Neumann KMS 105 Review
Live Vocal Condenser Microphone
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 38 Reviews
Transparency and warmth
Neumann KMS 105 Microphone
Reviewed by Johannes Labusch on Guitar Center
This microphone is not going to make a breathtanking difference in a loud rock band. Its strengths are most obvious in an acoustic group, for use by singer-songwriters or jazz vocalists. If you compare it to any of the standard microphones you know (including handheld condensers by other manufacturers), you will feel as if a skillful engineer added some magic using expert equalazation, filters and/or compression. There is a stunning addition of clarity and presence, especially in the high frequencies. This does not make the sound of your voice harsh or "pointy" in any way, though. Instead, you will notice a warmth that could be compared to what happens when you add a tube preamp. The representation of the voice is without any "beutification", though. If you have weaknesses, especially in sibilance, pitch or breathing noises, those will be shown as audibly as your strengths. Handling the mike on stage is not completely without its challenges: Since Neumann built the pop-protection entirely without foam (there is simply a series of finer and finer mesh inside the wire basket), the protection from plosives is not foolproof. If you pop your "p"s, or tend to really "spit and shout", this mike may not be for you. (it may also not be quite as indestructible as a Shure warhorse. Try to avoid throwing this mike on the floor...). You also may have to adjust your mike technique, because this microphone actually likes it if you keep a bit of distance, as opposed to the old "SM85-eat-the-mike" style. Even with a distance of 2-4 inches, it still "hears" every little thing. Obviously, a microphone can't fix problems that occur elsewhere in the sound chain. My PA is, I would say, medium quality, it's one of those systems with two smaller speakers and a big subwoofer. The mixer is a "budget" model from Behringer. Still, the Neumann absolutely shines with this rig. With a better system, the improvement may be even more audible. I have used my KMS 105 for about half a year, always in small to mid sized venues, in a duo and a trio, in both cases at moderate volumes. I have also used it in solo gigs with just an acoustic guitar, in which it has provided me with an astonishing degree of separation from the guitar frequencies. The voice just coexists with the guitar, as if there was no amplification happening at all. I believe this microphone has made me a more secure, and therefore versatile singer. In recording applications, it has replaced my Shure KSM32, which is a large diaphragm condenser, and can't hold a candle to the Neumann. When recording, I use the Neumann with a regular studio style pop-screen. ... More
Hands down, the best live vocal mic
Neumann KMS 105 Microphone
Reviewed by jacqueslilavois on Guitar Center
The Neumann KM105 is hands down the best vocal mic around. I used a Beta87 for years until I came across this mic. It helps me sing better because it's easier to hear monitored vocals with it's extended frequency range. I don't have to push or force my voice. I've also used it for recording. It's a condensor, so it has many uses. So far I've recorded using it on an acoustic guitar and as a drum overhead mic. If you can't afford this mic, go with the Shure Beta87, which is the next best live vocal mic in my opinion. ... More
Sounded Fantastic - Until it Broke
Neumann KMS 105 - Live Vocal Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
We purchased the KMS 105 for a female lead vocalist who has a very wide range both tonally and stylistically. Clean, airy, and accurate would best describe the sound. The apparent build quality is superb (as you would expect from Neumann). It feels solid in your hand and well balanced. The non-foam wind / pop filters seem to work very well, although some heavy plosives will impact the diaphragm with an audible thud. Working the mic properly avoids that problem. Self noise is very low, as is handling noise. However, the unit we bought started to exhibit crackling / frying sounds with intermittent popping noises after the second live performance. Along with the noise, the output became erratic. There was definitely something wrong. At first I thought it could have been related to the high humidity here in South Carolina (I have had that problem with other condensers in the past), but even after two days in air-conditioned dryness, the problem persisted. The Sennheiser repair center (that handles Neumann products in the US) was very responsive to my phone call, and provided a pre-paid UPS shipping label to return the unit. Aside from the disappointment the singer felt in having to go back to the Shure SM57 she previously used, this is a minor set-back. I have confidence the mic will be great when we get it back from repair. Some electronic components can hold up well through manufacture and then die quickly after they pass inspection -- its a fairly common problem, and as long as the manufacturer stands firmly behind their warranty, I can accept such random failures. I would have given the KMS 105 an enthusiastic five stars had it not konked out in this fashion. ... More
An excellent mic if you can afford it
Neumann KMS 105 Microphone
Reviewed by Fuzball on Guitar Center
Well I don't own this mic but I have used it around 15 times. This mic is expnsive but if you can afford it you be be very pleased with its performance. Yhe mic is constructed very well but you still should treat it with care (it is expensive). The mic was designed to be a vocal mic and it accomplishes the task with flying colors. The mic fits comfortably in the had so you can hope around with it. The mic has very low noise levels (it is very impressive). The ic uses asupercardioid polar pattern (which is common). The mic is very clear and transparent, this mic is amazingly uncolored. The mic reduces wind and pop noises significantly so you can easily use it outside! Handling noise is almost non existant due to the mechanical and electrical filters. This is a great mic for male and female vocals. If you can afford the price you should get this mic! ... More
Great vocal mic
Neumann KMS 105 - Live Vocal Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed by MarchingBear on B&H Photo Video
I tried this mic at B-H in their isolated microphone room. I compared it to several other mics, some cheaper, some more expensive, and it is a great value. To get a significantly better sound, the prices went up several thousand dollars. It really brings out the subtle qualities in your voice and has a nice low range reproduction. It is more prone to feedback than other cheaper mics, especially the ones that sound guys usually work with, so you can have a hard time with this mic live if your sound guy isn't very experienced. But that's a whole other story.... ... More
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Incredibly Natural
Neumann KMS 105 - Live Vocal Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed by JaZzCanary on B&H Photo Video
This is quite honestly the best mic I've ever used! However, take note: This mic sounds absolutely natural. When I was advised that it was the perfect mic for my voice I was told that it would reflect my voice as is, meaning sans coloration. I was also told, The audience will hear everything in your voice whether you want them to or not. In other words, this is NOT the mic for an untrained amateur vocalist! Also, if your voice is sounding rough due to allergies, etc., the Neumann KMS 105 will pick up those nuances. Consequently, you had better be sure of the quality of your voice if you are planning on using this mic. I would recommend this mic only to someone who possesses a high-quality, well-trained voice. ... More
Best Investment!
Neumann KMS 105 Microphone
Reviewed by Justin Centeno on Guitar Center
This mic is by far is the best investment I (as a singer) have ever made! I couple this mic with a Presonus Eureka microphone pre-amp when I'm on stage and the sound (in my opinion) is unmatched by even the wireless versions of the same calibre!! I've also used this mic with out the Pre-amp and it still amazes me on the minute detail and precision that this mic reproduces! Definitely my prized possession out of all my gear!!!
THE mic for vocals
Neumann KMS 105 - Live Vocal Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed by Palexy96 on B&H Photo Video
I have previously owned a myriad of microphones: from the sm58, sm57, beta58 to the e965 and the e945, and I must say my favorite mics are the neumanns (kms 105 and 104) and the Shure ksm9. There is no despute the quality of this mic and the wonders it does to my voice. I cannot stress this enough. I thought this mic would be a little bright for my taste, but the highs are very controlled and tasteful. I sometimes don't even need eq for this mic. I don't know if it has to do with the phantom power it's being supplied with, but it feels almost as if this microphone has a brain of its own and understands the nooks and crannies of my voice. It's like I'm communicating with the mic and it seems to project my singing so beautifully. Singers, buy this mic and never look back. True piece of art. Bravo, Neumann. ... More
blown away with the warm open detailed clarity
Neumann KMS 105 Microphone
Reviewed by Vintage Vince on Guitar Center
I am an actively gigging musician. I primarily perform at smaller venues playing acoustic guitar / singer-songwriter and acoustic covers. I recently purchased this microphone for the sake of upgrading my live gear - (the microphone that I had been using was a Blue en-CORE 200 which is a pretty respectable handheld supercardioid condenser mic.) After doing the research and reading tons of reviews relating to cardioid condenser microphones I went ahead and spent the extra money for this microphone. All and all it exceeded my expectations - as I am consistently blown away with the warm open detailed clarity - this effect was even evident through my Soundcraft Signature 10 board monitored by a pair of Alto powered speakers. I had been looking for a studio quality sound for my performances. This was the last piece of the puzzle well worth the investment. ... More
This fantastic mic!
Neumann KMS 105 Supercardioid Handheld Vocal Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Peter M. on Reverb
I had a KMS 105 years ago. I toured with it extensively and I tortured it pretty brutally. Finally killed it and vowed to never allow myself such privilege again! Having aged 12 years since then I figured I can finally trust myself with this mic. It simply kills the Telefunken- in fact it’s good enough to record with, has a beautiful openness and the basket really tames p’s and wind bursts. It’s expensive but well worth it. Pull the basket off and it becomes a fantastic hi hat mic. Back in the day it was our go-to for recording a vintage Ampeg SVT with 8-10 cab. The roll off was just perfect. I can’t say enough about this mic. It’s not a 58- you can’t use it as a hammer so handle with care. ... More
Grounding problem hum
Neumann KMS 105 - Live Vocal Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed by chuong on B&H Photo Video
Mediocre mic, the first and last Neumann mic I will buy. To start with there is a grounding hum problem with this, none of my other mics have this problem. I sent it back to Sennheiser, which costs me shipping and insurance in the $30 range, it came back 3 weeks later still having the same problem, which is a persistent hum when the lower body of mic is touched, not loud, but I can hear it in the recording, and again none of my other mics have this problem, I am using Mogami cable. Now onto the sound, it is nothing special, not an open sounding mic like my Audio Technica AE5400, a better mic for much cheaper I might add, the KMS 105 has no switch selection for bass cut or attenuation, so for $750 it is overpriced and under engineered. ... More
Phenomenal microphone for home studio use!
Neumann KMS 105 Supercardioid Handheld Vocal Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Tim B. on Reverb
What are some of the biggest issues people with small home studios have making any kinds of recordings with live microphones? Poorly treated rooms and small spaces with reflective noise. This mic solves that with its supercardioid polar pattern, which is impressively effective in reducing background and off-center acoustic interference. In addition, rather than being a dynamic mic, this is a condenser mic, which offers greater sensitivity and richness than most dynamics. Finally, its a Neumann. It just sounds so good. Creamy smooth and rich, reducing plosives and producing airy highs and full, but not boomy lows. This things was tuned specifically for singing but works equally well on acoustic and amplified instruments. Wow, what a mic! ... More
Finally, I don't have to fight the mic!
Neumann KMS 105 Microphone
Reviewed by Al Toona on Guitar Center
Don't have to modify the way you sing to avoid the goofy things that cheaper mics do -- in other words, just sing! Not muddy. Far less plosives. Able to get good tonal quality with a much flatter EQ. Don't need to get as close to it as with other mics. In fact, able to get two different voices -- one while singing several inches away, and another when right on it. Worth every penny!
Great Mike!
Neumann KMS 105 Supercardioid Handheld Vocal Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Dave M. on Reverb
This has to be one of the best condenser mikes I've ever used. Haven't had a chance to use it live but will be doing that next week. But I was doing some quick recording the other day and didn't want to set up my TLM103 so used the KMS105 instead. Wow! Such a clean sound. Hadn't really thought about using a condenser for studio recording but I am going to compare the 2 in my next vocal session. The KMS105 is very sweet for recording guitar tracks. I'm thinking it will also be dynamite doing recording of amps as well. This one mike is likely going to replace the 2 Heil mikes I've been using in the past. The KMS105 may be pricy but you get value for money. ... More
When only the best will do!
Neumann KMS 105 Microphone
Reviewed by Steve on Guitar Center
As lead vocalist in our Classic Rock band, I replaced my Sennheiser E945 looking to get a slightly fuller sound. This mic is nothing short of OUTSTANDING! Just happened to have a Presonus tube pre amp in our studio. Put a Groove Tube 12AX7 in it and put it in front of the Presonus Studiolive Digital Mixer on our lead channel. Sound quality is exceptional. Great sales and support from live sound at the Willowbrook store in Houston.
Crystal Clear for Stage and Studio
Neumann KMS 105 Supercardioid Handheld Vocal Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Devan B. on Reverb
From the moment I uttered my first syllable through this mic I knew it was the cleanest, clearest, most transparent mic I’ve ever sung through. It is top notch sound in every way. Finally a mic that captures my voice in the way I think it should sound! And beyond the impeccable sonic properties, I love its polar pattern, rejection of boomy proximity effect, low handling noise, and relatively low stage noise bleed. I’m a church guy who will be recording live with this mic and my first test was a resounding win. Now I need three more for all our other vocalists!! ... More
Simply LOVE IT!
Neumann KMS 105 - Live Vocal Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed by Raul Oliveira on B&H Photo Video
I'm a singer and perform in different places in Brazil. The response is spectacular! Crystal clear sound. Almost no popping ou breathing is captured. Absolutely recommend this mic for stage performances. Just note that it works on phantom power.
My Favourite Live Vocal Mic
Neumann KMS 105 Supercardioid Handheld Vocal Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Josh P. on Reverb
The most clear and tasteful live vocal mic I've heard. The KSM9 from Shure is incredibly close, but back-to-back in recordings, the 105 just sounds a little less like a microphone, and a little more like the person's voice, especially in the high end. This is the mic that I get the most positive comments about in live venues.
Beat mic I’ve used
Neumann KMS 105 Supercardioid Handheld Vocal Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Scott C. on Reverb
I used this mic in a studio years ago and have been wanting one since. I was a little concerned about using in a live setting but it sounds fantastic. I didn’t have to do any EQ or anything I am loud singer. maybe that helps but I really love it. Fantastic. The pros art it has a very broad frequency response. The cons are I hope nobody steals it!
Fantastic Vocal mic!
Neumann KMS 105 - Live Vocal Condenser Microphone (Nickel)
Reviewed by Scottie B on B&H Photo Video
Purchased this unit as an upgrade on the good ol' SM58, and such an upgrade it is! Very clear sound, well-balanced, and it really brings out the lyrics much more clearly. Sounds great and works very well in our performing groups.
