Neumann MCM 115 Bass

The Neumann MCM 115 Bass Set is a professional clip-on instrument microphone for amplifying and recording the double bass. This complete microphone set is part of the Neumann Miniature Clip Mic (MCM) system and is equipped with the KK 15 supercardioid condenser microphone capsule. The MCM 115 combines natural sound reproduction with a directional pickup pattern, which more effectively suppresses ambient noise and crosstalk from other instruments.

The MCM 115 Bass Set is designed for double bassists, sound engineers, orchestras, jazz ensembles, concert halls, and rental companies looking for an instrument microphone for professional live amplification and studio recordings. Thanks to the included MC 3 instrument clip, the microphone can be attached directly to the strings of the double bass, behind the nut. In combination with the flexible SH 150 gooseneck, the capsule can be positioned to capture the desired balance between the low fundamental tones, string noise, and the instrument’s resonance.

With a maximum sound pressure level of 154 dB SPL, a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and a modular design, the Neumann MCM 115 Bass Set offers the features needed to amplify and record both subtle pizzicato passages and powerful bowed double bass parts.

KK 15 supercardioid capsule for better sound isolation
The main difference between the Neumann MCM 115 Bass Set and the MCM 114 Bass Set is the microphone capsule. While the MCM 114 uses the KK 14 cardioid capsule, the MCM 115 features the KK 15 supercardioid capsule. This polar pattern has a narrower pickup area at the front, resulting in stronger suppression of sound from other directions. For double bassists, this offers advantages during performances where drums, piano, horns, or other instruments are located close to the double bass. Crosstalk can be a particular challenge in jazz ensembles and amplified acoustic music. The low frequencies of the double bass must be given sufficient space in the mix, while the microphone picks up as little sound as possible from surrounding instruments. The KK 15 helps with this by focusing the pickup more strongly on the double bass itself. 

The supercardioid polar pattern also offers advantages when using monitor speakers. By positioning the microphone and monitors correctly, the risk of feedback can be minimized. This makes the MCM 115 Bass Set suitable for stages where a natural double bass sound must be combined with sufficient amplification.

Natural Neumann sound thanks to an advanced capsule design
The Neumann MCM 115 Bass Set utilizes the KK 15 electret condenser capsule. It was developed according to the same design principle as the KK 13 and KK 14 capsules within the MCM system.The capsule construction consists of eight separate components, which are manufactured to precise specifications and assembled by hand. This ensures consistent sound reproduction across different capsules and a sound character that aligns with Neumann’s professional microphones. For the double bass, a balanced reproduction of the low and mid-range is important. The KK 15 captures not only the low fundamental tones but also the overtones that contribute to the instrument’s definition and recognizability. As a result, the difference between pizzicato and arco remains clearly audible. When playing pizzicato, the strike of the string, the short transients, and the resonance of the soundbox are captured. In bowed passages, the longer notes, the dynamics of the bow, and the instrument’s overtones come into their own. 

The tonal similarities between the KK 13, KK 14, and KK 15 allow for the combination of different directional characteristics within the same microphone setup, without significant differences in the overall tonal balance.

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High dynamic range and maximum sound pressure level of 154 dB SPL
The KK 15 capsule has a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and can handle sound pressure levels up to 154 dB SPL at 0.5% distortion. This allows the microphone to capture a wide dynamic range, from soft classical passages to powerful pizzicato playing. The use of a condenser capsule ensures accurate reproduction of transients. For the double bass, this is crucial for capturing the string attack and the overtones that ensure the instrument remains audible in a busy mix. With a self-noise level of 24 dB-A and a signal-to-noise ratio of 70 dB (A-weighted), the MCM 115 delivers the performance required for professional instrument amplification. The capsule is housed in a titanium body with a diameter of 0.47 inches. This construction protects the internal components during transport, setup, and use on stage.

Attachment to the double bass strings using the MC 3 instrument clamp
The Neumann MCM 115 Bass Set comes with the MC 3 instrument clamp. It is designed for mounting on the strings of a double bass, behind the bridge. Because the microphone is attached directly to the instrument, the distance between the capsule and the sound source remains constant while playing. This prevents significant changes in tone and volume when the double bassist moves. The clamp is designed to be mounted without requiring any permanent modifications to the double bass. The mounting takes into account the construction and sensitive surfaces of acoustic instruments. The included SH 150 gooseneck is 15 cm long and provides sufficient room to move the KK 15 capsule toward the desired recording position. This allows the balance between the strings, the bridge, and the body resonance to be tailored to the instrument and playing style. 

The gooseneck features a flexible suspension system that helps reduce mechanical noise caused by vibrations and movements. The microphone capsule can be rotated and positioned without having to twist the connection cable.

Wired via XLR or wireless with a compatible bodypack transmitter
The MCM 115 Bass Set comes as a complete wired microphone system. The included AC 31 connection cable is 1.8 meters long and connects the microphone to the MCM 100 output stage. The MCM 100 features a balanced XLR output and operates on 48V phantom power. This allows the microphone to be connected directly to a mixing console, microphone preamp, stage box, or audio interface. For double bassists who want to use a wireless system, the modular design offers additional options. The AC 31 cable features a 3.5 mm mini-jack connector and can be connected to compatible Sennheiser bodypack transmitters. With optionally available cables, the microphone can also be used with various wireless systems from other manufacturers. Neumann offers several cable variants for this purpose:

- AC 31: 3.5 mm mini-jack connector for compatible Sennheiser bodypacks
- AC 32: 3-pin LEMO connector
- AC 33: Microdot connector
- AC 34: 4-pin mini-XLR connector

This allows the MCM 115 Bass Set to be used both wired and wirelessly. For wireless use, a compatible transmitter and receiver are required separately.

Modular Neumann MCM system with interchangeable parts
The Neumann MCM 115 Bass Set is part of the modular Miniature Clip Mic system. The capsule, gooseneck, connection cable, output stage, and instrument clip can be replaced individually. For example, the KK 15 supercardioid capsule can be swapped out for the KK 14 cardioid capsule or the KK 13 omnidirectional capsule. This allows the polar pattern to be adapted to the acoustic conditions and the desired recording. Various instrument clips are also available, allowing the same microphone system to be mounted on different instruments.

Neumann offers the following options, among others:

- MC 1: violin, viola, mandolin, and similar string instruments
- MC 2: attachment to the strings of a cello, behind the bridge
- MC 3: attachment to the strings of a double bass, behind the bridge
- MC 4: attachment to the soundbox of a double bass
- MC 5: woodwinds and harp
- MC 6: brass instruments, saxophone, percussion, and stands
- MC 7: drums and percussion
- MC 8: upright and grand pianos
- MC 9: guitar, ukulele, dobro, acoustic bass guitar, and cello

This allows the MCM 115 Bass Set to be adapted to other instruments or applications without having to replace an entire microphone system.

Neumann MCM 115 vs. MCM 114 Bass Set
The Neumann MCM 115 Bass Set is the supercardioid version of the MCM 114 Bass Set. Both models use the same 15 cm SH 150 gooseneck and the same MC 3 instrument clip. The difference lies in the polar pattern of the microphone capsule. The MCM 114 features a KK 14 cardioid capsule with a wider pickup pattern. The MCM 115 is equipped with the KK 15 supercardioid capsule, which more effectively suppresses sound from the sides. This makes the MCM 115 particularly appealing for double bassists performing in ensembles with multiple instruments, at higher stage volumes, or in situations where crosstalk and feedback require extra attention. Both models offer Neumann sound quality and are compatible with each other within the MCM system.

Neumann MCM 115 Set Bass features:

• professional clip-on condenser instrument microphone for double bass
• complete microphone set for live amplification and studio recordings
• part of the Neumann Miniature Clip Mic system
• Equipped with a KK 15 supercardioid electret condenser capsule
• supercardioid polar pattern for focused instrument recording
• reduces crosstalk from adjacent instruments
• Suitable for pizzicato and arco playing techniques
• frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Maximum sound pressure level of 154 dB SPL at 0.5% THD
• Powered by 48V phantom power (±4V)
• Titanium capsule housing
• Capsule diameter of 0.47 inches
• SH 150 gooseneck, 15 cm long
• MC 3 instrument clamp for mounting on the double bass strings
• Elastic suspension to reduce mechanical noise
• AC 31 connection cable, 1.8 meters long
• MCM 100 output stage with balanced XLR connector
• Suitable for wireless use with compatible bodypack transmitters
• Interchangeable microphone capsules, goosenecks, cables, and instrument clamps
• Manufactured in Germany
• Neumann part no.: 008742

In the box:

1x Neumann KK 15 supercardioid microphone capsule
1x Neumann SH 150 gooseneck (15 cm)
1x Neumann KC 1 cable holder
1x Neumann AC 31 connection cable (1.8 meters)
1x Neumann WS 110 windscreen
1x Neumann MCM 100 XLR output stage
1x Neumann MC 3 instrument clamp for double bass
1x carrying case