Neumann Sound on Stage
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.
Studio Quality for Stage Vocals
The KMS 104 brings studio sound quality to the stage. Unlike usual stage microphones,
which use dynamic capsules, the KMS 104 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 possesses the ruggedness
required of a stage mic, thus refuting the myth that condenser microphones must be “fragile”.
The KMS 104 can stand enormous sound pressure levels of up to 150 dB without clipping,
and its tight, frequency-independent cardioid pattern ensures high gain before feedback.
The KMS 104 has a much smoother frequency response than dynamic microphones and an airy top-end.
Compared to dynamic microphones, the Neumann KMS 104 has a vastly superior transient
response resulting in a more immediate and more 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 is optimized for close miking; a fixed low cut
filter compensates for the proximity effect and ensures clear bass, even if the singer’s
lips touch the microphone. The headgrille is made of hardened steel and features a highly
effective internal pop screen which also keeps moisture away from the capsule.
hanks to careful Neumann engineering, these acoustic filters do not cause any sibilance problems.
The head amplifier is protected by a thick-walled housing. Its transformerless output minimizes
electromagnetic interference, such as hum. Because of its low output impedance of only 50 ohms,
the KMS 104 can drive very long cable runs of up to 300 m (1000 ft) without transmission losses.
Applications
The KMS 104 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. Thanks to its superior sound quality, the KMS 104 is also an excellent microphone for home recording and broadcast applications. Because it is optimized for close mic placement, the KMS 104 will pick up a dry sound with very little ambience, which is a big advantage in untreated rooms.
Tight cardioid pattern without off-axis coloration
Unaffected by extreme sound pressure levels
Rugged construction
Feedback resistant, high rejection of rearward sound (180°)
Built-in pop screen
Very low handling noise
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 ± 1 dB equ. -47 dBV
Rated Impedance 50 ohms
Rated load impedance 1 kohms
Equivalent noise level, CCIR 1 28 dB
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted 2 18 dB-A
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% 3 150 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (re. 94 dB SPL) 4 66 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (re. 94 dB SPL) 5 76 dB
Maximum output voltage 12 dBu
Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938) 48 V ± 4 V
Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938) 3.5 mA
Matching connector XLR 3 F
Weight approx. 300 g
Diameter 48 mm
Length 180 mm