Neumann Sound on Stage
The KMS 104 plus 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 headgrille 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 transformerless 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.
Balanced sound with extended bass for extra “warmth”
Popular with female singers
Tight cardioid pattern without off-axis coloration
Unaffected by extreme sound pressure levels
Feedback resistant
Built-in pop screen
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