one of the most comprehensive microphone comparisons ive ever watched. instant subscribe for me. multiply the sub count by 100x and youve got what seems appropriate.
Thank you for your great review and for the decision not to edit it and let us have the whole take. "Let me be the artist" to finish it off could not be a better comment to end the review, wow! Same applies to me as a sound engineer, and for this reason I purchased the 104 Plus as the Neumann flavour for customers to choose when on a gig (between top of the foodchain Sennheiser and Lewitt handheld condensers) and EQ it the way the artist and I want it. What I missed in the review is the fact that the 104 (and obviously the Plus because it carries the same capsules I still presume and only differs in electronic filtering) has a tiny bit more directivity in the top end compared to the 105 in your review, even though the 105 has more overall directivity (hence super-cardioid). Which still could make the 105 a better choice at some point of view. Anyhow, I am totally with you when you suggest to come up with a 105 with a deeper low end "Plus" version. The Lewitt 940 handheld has roll off switches build in, accessible when screwing off the mesh. That might be the best choice ultimately for Neumann, and the users.
The 104 is cardioid and the 105 is a super-cardioid which may be the better choice for a room that is not too well treated for intrusive acoustic artifacts. So. . there's that to consider :-)
Wonderful. Thank you. Has to be the most thorough and most intelligent breakdown of these products. Looking forward to the other uploads. Favouring the 105 for our use.
I have an Asus Essence STX II sound card, Rupert Neve RNHP precision headphone amp and Neumann NDH 20 headphone. I like the 104 plus better, little more rounder and smooth and more flat. Sutle differences but they are there.
Thank you very much for this amazing and accurate review of these awesome mics. Sometimes is hard to test every single of these mics at the store but which one will you recommend for a baritone vocals like Jim Morrison, Chris Cornell and Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode) vocals alike. Thanks for your work
I am doubting between the 105 and the 104 plus. I have a baritone voice and sing jazz, latin and a bit pop. I do have a bit of a low voice and was wondering if the low end in the 104 plus is going to help that low end or if it's going to be in the way. Also with the P's and the S. I do try to control them but what would help me more??
You're obviously a professional. That begs the question as to why you are holding two very sensitive transducers in the same hand? Other than that minor detail it was a very useful review.
Great comparison. Very detailed and well thought out. Which would you recommend for tenor sax in a live setting? I'm leaning towards the 104. I currently use an Audix OM7, but isn't optimal for sax, in my opinion.
I like your channel a lot!! i think you review microphones extremely well. I'm having a hard time trying to find a good microphone for me. Im a baritone and I sing pop music. I already have a rode NT1A but i dont know it does not fit my voice correctly.
Hello Anton, my congratulations for your wonderful videos that I have seen many times. I need your opinion and help please. I have 2 Akg c636 and I am a baritone singer, and my wife is mezzo-soprano do you think it would be better for us to switch to Neumann? Thanks
i have some red wine! negro amaro 2012 thanks to the best mic tester around i especially appreciate that you stay on the same levels between two div. mics hicks!!! sorry
english is not my mothertounge obviously!!!! i wanted to say i‘m glad you watch that the levels of the div. mics are the same! wich not all mic reviewers do!
Bonjour monsieur. J'ai une question. Qu'est ce qui serait le mieu pour une voix d'homme , registre baryton et qui serait au dessus en qualités que le Neumann kms 104 plus ??
Bonjour à toi aussi. Bientôt je rendrai visite à mon ami à Chalais, près d'Angoulême ! Je suggérerais d'essayer le Earthworks SR314 ou le Sennheiser e965. Moins cher que les deux, le nouveau Earthworks SR117 tient bien dans le grave.
I want to buy these Neumann microphones for my friends. 1) for Male, he's lyric baritone, he likes jazz & classic and a little gospel. 2) For females, sopranos, They sings Pop, Ballad & often times they sings whispery. Would you help me to choose which suits best for them? Because i can't decide even though i watched lots of videos
thanks for these great reviews Anton! what would you recommend for a soft female whispery vocals? genre: synth. - if you have any time and have considered this at all that is. Would be very grateful, as I find it to be a bit of a jungle.
A jungle it is and I have only used very few of the mics that are available. Out of those I have and have used, I would say you need a 'fast / high definition' mic and these tend to be condensers. Of the cheaper dynamics, the sE V7 reveals the breath areas better than an SM58 IMHO and costs about the same - the glorious detail isn't there, though. Many of the older Beyerdynamic mics are detailed - M88, M500 (ribbon), M600 and M700 though they all have their quirks and will have to be bought second hand. The Neumann KMS 105 is good but the real detail isn't quite there. Moving up in price, Earthworks and their SR314, SR40V and SV33 (studio) are as detailed as it gets and without frequency hyping to distract you, but... they cost a lot. I will try to do a video on your question, thanks.
@@AntonBrowne thank you SO much for this Anton. Very kind of you to take time to write with these recommendations. I went to my local synthpusher store and asked around and he said he'd recommend Vanguard V4 for studio. A Mic, I didn't know about. sounds interesting. Also perhaps Neumann tml 102 or 103 (but the 103 is above my budget). But - also said what you say about KMS 105. that the real detail isn't' quite there. It's interesting. Will look at your recommendations as we speak. Thank you so much!!
oh - and btw - I am now also considering your SR314 - since it's usable both studio and live. :) seems to be worth the extra penny. (also it is stunning in design and reminds me of 2001 a Space Odyssey)
New subscriber. This is a fantastic comparison review. I'm very interested in purchasing the microphone. What is ideal KMS for a male vocal? My voice is rich in texture and sounds smooth. I lean more towards R&B vocals. Thanks
Just stumbled upon your videos, your analysis actually reminds me of Don Mei from Mei Leaf in Camden. Do you live in a similar area? It's a gong fu tea company, actually very good tea
Mics are supposed to be sung through. Not taken apart and played with. Just sing through them as they were set up by the manufacturer. High mid low. Mascara is generally a smudgy mess that’s difficult to get right btw. Bad metaphor.
E965, a little 'old school' sounding, with good bass - depending on switching under grille - and suits females too. 105 is lovely, clear and sweet in the highs, but lacks drive in the low end. Unnecessarily 'pristine' for rock and such IMHO.
105 is a tad more 'delicate' sounding, perhaps, and a bit faster, I think. 965 has the low end (which can also be switched out) and a 1 inch diaphragm which maybe makes it a bit slower. Both very good mics... try before you buy, if you can!
Guessing that the circuitry is being used for (literally) equalisation, as well as (probably) impedance matching. Odd. The Motorola 14106B doesn't appear to be anything to do with audio (it's a hex Schmitt trigger, FWIW!), so have no idea what it's doing in the circuit. Can't identify the other IC, but probably an op-amp of some description, which is only to be expected. Plus a few SMD transistors, again, unidentifiable.
The AKG C 535 EB microphone sounds as good as the Neumann KMS 105. It would be interesting if you compared them, please do it! Congratulations for the your videos and explanations!
bruno santos I own both and can’t entirely agree. The Neumann has much better plosive rejection which is so important for stage use. I also prefer it’s much smoother midrange response compared to the AKG. Then there is durability. The Neumann will last forever and take a ton of abuse while AKGs of that period are notoriously delicate. All that said, I really do like my 535s. They are just much more limited as to who I will trust with them. The 535 is also a great bargain, as good copies can be bought for a fraction of the price of the 105.
Mascara is what many women (and some men) apply to their eyelashes to make their eyes stand out. It can be quite subtle. This microphone has a similar effect on many voices.
I would go for the 104+ but maybe see if you can try a Sennheiser e965 and Earthworks SR314. The difficulty is, finding somewhere that has them in stock for tials. I will see if I can do a video to help out.
So these are all intended for females? Wow, well that's a bummer. I thought perhaps the 104 Plus would be a nice in between on the 105 and the Earthworks. Had hoped to marry the top of the KMS 105 and the low end of the earthworks
Stop using your hand to hold two mics. You are holding the 105 much closer than the 104 - and then say the 104 is quieter. Use a mic stand to be fair to each mic. Gees. It isn’t an accurate comparison.
one of the most comprehensive microphone comparisons ive ever watched. instant subscribe for me. multiply the sub count by 100x and youve got what seems appropriate.
Right? After like a minute of watching him a couple years ago I decided to subscribe. Cool guy and a good channel.
Thank you for your great review and for the decision not to edit it and let us have the whole take. "Let me be the artist" to finish it off could not be a better comment to end the review, wow! Same applies to me as a sound engineer, and for this reason I purchased the 104 Plus as the Neumann flavour for customers to choose when on a gig (between top of the foodchain Sennheiser and Lewitt handheld condensers) and EQ it the way the artist and I want it.
What I missed in the review is the fact that the 104 (and obviously the Plus because it carries the same capsules I still presume and only differs in electronic filtering) has a tiny bit more directivity in the top end compared to the 105 in your review, even though the 105 has more overall directivity (hence super-cardioid). Which still could make the 105 a better choice at some point of view.
Anyhow, I am totally with you when you suggest to come up with a 105 with a deeper low end "Plus" version. The Lewitt 940 handheld has roll off switches build in, accessible when screwing off the mesh. That might be the best choice ultimately for Neumann, and the users.
The 104 is cardioid and the 105 is a super-cardioid which may be the better choice for a room that is not too well treated for intrusive acoustic artifacts. So. . there's that to consider :-)
Thanks for your observation.
$509 on sale. I’m considering it.
Wonderful. Thank you. Has to be the most thorough and most intelligent breakdown of these products. Looking forward to the other uploads. Favouring the 105 for our use.
Do you have a favourite sound card/audio interface for recording vocals?
Yep, got my cup of tea already, as it happens! And yes, sitting comfortably!
Excellent review. Thanks so much
My pleasure!
I have an Asus Essence STX II sound card, Rupert Neve RNHP precision headphone amp and Neumann NDH 20 headphone. I like the 104 plus better, little more rounder and smooth and more flat. Sutle differences but they are there.
I think I agree with you. I am yet to give the 104 and 104 Plus the attention they deserve but I will get around to it.
Thank you very much for this amazing and accurate review of these awesome mics. Sometimes is hard to test every single of these mics at the store but which one will you recommend for a baritone vocals like Jim Morrison, Chris Cornell and Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode) vocals alike. Thanks for your work
Thanks. I would go for the 104 Plus, but try them if you can.
Best for bass singers? 104 plus? Since it seems to pick up the lows better than the two.
when you say " no " when unmuting the wrong one ... I LOVE IT hahah xD have to giggle every time :D easily earned sub and like ;) see you later !
Thanks for the sub!
I am doubting between the 105 and the 104 plus. I have a baritone voice and sing jazz, latin and a bit pop. I do have a bit of a low voice and was wondering if the low end in the 104 plus is going to help that low end or if it's going to be in the way. Also with the P's and the S. I do try to control them but what would help me more??
You're obviously a professional. That begs the question as to why you are holding two very sensitive transducers in the same hand? Other than that minor detail it was a very useful review.
Tested, and found it made no detrimental difference, but the ease of moving between them was a bonus, so I went ahead, and continue to.
@@AntonBrowne Understood
You need coloured XLRs, won't get confused between channels
Great comparison. Very detailed and well thought out. Which would you recommend for tenor sax in a live setting? I'm leaning towards the 104. I currently use an Audix OM7, but isn't optimal for sax, in my opinion.
I like your channel a lot!! i think you review microphones extremely well. I'm having a hard time trying to find a good microphone for me. Im a baritone and I sing pop music. I already have a rode NT1A but i dont know it does not fit my voice correctly.
Great content! Love your review and comparison!
Hello Anton, my congratulations for your wonderful videos that I have seen many times. I need your opinion and help please. I have 2 Akg c636 and I am a baritone singer, and my wife is mezzo-soprano do you think it would be better for us to switch to Neumann?
Thanks
I love you reviews/comparisons! Could you please make a review of the Sennheiser MD441U and compare it to the Shure KSM8?
My friend you are the man and I would watch your show. New subscriber!
i have some red wine! negro amaro 2012
thanks to the best mic tester around
i especially appreciate that you stay on the same levels between two div. mics
hicks!!! sorry
english is not my mothertounge
obviously!!!!
i wanted to say i‘m glad you watch that the levels of the div. mics are the same!
wich not all mic reviewers do!
Bonjour monsieur.
J'ai une question.
Qu'est ce qui serait le mieu pour une voix d'homme , registre baryton et qui serait au dessus en qualités que le Neumann kms 104 plus ??
Bonjour à toi aussi. Bientôt je rendrai visite à mon ami à Chalais, près d'Angoulême ! Je suggérerais d'essayer le Earthworks SR314 ou le Sennheiser e965. Moins cher que les deux, le nouveau Earthworks SR117 tient bien dans le grave.
Merci Anton pour votre réponse je vais voir ça de plus près. Sinon, pour un baryton, quel est votre avis sur le DPA D : FACTO !!!!
MERCI BIEN.
Great.. Ur videos are v relaxing too :)
I want to buy these Neumann microphones for my friends.
1) for Male, he's lyric baritone, he likes jazz & classic and a little gospel.
2) For females, sopranos, They sings Pop, Ballad & often times they sings whispery.
Would you help me to choose which suits best for them? Because i can't decide even though i watched lots of videos
Hi, I would suggest the KSM 104 Plus for the gent, and the 105 for the ladies.
You are the best!
@@AntonBrowne
thanks for these great reviews Anton! what would you recommend for a soft female whispery vocals? genre: synth. - if you have any time and have considered this at all that is. Would be very grateful, as I find it to be a bit of a jungle.
A jungle it is and I have only used very few of the mics that are available. Out of those I have and have used, I would say you need a 'fast / high definition' mic and these tend to be condensers. Of the cheaper dynamics, the sE V7 reveals the breath areas better than an SM58 IMHO and costs about the same - the glorious detail isn't there, though. Many of the older Beyerdynamic mics are detailed - M88, M500 (ribbon), M600 and M700 though they all have their quirks and will have to be bought second hand. The Neumann KMS 105 is good but the real detail isn't quite there. Moving up in price, Earthworks and their SR314, SR40V and SV33 (studio) are as detailed as it gets and without frequency hyping to distract you, but... they cost a lot. I will try to do a video on your question, thanks.
@@AntonBrowne thank you SO much for this Anton. Very kind of you to take time to write with these recommendations. I went to my local synthpusher store and asked around and he said he'd recommend Vanguard V4 for studio. A Mic, I didn't know about. sounds interesting. Also perhaps Neumann tml 102 or 103 (but the 103 is above my budget). But - also said what you say about KMS 105. that the real detail isn't' quite there. It's interesting. Will look at your recommendations as we speak. Thank you so much!!
oh - and btw - I am now also considering your SR314 - since it's usable both studio and live. :) seems to be worth the extra penny. (also it is stunning in design and reminds me of 2001 a Space Odyssey)
New subscriber. This is a fantastic comparison review. I'm very interested in purchasing the microphone. What is ideal KMS for a male vocal? My voice is rich in texture and sounds smooth. I lean more towards R&B vocals.
Thanks
Be good to try them if at all possible. I would probably go for the 104 Plus.
Thank you for the recommendation.
¡Gracias!
Just stumbled upon your videos, your analysis actually reminds me of Don Mei from Mei Leaf in Camden. Do you live in a similar area? It's a gong fu tea company, actually very good tea
No, not in same area, but just checked out some of his videos about tea.
@@AntonBrowne ok, I'm not english so what do I know! haha
Mics are supposed to be sung through. Not taken apart and played with. Just sing through them as they were set up by the manufacturer. High mid low. Mascara is generally a smudgy mess that’s difficult to get right btw. Bad metaphor.
What is your opinion between the E965 and KSM 105 ? Thanks.
E965, a little 'old school' sounding, with good bass - depending on switching under grille - and suits females too. 105 is lovely, clear and sweet in the highs, but lacks drive in the low end. Unnecessarily 'pristine' for rock and such IMHO.
impressive review for the beginner or pro
Thanks again!
Two great mics. My question is whether to get a Neumann KMS 105 or a Sennheiser e965
105 is a tad more 'delicate' sounding, perhaps, and a bit faster, I think. 965 has the low end (which can also be switched out) and a 1 inch diaphragm which maybe makes it a bit slower. Both very good mics... try before you buy, if you can!
Guessing that the circuitry is being used for (literally) equalisation, as well as (probably) impedance matching.
Odd. The Motorola 14106B doesn't appear to be anything to do with audio (it's a hex Schmitt trigger, FWIW!), so have no idea what it's doing in the circuit. Can't identify the other IC, but probably an op-amp of some description, which is only to be expected. Plus a few SMD transistors, again, unidentifiable.
It was nice until you start this one and this one!!! What is this one?? would be nice to pout it on the screen maybe!!??
The AKG C 535 EB microphone sounds as good as the Neumann KMS 105. It would be interesting if you compared them, please do it! Congratulations for the your videos and explanations!
bruno santos I own both and can’t entirely agree. The Neumann has much better plosive rejection which is so important for stage use. I also prefer it’s much smoother midrange response compared to the AKG. Then there is durability. The Neumann will last forever and take a ton of abuse while AKGs of that period are notoriously delicate. All that said, I really do like my 535s. They are just much more limited as to who I will trust with them. The 535 is also a great bargain, as good copies can be bought for a fraction of the price of the 105.
What is the term he is using for sweetness? Mescare? Never heard that before
Mascara is what many women (and some men) apply to their eyelashes to make their eyes stand out. It can be quite subtle. This microphone has a similar effect on many voices.
Would you recommend the KMS104 or 104+ for a male baritone voice?
I would go for the 104+ but maybe see if you can try a Sennheiser e965 and Earthworks SR314. The difficulty is, finding somewhere that has them in stock for tials. I will see if I can do a video to help out.
@@AntonBrowne That would be great thank you
104 all day longggggggg!
Yes sir!
to my ears the 105 wins
So these are all intended for females? Wow, well that's a bummer. I thought perhaps the 104 Plus would be a nice in between on the 105 and the Earthworks. Had hoped to marry the top of the KMS 105 and the low end of the earthworks
I wouldn't say they are intended for females exactly but males that use lows, might feel a bit cheated.
@@AntonBrowne Even on the 104 plus with extended lows?
Your preamps or board does not do these mics justice.
This mic costs 1700 usd in India
104plus 如何？
Stop using your hand to hold two mics. You are holding the 105 much closer than the 104 - and then say the 104 is quieter. Use a mic stand to be fair to each mic. Gees. It isn’t an accurate comparison.
I have 105 is great for singing but not the best for spoken word. 104 is defenitely bette for spoken word.
You're cool af but I wish you'd get to the point quicker.
... so do I
Now we know why everybody shouldn't be testing microphones on the internet...the chance of passing on misinformation is too great.