Neumann’s true condenser capsule heads for Sennheiser wireless systems have been popular for many years, combining the perfectly balanced, nuanced sound of Neumann's award-winning KMS series wired stage vocal microphones with the freedom of wireless operation. Until now, however, the outstanding sound quality of Neumann capsule heads was exclusive to users of Sennheiser handheld transmitters. With the new capsule head variants KK 104 U (cardioid) and KK 105 U (supercardioid), studio sound on stage is now also available for wireless systems from third-party manufacturers: Sony (all models), Lectrosonics (all models), MiPro (ACT Series), and Shure (Axient Digital, ULX-D, QLX-D und SLX-D Series).
"Although we are convinced of the superior quality of Sennheiser wireless systems, many users have no option to change because the system is a given," explains Stephan Mauer, Head of Product. "The new KK 104 U and KK 105 U capsule heads now also offer genuine Neumann sound in conjunction with third-party wireless systems. So there is no longer any reason for our customers to settle for anything less than the original."
The new capsule heads are available in black, silver and also in individual designs (made to order). The well-established Neumann capsule heads for Sennheiser systems will of course remain part of the product range.
New Options for Neumann’s MCM system
Also presented at NAMM 2024 were the KK 13 omnidirectional capsule for the Miniature Clip Microphone System (MCM) as an alternative to the standard KK 14 cardioid capsule. The sound of the KK 13 is similarly balanced but appears more open than that of the KK 14 cardioid capsule due to its omnidirectional pickup pattern. In addition, there is no proximity effect.
The KK 13 is recommended for quiet stages or pure recording scenarios where a particularly natural sound is required and the low feedback resistance of an omnidirectional capsule presents no problem. The KK 13 will only be available as a separate item; all MCM instrument sets continue to be supplied with the KK 14 cardioid capsule.
The MCM system is complemented by two new goosenecks SH 100 and SH 250, which are 50mm shorter and 100mm longer respectively than the standard gooseneck SH 150 at 150mm. The popular MCM 114 set vio/vla for violin and viola will from now on be supplied with the shorter gooseneck SH 100. All other sets will continue to include the standard SH 150 gooseneck. Available as separate items will be cables of different lengths. As an alternative to the standard cables of 1.8m (ca. 6 ft), there will be short cables of 0.6m (ca. 2 ft) and extra-long cables of 3.0m (ca. 10 ft) for all four connector types (Mini Jack, LEMO, Microdot, Mini-XLR4).
"We are looking forward to increasingly serving the live market with reference solutions to bring Neumann sound to the stage," explains Neumann's CEO Ralf Oehl. "The MCM system has quickly become the new benchmark in instrument miking and is now being successively supplemented with additional elements. The KK 13 omnidirectional capsule is a great option for quieter stages and recording. And the new capsule heads finally give all users, across all wireless systems, a vocal sound without compromise that seamlessly matches the studio recording."
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