Neumann KMS105MT - Supercardioid Handheld Condenser Stage Microphone (Black)

Comments about Neumann KMS105MT - Handheld Stage Mic (Black):

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.

Comments about Neumann KMS105MT - Handheld Stage Mic (Black):

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.