Neumann KK 105 A

The Neumann KK 105 A is a supercardioid condenser capsule for compatible Sennheiser wireless handheld transmitters. The capsule combines the renowned Neumann condenser sound with the freedom of movement offered by a wireless system and is compatible with Sennheiser Spectera, EW-D, EW-DX, Digital 6000, and Digital 9000. This model features a nickel finish.

The KK 105 A was developed for vocals and speech on stages where clear separation between the voice, instruments, monitors, and ambient noise is essential. Thanks to its directional supercardioid polar pattern, sound outside the pickup axis is strongly suppressed.

Neumann studio sound on stage
The KK 105 A utilizes condenser technology from Neumann’s KMS series of wired stage microphones. Unlike many conventional stage microphones with a dynamic capsule, the KK 105 A uses a true condenser capsule. This ensures a transparent and detailed reproduction of vocals and speech. Transients are reproduced quickly, and the high end remains open. This allows a voice to sit clearly in the mix without requiring major EQ corrections.

Successor to the Neumann KK 205
The KK 105 A succeeds the supercardioid Neumann KK 205. For the new A-series, Neumann has updated the design and improved contact noise suppression. At the same time, the design remains tailored for professional use during concerts, tours, theater productions, and other live events. An integrated shock mount reduces vibrations and contact noise transmitted through the handheld transmitter. This keeps the audio signal cleaner when the microphone is held and moved during a performance.

Supercardioid Polar Pattern
The main difference between the KK 105 A and the cardioid KK 104 A is the polar pattern. The KK 105 A has a precise supercardioid pattern and therefore picks up less sound from sources to the side of and around the vocalist. This provides greater isolation from, for example, drums, guitar amplifiers, horns, and other instruments on stage. As a result, the voice sounds direct and up-close, even on stages where many sound sources are located close together.

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High Resistance to Feedback
The directional pickup pattern not only provides greater separation between different sound sources but also contributes to high resistance to feedback. This makes the KK 105 A well-suited for use in situations with high stage volumes. However, with a supercardioid microphone, placement relative to stage monitors does require careful consideration. Whereas a cardioid capsule provides the strongest attenuation directly from behind, a supercardioid pattern offers the greatest attenuation at an angle behind the microphone.

For busy stages and demanding monitoring
The KK 105 A truly shines when maximum isolation is required. Compared to the KK 104 A, this capsule picks up less sound from adjacent instruments and other sources on stage. This makes the KK 105 A suitable for bands with high stage volumes, large live productions, and situations where multiple vocalists or instruments are positioned close together. The highly directional pickup pattern ensures a direct and intimate reproduction of the voice.

Suitable for in-ear and conventional monitoring
The KK 105 A can be used with both in-ear monitoring and conventional stage monitors. The combination of the supercardioid polar pattern and high feedback resistance gives a sound engineer a great deal of control over the vocals in the monitor mix and front-of-house mix. This makes the capsule suitable for a wide range of live productions, from concerts and theater to television productions and festivals.

Optimized for close-miking
The KK 105 A is designed for close-miking vocals and speech. A built-in low-cut filter compensates for the proximity effect that occurs when a directional microphone is held very close to the mouth. This keeps the low end under control when a vocalist sings close to the microphone. The voice retains its definition without low frequencies quickly becoming overpowering.

Integrated Pop Protection The grille is made of hardened steel and features an integrated pop filter. This reduces air bursts caused by plosive sounds such as P and B sounds and helps keep moisture away from the condenser capsule. The design is optimized to control plosive and sibilant sounds without unnecessarily affecting the capsule’s open sound.

’s Enhanced Contact Noise Suppression During the development of the A-Series, Neumann paid special attention to contact noise. The integrated shock mount is designed to minimize vibrations and movements transmitted to the capsule via the handheld transmitter. This is particularly important for vocalists who move around a lot during a performance or frequently change their grip.

Developed for professional stage use
Although the KK 105 A uses condenser technology, the capsule is built for live use. Its construction can withstand high sound pressure levels and is designed for daily use on stage. The combination of a metal grille, integrated pop filter, shock mount, and easy maintenance makes the KK 105 A suitable for professional productions where the equipment is used intensively.

For Sennheiser Spectera and digital wireless systems
The KK 105 A was developed for Sennheiser’s current wireless handheld platforms. The capsule is compatible with Spectera, EW-D, EW-DX, Digital 6000, and Digital 9000. This allows the Neumann condenser sound to be combined with various professional wireless systems from Sennheiser, ranging from compact digital setups to large tours and broadcast productions.

Nickel Finish This KK 105 A features a nickel finish. For those looking for an all-black version, there is the KK 105 A BK. Both models use the same supercardioid capsule technology and differ only in finish.

Neumann KK 105 A features:

• supercardioid condenser capsule for Sennheiser wireless systems
• Neumann condenser technology from the KMS series
• successor to the Neumann KK 205
• Compatible with Spectera, EW-D, EW-DX, and Digital 6000/9000
• Precise supercardioid polar pattern
• High resistance to feedback
• Strong suppression of ambient noise
• Good separation of adjacent instruments and sound sources
• Integrated shock mount for reduced contact noise
• Integrated pop filter
• Optimized for close-up vocals and speech
• Built-in low-cut filter to compensate for the proximity effect
• hardened steel grille
• Suitable for in-ear monitoring and stage monitoring
• Easy to clean and maintain
• nickel finish

Neumann KK 105 A specifications:

• Type: Condenser capsule for wireless handheld transmitters
• polar pattern: supercardioid
• frequency range: 40 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 50 kOhm: 3 mV/Pa, approximately -50.5 dBV ± 1 dB
• Self-noise, A-weighted: 20 dB-A
• Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted at 94 dB SPL: 74 dB
• Maximum sound pressure level at THD < 0.5%: 154 dB SPL
• Self-noise according to CCIR: 31 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio according to CCIR at 94 dB SPL: 63 dB
• Diameter: 48 mm
• Length: 80 mm
• Weight: approximately 184 g
• Operating temperature: 0 °C to +70 °C
• Storage temperature: -20 °C to +70 °C
• Maximum humidity: 90% at +20 °C
• Compatible systems: Sennheiser Spectera, EW-D, EW-DX, Digital 6000, and Digital 9000
• Color/finish: nickel
• Manufacturer part number: 008736

Included:

• Neumann KK 105 A capsule head
• padded nylon carrying case
• Safety instructions
• Quick Guide