Neumann MCM 114 Set Bass

The Miniature Clip Mic MCM: Neumann's Approach to Close Miking

With the MCM series, Neumann applies its standards of coherence, neutrality, and robustness to a miniature format intended for the stage. The MCM 114 SET BASS fits this approach: a complete instrument set designed to speed up setup, secure microphone positioning, and ensure consistent sound from one gig to another. The philosophy is clear: to elevate electret microphones to the level of sound standards and mounting reliability expected in professional contexts, while maintaining minimal instrument footprint.

Who It's For and What It's For: Double Bassists, Live Stages, and Mobile Recordings

This set is aimed at double bassists and sound engineers seeking precise close-miking usable both front-of-house and in monitors, with discreet installation. Mounting behind the bridge captures an image that is both defined and musical, useful in jazz, acoustic music, orchestras, and situations where feedback and bleed control are critical. In wired configuration via the MCM 100 output stage, the system integrates easily into a classic microphone chain powered by 48 V phantom, making it a solid choice for stages, recordings, and mobile studios.

What Makes the Difference: KK 14 Capsule, Intelligent Mounting, and Premium Output Chain

KK 14: Tonal Balance and Microphone Consistency

The heart of the set is the cardioid KK 14 capsule. Designed to surpass the usual limits of electret technology, it aims for a natural tonal balance with more body in the lows and mids while maintaining transparency in the highs. Manufactured from multiple components assembled under strict quality control, it has a very practical goal on the field: microphones that sound the same. The result is less time lost on soundchecks and faster equalization, especially when multiple acoustic sources are miked simultaneously.

A Microphone Comfortable with Nuances and High Sound Pressure Levels

On a double bass, the difference between attack, sustain, and bowing variations can be significant. With low self-noise and a very high maximum SPL, the MCM 114 SET BASS is designed to stay clean on delicate passages while handling high levels without distortion. This headroom is valuable live, where preserving the instrument's natural dynamics without excessive compression and limiting artifacts during transient peaks is essential.

Mounting: Gentle on the Instrument, Reassuring for the Engineer

Neumann paid special attention to mechanical reliability. The set includes the MC 3 clip and the SH 150 gooseneck, designed for fine and reproducible positioning while protecting surfaces. The gooseneck can rotate and locks in 45-degree increments, allowing quick return to an effective position from one gig to another. Practically, this enables adjusting the balance between attack, woodiness, and definition without moving the instrument or complicating playing.

MCM 100 Output Stage: Simple XLR Integration

The set comes with the MCM 100 output stage, enabling wired use and standard connection via a 3-pin female XLR with 48 V phantom power. The system is also designed to adapt to wireless configurations via interchangeable cables (depending on the range options), minimizing stage clutter. For a double bass, this flexibility is a real advantage: one can prioritize wired for simplicity and robustness or switch to a more mobile setup depending on stage needs.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	20 Hz	Capsule	electret
Frequency response - end	20 kHz	Connection	XLR
Category	instrument microphone	Use	Double bass
Directivity	cardioid	Color	Black

Acoustic operating principle	pressure gradient transducer	Current consumption	3.5 mA
Polar pattern	cardioid	Nominal impedance	50 ohms
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz	Nominal load impedance	1000 ohms
Capsule housing	titanium (robust design for field use)	Required connector	3-pin female XLR
Signal-to-noise ratio (CCIR)	63 dB	Cable supplied	AC 31 (1.8 m)
Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted)	71 dB	Operating temperature	0 degC to +40 degC
Equivalent noise level (CCIR)	31 dB	Operating humidity	0 to 90% relative humidity
Equivalent noise level (A-weighted)	23 dB A	Storage temperature	-20 degC to +70 degC
Maximum SPL for total harmonic distortion below 0.5%	153 dB SPL	Storage humidity	0 to 95% relative humidity
Power supply	48 V +/- 4 V (P48, IEC 61938)