Neumann KMS 105From real comments

Verdict distilled from 53 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment60%
PROS 60%
CONS 40%

Rank based on 53 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want studio-quality vocal detail and warmth in a live handheld mic
  • You perform in controlled rooms or studios rather than loud, feedback-prone stages
  • You value build quality and longevity and can justify a premium price

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You gig frequently on cheap or uncontrolled PA systems prone to feedback
  • You need strong plosive rejection without extra pop filtering
  • You're on a tight budget and can't justify $600-800 for a mic

What users complain about

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Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Premium
Neumann KMS 105
Smooth, natural vocal toneGreat for studio and home recordingVersatile beyond vocalsProne to feedback in loud live settingsHigh price relative to alternativesWeak plosive control
Neumann KMS 105
Smooth, natural vocal tone
Great for studio and home recording
Versatile beyond vocals
Prone to feedback in loud live settings
High price relative to alternatives
Weak plosive control

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Exceptional sound quality that rivals or beats studio condensers. Commenters consistently praise the KMS 105's smooth, silky midrange and crystal-clear high end, often comparing it favorably to Neumann's own U87 and TLM 103, as well as pricier competitors like the DPA d:facto and AT4060. Multiple users say it makes singers sound like they're on a studio-produced record, and it excels not just on vocals but on acoustic guitar, flute, and hi-hats too.

Outstanding build quality that survives years of touring abuse. Owners report using the mic for a decade or more on constant touring and gigging, with several noting it survived multiple drops from height onto hard surfaces and still sounds flawless. Internal construction, including epoxy-coated circuit boards, is called impressive, and even the original packaging is noted as remarkably durable. This durability is cited as a key justification for the price.

Feedback and plosive handling can be problematic in loud live settings. Several users report the mic is too sensitive for uncontrolled venues, cutting into gain-before-feedback on cheap PA systems and forcing them to switch to dynamic mics like the SM58 or Beta 87A mid-gig. Others note the clever basket design doesn't fully solve plosives, and a built-in non-defeatable high-pass filter thins out the low end, requiring EQ correction in post.

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