Neumann KMS 104 Black

A premium vocal microphone, continuing the Neumann KMS DNA

Designed to enhance the human voice in live conditions, the Neumann KMS 104 belongs to the brand's high-end stage microphone family, with a clear philosophy: to bring on stage the finesse, openness, and precision usually associated with studio condenser microphones, while maintaining the robustness and control essential for live sound reinforcement.

Within the KMS range, the KMS 105 has established itself over time as a recognized reference. The KMS 104 carries forward this "high resolution" spirit with a primary goal: to deliver a present and faithful voice with limited coloration when the performer moves off-axis. This timbre stability helps the singer maintain consistent reference points and also simplifies the sound engineer's work when the mix is dense (concerts, tours, studio sets, live recordings).

Who is the Neumann KMS 104 for?

The KMS 104 targets singers looking for a condenser vocal microphone capable of reproducing articulation, grain, and expressiveness with great precision. It is particularly suited for voices that thrive on dynamics (subtle nuances, sharp attacks, intentions) and for those needing to maintain a controlled sense of proximity.

Thanks to its good off-axis rejection and very low self-noise, it is also highly relevant with in-ear monitors, where every breath, detail, and texture becomes immediately audible. It is a coherent choice for stages where the voice must remain intelligible and elegant, while retaining a safety margin against feedback when the setup requires it.

Acoustic Design: Studio Precision, Stage Control

Static Capsule: Transparency, Definition, and Fast Transients

Unlike many dynamic handheld microphones, the KMS 104 uses a static capsule. This design promotes a more open and detailed reproduction, with a fast response on attacks and a fine reading of micro-variations (breathing, intention, texture). In practice, this results in a voice that is more "forward" in the mix, often requiring less equalization effort, while maintaining a natural feel.

Cardioid Directivity: Isolation and Off-Axis Consistency

Its cardioid directivity is designed for live use: it helps effectively attenuate sounds coming from the rear of the microphone (180-degree zone), while limiting timbre variations when the source moves. This combination aids in better isolating the voice from stage monitors, amplifiers, and ambient noise without sacrificing musicality.

Pop Filter, Sibilance Management, and High SPL Handling

The KMS 104 incorporates carefully designed acoustic filters to reduce plosives while preserving directivity, including in the low-frequency range. As is common with condenser vocal microphones, sibilance and "S" sounds remain very present and realistic: an asset for clarity and intelligibility, adjustable as needed through placement, equalization, or dynamic processing depending on the voice and sound reinforcement.

The electronics design with a transformerless impedance converter is built to handle high sound pressure levels and reduce the risk of overload during strong attacks. Finally, a non-disableable high-pass filter is integrated (cutoff at 120 Hz, -3 dB point in free field), useful for controlling intrusive low frequencies, vibrations, and typical stage handling noise.

A Construction Built to Last

Intended for intensive use, the KMS 104 relies on a steel grille designed to withstand the demands of live performance. The grille is removable, facilitating maintenance and cleaning of internal filters to maintain consistent performance throughout concerts, rehearsals, and travel.

Technical specifications

Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	Capsule	static
Category	voice microphone	Color	Black
Directivity	cardioid

Type	condenser handheld microphone	Impedance	50 Ohms
Application	voice / vocals, live sound reinforcement	Connector	XLR
High-pass filter	non-disableable	Required power	Phantom +48V
Cutoff frequency	120 Hz (-3 dB point, free field)	Included	case and clip
Dynamic range	132 dB	Weight	300 g
Maximum permissible sound pressure level	150 dB SPL	Grille	steel, removable for cleaning
Sensitivity	132 dB SPL max