What is the maximum SPL the Neumann MCM 114 can handle?

The system can capture sound pressure levels up to 153 dB. This high threshold makes it suitable for extremely loud sources, such as snare drums and timpani, without distorting.

What capsule does the MCM 114 use?

It uses the KK 14 electret condenser capsule. This capsule is noted for its ultra-consistent sensitivity and tonality compared to traditional electret designs.

Is the microphone system modular?

Yes, the entire system is designed to be modular. Users can easily change out components, including the mount types and the connection cables.

What type of connection does the cable use?

The system includes a 3.5mm jack as standard. However, the cable is interchangeable and can be switched between three different types to suit various wireless or wired setups.

Can this microphone be used for live performance?

Yes, the MCM 114 is designed for both live performance and studio recording. Its clip-on mount and high SPL handling make it particularly robust for stage use.

How does the microphone attach to the drums?

The system includes a specific mount that clips onto the rims of drums like snares and timpani. This mount then holds the microphone's gooseneck for precise positioning.

What kind of sound character does the MCM 114 provide?

The microphone is designed to provide a clear and natural sound. It aims for a linear response that captures the true tonality of the instrument without excessive coloration.

Is this microphone suitable for timpani?

Yes, the included mount is explicitly designed to work with both standard drum shells and larger percussion instruments like timpani. The high SPL rating is also beneficial for the heavy transients of orchestral percussion.

Can I use this microphone on a Ludwig Neusonic or Tama Superstar kit?

Yes, the universal clip-on mounting system is compatible with standard drum rims found on kits like the Ludwig Neusonic, Tama Superstar Classic, and Yamaha Rydeen. It is designed to fit most standard percussion hoops.

Does the system require phantom power?

As the KK 14 is a condenser capsule, it requires power to operate. This is typically provided via a wireless transmitter or a phantom-powered XLR adapter depending on the cable used.

Can the gooseneck be adjusted?

Yes, the gooseneck is flexible and attaches to the drum mount. This allows the engineer to find the perfect miking position to capture the desired balance of attack and resonance.

What is the typical price for the MCM 114 Drum Set?

The typical price range for this system is approximately GBP 532. This price reflects a single microphone kit including the capsule, gooseneck, cable, and drum mount.

Gear article

Neumann MCM 114 Miniature Clip Mic System (Drums)

The Neumann MCM 114 Miniature Clip Mic System is a high-end condenser microphone solution specifically engineered for the close-miking of acoustic drum kits in studio and live environments. Centred around the KK 14 electret capsule, the system provides consistent tonality and the ability to handle extreme sound pressure levels up to 153 dB.

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Overview

The Neumann MCM 114 (Miniature Clip Mic) system represents a modular approach to instrument miking, designed to overcome the challenges of capturing high-transient sources like drums. The system utilizes the KK 14 capsule, which is designed to provide a natural, linear response across the frequency spectrum. Its modular nature allows users to swap mounts and cables, ensuring the system can adapt to various hardware configurations found on modern drum kits.

The KK 14 Capsule and Sound Character

At the heart of the system is the KK 14 capsule. Unlike traditional electret capsules that may suffer from inconsistency, the KK 14 is manufactured for ultra-consistent sensitivity. This results in a 'clear and natural' sound profile that seeks to reproduce the acoustic character of the drum without artificial coloration. Because drums produce high-energy peaks, the capsule is rated to handle up to 153 dB SPL, ensuring that snare hits or heavy floor tom strokes do not result in signal clipping at the diaphragm level.

Mechanical Design and Modular System

The system features a dedicated drum mount that clips directly onto the rims of snares, toms, or timpani. This mount secures a flexible gooseneck, allowing for precise positioning relative to the drum head.

A key feature of the MCM 114 is its modularity. The cable system is interchangeable, allowing the user to switch between three different connector types, though it typically ships with a 3.5mm jack. This flexibility extends to the mounting hardware, which can be swapped out if the microphone needs to be transitioned from a drum kit to a different instrument type.

Applications and Compatibility

This system is intended for professional use where high-fidelity capture of percussion is required. It is compatible with a wide range of acoustic kits, including popular shell packs such as the Ludwig Neusonic, DW Performance Series, and Tama Superstar Classic. Whether used on a compact kit like the Sonor AQ2 Safari or a full-sized Yamaha Rydeen, the clip-on design eliminates the need for bulky floor stands, providing a cleaner aesthetic for stage performances.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum SPL the Neumann MCM 114 can handle?: The system can capture sound pressure levels up to 153 dB. This high threshold makes it suitable for extremely loud sources, such as snare drums and timpani, without distorting.
What capsule does the MCM 114 use?: It uses the KK 14 electret condenser capsule. This capsule is noted for its ultra-consistent sensitivity and tonality compared to traditional electret designs.
Is the microphone system modular?: Yes, the entire system is designed to be modular. Users can easily change out components, including the mount types and the connection cables.
What type of connection does the cable use?: The system includes a 3.5mm jack as standard. However, the cable is interchangeable and can be switched between three different types to suit various wireless or wired setups.
Can this microphone be used for live performance?: Yes, the MCM 114 is designed for both live performance and studio recording. Its clip-on mount and high SPL handling make it particularly robust for stage use.
How does the microphone attach to the drums?: The system includes a specific mount that clips onto the rims of drums like snares and timpani. This mount then holds the microphone's gooseneck for precise positioning.
What kind of sound character does the MCM 114 provide?: The microphone is designed to provide a clear and natural sound. It aims for a linear response that captures the true tonality of the instrument without excessive coloration.
Is this microphone suitable for timpani?: Yes, the included mount is explicitly designed to work with both standard drum shells and larger percussion instruments like timpani. The high SPL rating is also beneficial for the heavy transients of orchestral percussion.
Can I use this microphone on a Ludwig Neusonic or Tama Superstar kit?: Yes, the universal clip-on mounting system is compatible with standard drum rims found on kits like the Ludwig Neusonic, Tama Superstar Classic, and Yamaha Rydeen. It is designed to fit most standard percussion hoops.
Does the system require phantom power?: As the KK 14 is a condenser capsule, it requires power to operate. This is typically provided via a wireless transmitter or a phantom-powered XLR adapter depending on the cable used.
Can the gooseneck be adjusted?: Yes, the gooseneck is flexible and attaches to the drum mount. This allows the engineer to find the perfect miking position to capture the desired balance of attack and resonance.
What is the typical price for the MCM 114 Drum Set?: The typical price range for this system is approximately GBP 532. This price reflects a single microphone kit including the capsule, gooseneck, cable, and drum mount.