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Neumann

Neumann KMS 104 Plus Handheld Condenser Vocal Microphone

★★★★★5.0 (2 reviews)
Condenser

Studio-grade transient clarity and extended low-end warmth from a handheld condenser built to perform under live-stage pressure.

$849.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Neumann KMS 104 Plus occupies a specific and well-defined space in professional vocal reproduction: it's a handheld condenser engineered for performers who want the sonic resolution of studio-grade capture without sacrificing the practicality of a live-stage microphone. The cardioid polar pattern delivers tight off-axis rejection that translates directly to feedback headroom on a live stage, while the 76 dB signal-to-noise ratio means the noise floor stays below audible threshold even when the gain is pushed to bring out quiet passages. The "Plus" designation indicates the extended bass response tuning — a deliberate choice that adds fundamental warmth and body to vocals in the upper-mid and higher registers, where lighter voices can otherwise sound thin through a PA.

The KMS 104 Plus is built to Neumann's professional standards — the capsule and body are designed to withstand the physical handling of live performance without drift in sensitivity or coloration over time. The 50-ohm output impedance and XLR connectivity make it straightforward to integrate into any professional signal chain, from a broadcast console to a touring FOH rack. What you hear through this microphone is a detailed, slightly warm top-end with controlled proximity effect and a noise floor that doesn't compete with the performance. For touring vocalists, broadcast hosts, or any performer who needs consistent, high-fidelity reproduction night after night, the KMS 104 Plus earns its place in the signal chain.

Key Features

With Fixed Cardioid Directional Polar Pattern and Extended Bass Response

Handheld Vocal Condenser Mic

Specifications

Brand
Neumann
Model
008624 (KMS 104 Plus)
Type
Handheld Vocal Condenser Microphone
Polar Pattern
Cardioid (Fixed)
Frequency Range
20 Hz – 20 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
76 dB
Output Impedance
50 Ohm
Connectivity
XLR
Power Requirement
48V Phantom Power

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 76 dB signal-to-noise ratio delivers a quiet noise floor that preserves vocal nuance even at moderate gain settings
  • Extended bass response of the Plus variant adds warmth and body to lighter voices without requiring EQ compensation
  • Tight cardioid pattern provides precise off-axis rejection, keeping stage bleed and monitor feedback out of the signal
  • Neumann build quality holds up to the physical demands of live performance without degradation in sonic character over time
  • XLR output with 50-ohm impedance integrates cleanly with any professional console, interface, or preamp

👎 Cons

  • Requires 48V phantom power — not compatible with rigs that lack phantom power supply without an external power source
  • Fixed cardioid pattern offers no flexibility for polar pattern switching in situations where a tighter supercardioid might be preferred for extreme monitor proximity
  • No built-in pad or high-pass filter switch limits in-circuit tailoring to what your console or preamp provides
  • Premium Neumann pricing puts this mic in a tier that requires budget justification for performers who only need occasional use
  • The extended bass response of the Plus variant, while flattering on lighter voices, can require high-pass filtering on heavier, baritone vocal registers to control low-end buildup

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. As a condenser microphone, the KMS 104 Plus requires 48V phantom power from your mixing console or preamp. Confirm your interface or console supplies phantom power before patching this mic into a live or studio signal chain.
The KMS 104 Plus is specifically designed for female vocalists and speakers, featuring an extended bass response that adds warmth and body to lighter or higher vocal registers. The standard KMS 104 has a flatter low-frequency response curve. The Plus variant is the better choice when extended low-end presence is the goal.
The tight cardioid polar pattern provides strong off-axis rejection, which is the primary mechanism for feedback control in live environments. The cardioid pattern keeps the microphone focused on what's in front of it and rejects sound from the rear and sides, reducing feedback risk when positioned correctly relative to monitor wedges or PA systems.
The KMS 104 Plus presents a 50-ohm source impedance — a low-impedance output typical of professional condenser microphones. Most professional preamps and console mic inputs handle this without issue. The 76 dB signal-to-noise ratio means the mic itself contributes very little noise; the quality of the downstream preamp becomes the limiting factor at high gain settings.
It performs in both environments, but its design is optimized for live vocal use — the cardioid pattern, robust build, and feedback rejection characteristics make it a natural stage microphone. In the studio, the extended bass response and high S/N ratio yield warm, detailed vocal tracks, though large-diaphragm condensers remain the conventional studio choice. Many performers use this mic live and in the studio for consistency across recordings and live performances.

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