Shure KSM9 vs Neumann KMS 105

[MichaelPatrick]

Originally Posted by bdemenil

I'm testing a KSM9 obtained from ebay- sounds dark and needs tons of gain... maybe 20db more than an akg 535eb - is this what others have experienced? I'm wondering if something is wrong with the mic...

Doesn't sound right to me.

[Guitfiddle]

I used a KMS 105 recently and I was blown away! I haven't heard the top-of the-line Shure KSM9 yet, however I have used a Shure Beta 87A since they came out and I liked them better than a regular 58. It really depends on the PA. I have used 58's that have sounded better than Beta 87 with above average PA's. It's all in the whole chain! Your weakest link is your best sound! The KMS 105 made the night so much easier. I like the response of this mic and it made the night so much more enjoyable. Effortless almost, and it sounded great! Especially on the ballads, and Eagles tunes! We do everything popular, and not so popular from Beatles to now!

[Icarus]

Alright. So I ended up ordering both the KSM9 and the KMS105, with the intention of returning one. However, I kept them both. I would say that these mics are evenly matched in caliber, with a few variations.

Firstly, both are amazingly smooth and warm, with the KSM9 flattering the voice a smidgeon over the KMS105. I would certainly not call the 105 neutral by any means though. I can belt into the KSM9 a bit harder without it distorting, where as, if I apply that much force to the 105, I have to back off a few inches. Though both mics sound great when driven, the 105 wins out for quiet, expressive stuff - this is especially apparent in the airiness and the silky quality of the sibilance, and it seems to have a bit more clarity, which I have noticed when I rasp, growl, or push my voice hard enough to break. The KSM9 is a more forgiving microphone(mistakes are slightly less spotlighted), but not by much.

Bottom line: I will use both of these microphones (and quite happily) for different occasions, without being too picky about specific applications, simply because they each have their own color. Either would be more than sufficient to get the job done, though I could see the 105 being used as an instrument mic as well.

If I can get around to it, I will post some samples.

[MichaelPatrick]

Originally Posted by Icarus

Bottom line: I will use both of these microphones (and quite happily) for different occasions, without being too picky about specific applications, simply because they each have their own color. Either would be more than sufficient to get the job done, though I could see the 105 being used as an instrument mic as well.

I agree. I use 105 mics for jazz recordings, on instruments and vocals. To my ear they sound better on instruments than a KM184.

[Remoteness]

Yeah, I love these mics on saxophones, especially when they are on goosenecks that the performers move around a lot for solos.

Originally Posted by MichaelPatrick

I agree. I use 105 mics for jazz recordings, on instruments and vocals. To my ear they sound better on instruments than a KM184.

[SeniorityFedup]

Originally Posted by MichaelPatrick

Doesn't sound right to me.

Does not sound right to me either.

[Remoteness]

Me three!

Originally Posted by SeniorityFedup

Does not sound right to me either.

[bdemenil]

I've been using the ksm9 for a while now. Excellent mic. Way better than any dynamic I've used and good feeback rejection on hypercard. My bands have LOUD stage volume but mic still great.

[J Watson]

...is the Audio-Technica AE5400 or the very similar Sennheiser e965 (same features and freq response, except e965 is supercardioid as optional). There is a reason why Dylan and Streisand preferred the AE5400 at the grammys (2011). It is smooth, while very accurate and clear.

People should be aware that Sennheiser, who in fact owns Neumann (since 1991, and is responsible for the developing of the whole KMS series) has considered the AE5400 to be a particular worrying issue, thus eventually coming up with the e965, finally released in 2008.

The advice is to get one of these two, the e965 or AE5400, unless you are a singer songwriter, into the more quiet, acoustic stuff or a jazz vocalist for which the somewhat more articulate KMS 105/150, or the 104/140, could be a better choice (the cardioid KMS 104 is a better mic than the 105 for close ups). But, be aware that the Neumanns are not that neutral.

What sets the Sennheiser e965 and Audio-Technica AE5400 apart from other live condensers is that their hot output provides for very good mics also for recording. I've had excellent results with the AE5400 in the studio. My experience is that while you would want a solid compressor (the La2A will work wonders), and while i.e. a Great River will make for a difference, these mics make it possible to do top class vocal recordings without the help of a high-end preamp.

[LX3]

Can I just say, thanks for pitching back in Icarus. Its not every time we get to hear how the story ends. True gearslut solution... Can't decide? Buy both! I like it

[Kristian]

Originally Posted by Icarus

Alright. So I ended up ordering both the KSM9 and the KMS105, with the intention of returning one. However, I kept them both. I would say that these mics are evenly matched in caliber, with a few variations.

Firstly, both are amazingly smooth and warm, with the KSM9 flattering the voice a smidgeon over the KMS105. I would certainly not call the 105 neutral by any means though. I can belt into the KSM9 a bit harder without it distorting, where as, if I apply that much force to the 105, I have to back off a few inches. Though both mics sound great when driven, the 105 wins out for quiet, expressive stuff - this is especially apparent in the airiness and the silky quality of the sibilance, and it seems to have a bit more clarity, which I have noticed when I rasp, growl, or push my voice hard enough to break. The KSM9 is a more forgiving microphone(mistakes are slightly less spotlighted), but not by much.

Bottom line: I will use both of these microphones (and quite happily) for different occasions, without being too picky about specific applications, simply because they each have their own color. Either would be more than sufficient to get the job done, though I could see the 105 being used as an instrument mic as well.

If I can get around to it, I will post some samples.

I would like to know if you have any new info on these mics, now that you have used them for a while. A favourite maybe?