What is the primary use for the Neumann BCM 705?

The BCM 705 is primarily designed for professional broadcast applications, including live radio, television, and high-end podcasting. Its capsule is specifically tuned for speech reproduction at close proximity.

Is the BCM 705 a condenser or dynamic microphone?

It is a dynamic microphone, making it the first dynamic model produced by Neumann. This distinguishes it from many other Neumann models that use condenser technology.

What is the polar pattern of the BCM 705?

The microphone features a hypercardioid directional capsule. This pattern provides tighter pick-up and better off-axis rejection than a standard cardioid pattern.

Does the BCM 705 require phantom power?

No, as a dynamic microphone, the BCM 705 does not require 48V phantom power to operate. This makes it compatible with a wide range of audio interfaces and broadcast consoles.

How does the BCM 705 handle plosive sounds?

It features an integrated pop screen within the headgrille. This design choice helps to minimise sibilance and plosive noises like 'p' and 'b' sounds during close-up speech.

What physical design does the BCM 705 share with other models?

The BCM 705 uses the exact same housing and headgrille design as the Neumann BCM 104. The difference lies internally in the capsule technology.

Is the BCM 705 suitable for recording music?

While specifically designed for speech, its wide frequency range and dynamic nature allow it to be used for certain musical applications, though it is optimised for the human voice.

How is the microphone mounted in a studio?

The BCM 705 includes a thread adapter. This allows it to be mounted directly onto standard broadcast boom arms or microphone stands.

How much does the Neumann BCM 705 typically cost?

The microphone typically retails in the price range of approximately £569. This positions it as a professional-grade investment for broadcast studios.

Does the BCM 705 protect against moisture?

Yes, the integrated pop screen serves a dual purpose. It reduces plosives and protects the internal capsule from moisture and other unwanted particles during use.

How does it compare to the Shure SM7B?

Both are high-end dynamic broadcast microphones, but the BCM 705 features a hypercardioid pattern and a specific Neumann voicing. The BCM 705 is also physically designed specifically for boom arm suspension.

Is this microphone suitable for remote field recording?

While it is a rugged dynamic microphone, its design is optimised for studio broadcast environments where it can be mounted on a boom. For field recording, handheld or lavalier options may be more practical.

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Neumann BCM 705 Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone

The Neumann BCM 705 is a professional dynamic microphone specifically designed for broadcast and podcasting environments. It represents Neumann's first ever dynamic model, utilising the same housing as the BCM 104 and featuring a hypercardioid directional pattern for close-range speech reproduction.

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Overview and History

The Neumann BCM 705 stands as a significant milestone in the manufacturer's history, being the first dynamic microphone produced by a company synonymous with high-end condenser technology. While Neumann is traditionally associated with microphones like the TLM 102 and TLM 103, the BCM 705 was developed to meet the specific functional demands of live radio and television environments.

It shares the physical architecture of its predecessor, the BCM 104, including the same specialised housing and headgrille design. By employing a dynamic capsule rather than a condenser, the BCM 705 offers a different sensitivity profile suited for the rigours of daily broadcast operations.

Design and Key Features

The microphone is engineered with a hypercardioid directional capsule, which is specifically tuned for optimal speech reproduction at close range. This polar pattern is highly effective at rejecting off-axis noise, which is essential in busy studio settings or live broadcasts.

Key features include: * Integrated Pop Screen: A built-in screen reduces sibilance and plosive sounds while protecting the capsule from moisture. * Standard Mounting: The unit includes a thread adapter designed to facilitate easy mounting on standard broadcast boom arms. * Functional Housing: The headgrille and body are designed for easy cleaning and durability in high-traffic studio environments.

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Sound Character and Performance

Unlike many studio condensers that offer a clinical or highly transparent high-end, the BCM 705 is voiced for the human voice. It provides a wide frequency range that maintains the 'studio quality' associated with the Neumann brand while offering the robustness of a dynamic element. The hypercardioid pattern ensures that the sound remains focused on the speaker, providing excellent isolation from keyboard noise, air conditioning, or other speakers in the room.

Comparative Context

Within the Neumann catalogue, the BCM 705 offers a more focused, rugged alternative to the BCM 104 condenser. In the wider market, it competes directly with industry standards such as the Shure SM7B. While both are dynamic microphones used for broadcast, the BCM 705 is specifically shaped for mounting on boom arms and features a different sonic signature characteristic of Neumann engineering. It sits as a premium alternative to general-purpose dynamic microphones and entry-level condenser kits.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use for the Neumann BCM 705?: The BCM 705 is primarily designed for professional broadcast applications, including live radio, television, and high-end podcasting. Its capsule is specifically tuned for speech reproduction at close proximity.
Is the BCM 705 a condenser or dynamic microphone?: It is a dynamic microphone, making it the first dynamic model produced by Neumann. This distinguishes it from many other Neumann models that use condenser technology.
What is the polar pattern of the BCM 705?: The microphone features a hypercardioid directional capsule. This pattern provides tighter pick-up and better off-axis rejection than a standard cardioid pattern.
Does the BCM 705 require phantom power?: No, as a dynamic microphone, the BCM 705 does not require 48V phantom power to operate. This makes it compatible with a wide range of audio interfaces and broadcast consoles.
How does the BCM 705 handle plosive sounds?: It features an integrated pop screen within the headgrille. This design choice helps to minimise sibilance and plosive noises like 'p' and 'b' sounds during close-up speech.
What physical design does the BCM 705 share with other models?: The BCM 705 uses the exact same housing and headgrille design as the Neumann BCM 104. The difference lies internally in the capsule technology.
Is the BCM 705 suitable for recording music?: While specifically designed for speech, its wide frequency range and dynamic nature allow it to be used for certain musical applications, though it is optimised for the human voice.
How is the microphone mounted in a studio?: The BCM 705 includes a thread adapter. This allows it to be mounted directly onto standard broadcast boom arms or microphone stands.
How much does the Neumann BCM 705 typically cost?: The microphone typically retails in the price range of approximately £569. This positions it as a professional-grade investment for broadcast studios.
Does the BCM 705 protect against moisture?: Yes, the integrated pop screen serves a dual purpose. It reduces plosives and protects the internal capsule from moisture and other unwanted particles during use.
How does it compare to the Shure SM7B?: Both are high-end dynamic broadcast microphones, but the BCM 705 features a hypercardioid pattern and a specific Neumann voicing. The BCM 705 is also physically designed specifically for boom arm suspension.
Is this microphone suitable for remote field recording?: While it is a rugged dynamic microphone, its design is optimised for studio broadcast environments where it can be mounted on a boom. For field recording, handheld or lavalier options may be more practical.