBu
• Dynamic Range of the Microphone Amplifier (A-weighted): 132 dB
• Supply Voltage (P48, IEC 1938): 48 V ± 4 V
• Current Consumption (P48, IEC 1938): 3.5 mA
• Matching Connector: XLR 3F
• Weight: Approx. 300 g
• Diameter: 48 mm
• Length: 180 mm

1) According to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting according to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS
2) Measured as equivalent el. input signal