Neumann MCM 115 Brass/Sax/Uni Set

The Neumann MCM 115 Brass/Sax/Uni Set is a professional clip-on instrument microphone for amplifying and recording trumpet, trombone, saxophone, French horn, percussion, and similar instruments. 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. Thanks to its directional pickup pattern, the MCM 115 delivers natural sound reproduction with strong suppression of ambient noise and crosstalk.

The MCM 115 Brass/Sax/Uni Set is designed for wind players, sound engineers, brass bands, jazz ensembles, orchestras, concert halls, and rental companies. Thanks to the included MC 6 instrument clip, the microphone can be attached directly to the bell of a wind instrument. The clamp is also suitable for various percussion instruments and round stand tubes. The flexible SH 150 gooseneck allows the microphone capsule to be precisely aimed at the sound source. This allows the musician to maintain freedom of movement while keeping the microphone at a constant distance from the instrument during performance.

With a maximum sound pressure level of 154 dB SPL and a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the Neumann MCM 115 is suitable for both subtle solo passages and powerful wind sections.

KK 15 supercardioid capsule for directional recording of wind instruments
The main difference between the Neumann MCM 115 and the MCM 114 Brass/Sax/Uni Set is the capsule’s polar pattern. While the MCM 114 uses the KK 14 cardioid capsule, the MCM 115 is equipped with the KK 15 supercardioid capsule. The KK 15 has a narrower pickup pattern at the front. This results in greater suppression of sound arriving from the sides at an angle. This offers advantages during performances with multiple wind instruments, drums, amplifiers, and monitor speakers. In a brass band or horn section, trumpets, trombones, and saxophones are often positioned close together. By placing each microphone aimed at its own instrument, crosstalk can be reduced, and the sound engineer gains more control over the individual instrument channels. Even on stages with higher sound levels, the supercardioid polar pattern can help limit feedback. The placement of the monitor speakers remains important here, because a supercardioid capsule also has a small sensitivity zone at the rear.

The MCM 115 Brass/Sax/Uni Set is therefore suitable for applications where directional pickup is important, without losing sight of the instrument’s natural sound characteristics.

Natural Neumann sound for trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and French horn
The Neumann MCM 115 uses the KK 15 electret condenser capsule. It was developed according to the same design principle as the KK 13 and KK 14 capsules from the MCM system. Neumann has developed a capsule design consisting of eight separate components. These are manufactured to precise specifications and assembled by hand. This ensures consistent sound reproduction across different capsules. For wind instruments, a balanced reproduction of the fundamental tones and overtones is important. The KK 15 captures both the body of the instrument and the articulation and dynamic nuances during performance. For the trumpet and trombone, it captures the powerful attack, the midrange, and the characteristic overtones. For the saxophone, the detailed recording contributes to the reproduction of the warm fundamental tones, the air in the tone, and the player’s articulation. For the French horn and other brass instruments as well, the differences between soft and powerful passages are preserved. The supercardioid polar pattern allows for a more focused capture of the instrument’s sound. This enables the microphone to be used in situations where multiple sound sources are located close together.

The tonal similarities between the KK 13, KK 14, and KK 15 also make it possible to combine different polar patterns within a single wind section or orchestra.

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High dynamic range and maximum sound pressure level of 154 dB SPL
Wind instruments can produce high sound pressure levels at close range. The KK 15 capsule is therefore designed to handle sound pressure levels up to 154 dB SPL at 0.5% distortion. This allows the microphone to be placed close to the bell of a trumpet, trombone, or saxophone without powerful passages quickly leading to distortion. The frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz makes it possible to capture both the low fundamental tones and the overtones and transients of the instrument. This is important for the recognizability of the sound and the musician’s dynamics. 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 live amplification and studio recordings. The KK 15 is housed in a titanium capsule with a diameter of 0.47 inches. This construction protects the internal components during transport and use on stage.

MC 6 instrument clamp for wind instruments, percussion, and stands
The Neumann MCM 115 Brass/Sax/Uni Set comes with the MC 6 instrument clamp. It is designed for attachment to the bell of trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and similar wind instruments. The clamp can also be used on various percussion instruments and round stand tubes. As a result, the set is not limited to a single instrument category. The MC 6 uses a mechanical mounting system designed to hold the microphone in place without requiring permanent modifications to the instrument. The contact surfaces help protect sensitive instrument surfaces. Because the microphone is mounted directly on the instrument, the position of the capsule relative to the sound source remains constant. This is especially important for trumpet and saxophone players who move around during a performance. 

The included SH 150 gooseneck is 15 cm long. It allows the microphone to be aimed at the desired recording area, with the distance to the bell and the recording angle influencing the tonal balance. The gooseneck features an elastic suspension system that helps reduce mechanical noise caused by vibrations and movements. The design allows the capsule to be rotated and positioned without the connection cable twisting along with it.

Connected via XLR or wirelessly with a compatible bodypack transmitter
The MCM 115 Brass/Sax/Uni Set comes standard 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. This output stage features a balanced XLR connector and operates on 48V phantom power. This allows the microphone to be connected to a mixing console, stage box, microphone preamp, or audio interface. For wind instrument players who want more freedom of movement during a performance, wireless use is also possible. The AC 31 cable features a 3.5 mm mini-jack connector for compatible Sennheiser bodypack transmitters. With optionally available connection cables, the MCM system can also be combined 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

For wireless use, a compatible bodypack transmitter and receiver are required separately. This allows the same microphone capsule to be used for wired applications and wireless live performances.

Modular Neumann MCM system with interchangeable components
The Neumann MCM 115 Brass/Sax/Uni Set is part of the modular Miniature Clip Mic system. The individual components—including the microphone capsule, gooseneck, connection cable, output stage, and instrument clip—can be replaced. For example, the KK 15 supercardioid capsule can be swapped out for a KK 14 cardioid capsule or a KK 13 omnidirectional capsule. This allows the polar pattern to be tailored to the acoustic conditions. Neumann also offers various instrument clamps that allow the same MCM system to be mounted on different instruments. Neumann supplies the following, among others:

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

Thanks to its interchangeable parts, the MCM 115 Brass/Sax/Uni Set can be adapted for other instruments and applications. This is particularly useful for musicians who play multiple instruments and for rental companies that work with various microphone setups.

Neumann MCM 115 vs. MCM 114 Brass/Sax/Uni Set
The Neumann MCM 115 Brass/Sax/Uni Set is the supercardioid version of the MCM 114 Brass/Sax/Uni Set. Both models use the 15 cm SH 150 gooseneck and the MC 6 instrument clip. The MCM 114 features a KK 14 cardioid capsule with a wider pickup pattern. The MCM 115 uses the KK 15 supercardioid capsule, which more effectively suppresses sound from the sides. This makes the MCM 115 particularly suitable for wind players performing with larger ensembles, amplified bands, or at higher stage volumes, where greater control over crosstalk and feedback is desired.

Both models are compatible with each other within the Neumann MCM system.

Neumann MCM 115 Set Brass/Sax/Uni features:

• professional clip-on condenser instrument microphone
• complete microphone set for trumpet, trombone, saxophone, French horn, and percussion
• 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 professional live sound reinforcement and studio recordings
• 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 6 instrument clip for wind instruments, percussion, and stands
• 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.: 008744

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 6 instrument clamp for wind instruments, percussion, and stands
1x carrying case