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Average Price: $735
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "Neumann KMS105 Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Product Description:
The Neumann KMS105 Microphone is a premium handheld condenser mic crafted from the legacy of Neumann. This high-performance microphone is specifically designed to capture vocal subtleties with outstanding precision. It features a supercardioid polar pattern that ensures the focus remains on the vocals, effectively attenuating sounds from the sides and rear of the mic. With an extended frequency response tailored for vocals, this microphone accurately translates vocal nuances, capturing the emotion and character in every performance.
The KMS105 is engineered with a four-layer acoustic filter that serves as an effective pop filter and shock mount in one. This unique design not only prevents plosives and handling noise from reaching the capsule but also provides a clear, detailed sound devoid of artifacts. Weighing just 10.6 ounces, the KMS 105 combines lightweight with robust construction, making it an ideal choice for long gigs and lively performances. Its metal casing protects the capsule and internal components, ensuring durability for on-the-road use or in storage. The KMS105 is a testament to Neumann's commitment to delivering signature sound to stages worldwide.
Key Features:
- Supercardioid polar pattern for focused vocal pick-up and excellent feedback rejection.
- Four-layer acoustic filter that acts as an effective pop filter and shock mount.
- Extended frequency response optimized for the human voice.
- Lightweight and robust metal casing for stage and road durability.
- Superior high-end clarity and resolution of detail compared to typical dynamic handheld mics.
- Eliminates sibilance problems common to other handheld condenser mics.
- Requires +48V phantom power.
- Set includes a stand clamp for secure mounting.
- Transformerless output for accurate representation of transient details.
- Doesn't have off-axis coloration, offering a very high level of gain before feedback.
- No foam used in the basket, eliminating any "clouding" or "muffling" of the sound.
Owner's manual
Neumann KMS105 Microphone User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Supercardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 150dB |
| Output Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 76dB (A weighted) |
| Self Noise | 18dB (A weighted) |
| Connector | XLR |
| Dimensions | 7" x 1.8" |
| Weight | 0.66 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Stand Clamp, Microphone Pouch |
FAQs
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What is the primary use of the Neumann KMS 105 microphone?
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The Neumann KMS 105 is primarily designed for live vocal performances, offering a clear and detailed sound with excellent feedback rejection due to its supercardioid polar pattern.
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How does the supercardioid polar pattern of the Neumann KMS 105 benefit live performances?
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The supercardioid pattern provides focused sound pickup directly in front of the mic while minimizing background noise and feedback, making it ideal for live stage settings.
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Is the Neumann KMS 105 suitable for recording in a studio environment?
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While the KMS 105 is optimized for live vocals, its high SPL handling and detailed frequency response also make it suitable for certain studio applications, especially for capturing vocals with clarity.
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What is the frequency response of the Neumann KMS 105 microphone?
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The Neumann KMS 105 has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, ensuring a full and natural sound across the audible spectrum.
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Does the Neumann KMS 105 require phantom power?
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Yes, as a condenser microphone, the Neumann KMS 105 requires phantom power to operate, typically supplied by mixing consoles or preamps via the XLR connection.
Videos
Podcastage
Neumann KMS 105 Condenser Mic Review / Test
Reviews
PROS
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Incredible sound with smooth low end and detailed highs
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Great noise rejection; effective in poorly treated rooms
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Supercardioid polar pattern reduces background noise
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Excellent off-axis and stage noise rejection
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Versatile: excels in live settings and studio recordings
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Enhances vocal clarity and natural sound
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Rich, creamy sound quality across various applications
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Preferred over other top-tier microphones for clarity and warmth
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Built-in bass roll-off for more accurate sound
CONS
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High price point may be a barrier for some
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Sensitivity can be a challenge for average PA systems
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Handling noise may be higher than some dynamic mics
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Requires careful handling and technique to avoid plosives
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Neumann KMS105 Microphone.
Comparisons
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The KMS105 is compared to the DPA d:facto 4018v, which offers better rejection and sound for a higher price, but with less bleed issues.
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The Sennheiser e965 is noted for its robust feedback resistance and soft, warm sound, contrasting with the brighter KMS105.
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The Shure KSM9 is praised for its smooth top end and compression on parallel vocals, while the Telefunken M80 is favored for its performance over the KSM9 in smaller venues.
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The KMS104 is considered more versatile due to its smoother frequency response compared to the KMS105, which has a noticeable 10kHz peak causing sibilance.
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Features and functionality
User experience
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Some owners have reported the KMS105 dulling over time and experiencing low-level and cutting-out issues, which might indicate a potential fault in certain batches.
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Some users store their KMS105 mics without regular use, preferring standard options like the SM58 or Telefunken M80s due to feedback and sibilance concerns.
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Owners highlight the mic's resilience despite cosmetic wear, with some units lasting over a decade in demanding conditions.
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Use cases and applications
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The KMS105 is noted for its bright sound, suitable for acoustic performances, but struggles on loud stages with bleed and feedback.
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Ideal on quiet stages and for TV performances with IEMs; struggles with loud bands and shrill vocalists due to feedback and sibilance issues.
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Suited for darker vocal tones, but tends to exaggerate sibilance in most female vocals, leading to a preference for other mic options.
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The KMS105 is favored for choirs and special events, maintaining sound integrity even after extensive use in mobile setups.
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Build quality
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 13 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
During John Mayer's Solo Tour, the decision was made to utilize all analog equipment. Tour mixer Derek Featherstone selected the Neumann KMS105 Supercardioid condenser microphone for Mayer's vocals. Featherstone explained, "With no band behind him, we could use a condenser just like we would do in a studio since we don’t have to sacrifice any sonic reproduction to navigate around background bleed." This information is corroborated by Mixonline.
Used for live vocals since Live 8, as mentioned by sound engineer Andy Jackson in this interview from Vol. 6, #7 of Resolution Magazine.
And for vocals? When we did Live 8, I mixed FOH helped by Jon Lemon, and he said: 'Check these out, they're the new Neumann live mic, the condenser that looks like a dynamic.' They're pretty good, and reasonably light directionality, that was good, so that was what went out on the road.
The microphone is specified to be a KSM 105 in this June 1, 2006 Mix Online article about the On An Island Tour.
All of the vocal mics are Neumann KSM-105s.
Footage from Live 8 shows it to be the wired version.
Muse frontman Matthew Bellamy can be seen using the Neumann KMS105 Mic in concert.
Adopted this microphone around the 'Absolution' period of Muse. This is the same microphone that his fellow band member and lead singer, Matt Bellamy, has used up until 'The 2nd Law'.
A.R. Rahman frequently uses the Neumann KMS105 Microphone during his live concerts, as evidenced by his 2016 performance in Colombo, Sri Lanka, reported by Sri Lankan Entertainer.
Kelly Jones uses a Neumann KMS105 Microphone as his main live microphone both on his mic stand and while playing piano. Proof.
"Winwood relies on a Neumann KMS 105 vocal microphone for both his live engagements and his studio work" As stated by Electronic Musician, October 25 2008. The article is called "Steve Winwood Endorses Neumann Sennheiser"
Jack Garratt is seen using Neumann KMS 105 for his cover of Latch at his BBC Live Lounge performance in Nov 2015. The mic is visible with its Neumann logo at 0.34 sec of the Youtube video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Et1uDI8MIk&list=PL7RLE4ANZ0lWV-ll_6zEnVjJo5Hmp-6TQ&index=523
Album Usage
The Neumann KMS105 Microphone has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Neumann KMS105 Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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