Neumann MCM 115 Drums

The Neumann MCM 115 Drums Set is a professional clip-on instrument microphone for amplifying and recording snare drums, toms, floor toms, timpani, and various percussion instruments. This complete microphone set is part of the Neumann Miniature Clip Mic (MCM) system and features the KK 15 supercardioid condenser microphone capsule. The MCM 115 combines Neumann’s natural and detailed sound reproduction with a focused pickup pattern, which better suppresses crosstalk from other drums, cymbals, and instruments.

The MCM 115 Drums Set is designed for drummers, percussionists, sound engineers, recording studios, concert halls, and rental companies. Thanks to the included MC 7 instrument clamp, the microphone can be attached directly to the rim of a drum without the need for a separate microphone stand. The flexible SH 150 gooseneck ensures that the capsule can be positioned precisely above the drumhead.

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 is suitable for capturing everything from subtle ghost notes and rolls to powerful rimshots and tom fills.

KK 15 supercardioid capsule for reduced crosstalk
The main difference between the Neumann MCM 115 Drums Set and the MCM 114 Drums Set is the polar pattern of the microphone capsule. While the MCM 114 uses the KK 14 cardioid capsule, the MCM 115 features the KK 15 supercardioid capsule. This capsule has a narrower pickup pattern at the front and more effectively suppresses sound coming in at an angle from the side. This offers advantages when miking a drum set, since various sound sources are located close together. For example, a snare drum microphone picks up not only the sound of the snare drum but also sound from the hi-hat, toms, and cymbals. By using the KK 15 supercardioid capsule, the recording can be focused more strongly on the snare drum, thereby reducing unwanted crosstalk. For toms and floor toms as well, the directional pickup pattern helps to better separate the individual drums from one another. This gives the sound engineer more control during mixing, for example when applying equalization, compression, and gates. 

The supercardioid polar pattern is also useful for live performances with high stage volumes. By carefully positioning the microphone, the influence of surrounding instruments and monitor speakers can be minimized.

Natural Neumann sound with precise transient reproduction
The Neumann MCM 115 Drums 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 Neumann MCM system. The capsule construction consists of eight separate components that are manufactured to precise specifications and assembled by hand. This ensures consistent sound reproduction across different capsules. With drums, the reproduction of transients is of great importance. The strike of a drumstick largely determines the character of a snare drum or tom, while the resonance of the drumhead and the shell contribute to the body of the instrument. The KK 15 captures both the direct strike and the resonance of the drum. For a snare drum, this means that the attack, the sound of the drumhead, and the characteristic response of the snare wires are captured. For toms and floor toms, the low and mid frequencies of the shell come through clearly, while the attack and overtones are preserved. As a result, the microphone can be used for a wide range of drumming styles, from jazz and acoustic music to rock and pop. The combination of a wide frequency range and accurate transient reproduction also offers advantages when used with timpani and percussion instruments.

The sonic similarities between the KK 13, KK 14, and KK 15 make it possible to combine different MCM capsules within a single drum or percussion setup.

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High dynamic range and maximum sound pressure level of 154 dB SPL
Drums and percussion instruments can produce high sound pressure levels at close range. The KK 15 capsule can handle sound pressure levels up to 154 dB SPL at 0.5% distortion. This makes the MCM 115 Drums Set suitable for close-miking snare drums, toms, and other percussion instruments where the microphone is placed close to the drumhead. The frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz ensures that both the low resonances of a floor tom and the fast attack of a snare drum can be captured. With a self-noise level of 24 dB-A and a signal-to-noise ratio of 70 dB (A-weighted), the capsule delivers the performance required for professional studio recordings and live sound reinforcement. The KK 15 is housed in a titanium body with a diameter of 0.47 inches. This design protects the capsule components during transport, installation, and use on stage.

MC 7 instrument clamp for snare drums, toms, floor toms, and timpani
The Neumann MCM 115 Drums Set comes with the MC 7 instrument clamp. It is designed to attach the MCM microphone system to drums and various percussion instruments. The clamp attaches to the rim of the drum, eliminating the need for a separate microphone stand. This saves space around the drum set and makes it easier to mic multiple drums individually. With drum sets featuring multiple toms, cymbals, and hardware, available space can be limited. By attaching the microphone directly to the drum, the floor remains free of extra stands and stand legs. The MC 7 is designed to stay securely in place, and its contact surfaces help protect the instrument’s finish. The included SH 150 gooseneck is 15 cm long and allows the capsule to be positioned above the drumhead. This enables the drummer or sound engineer to adjust the distance to the drumhead and the recording angle. A position closer to the center of the drumhead can produce a different tonal balance than a position closer to the rim. With the flexible gooseneck, this balance can be tailored to the instrument and the desired drum sound. 

The gooseneck features an elastic suspension system that helps reduce mechanical noise caused by vibrations and movement. The microphone capsule can be rotated and positioned without the connection cable rotating with it.

Wired via XLR or wireless with a compatible bodypack transmitter
The MCM 115 Drums 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. The MCM 100 features a balanced XLR output and operates on 48V phantom power. This allows the microphone to be connected to a mixing console, audio interface, stage box, or microphone preamp. For certain live and percussion applications, the MCM system can also be combined with a wireless bodypack transmitter. The AC 31 cable features a 3.5 mm mini-jack connector for compatible Sennheiser transmitters. With optionally available connection cables, the system can also be connected to other wireless systems. 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.

Modular Neumann MCM system with interchangeable components
The Neumann MCM 115 Drums Set is part of the modular Miniature Clip Mic system. The microphone 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 a KK 14 cardioid capsule or a KK 13 omnidirectional capsule. This allows the polar pattern to be adapted to the instrument and the recording environment. For drummers and percussionists, this offers the ability to use different capsule characteristics for snare drums, toms, and other percussion instruments. The same microphone can also be used on other instruments by replacing the MC 7 clip with another instrument clip from the MCM lineup. Neumann offers the following options, among others:

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

The interchangeable components make the MCM system appealing to sound engineers, studios, and rental companies that regularly work with different instruments and microphone setups.

Neumann MCM 115 vs. MCM 114 Drums Set
The Neumann MCM 115 Drums Set is the supercardioid version of the MCM 114 Drums Set. Both models use the same 15 cm SH 150 gooseneck and MC 7 instrument clamp. The difference lies in the microphone capsule. The MCM 114 is equipped with a KK 14 cardioid capsule, while the MCM 115 uses the KK 15 supercardioid capsule. The KK 15 has a narrower pickup pattern at the front and more effectively suppresses sound from the sides. This offers advantages for drum sets where the various drums and cymbals are positioned close together. As a result, the MCM 115 is particularly appealing to drummers and sound engineers who want less crosstalk between individual drum channels and seek greater control during live performances and studio recordings.

Both models offer Neumann sound quality and are compatible with each other within the MCM system.

Neumann MCM 115 Drum Set Features:

• professional clip-on condenser instrument microphone for drums and percussion
• complete microphone set for snare drum, toms, floor toms, and timpani
• 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 cymbals and adjacent drums
• Suitable for professional live sound reinforcement and studio recordings
• Accurate reproduction of transients and drum resonance
• 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
• 0.47-inch capsule diameter
• SH 150 gooseneck with a length of 15 cm
• MC 7 instrument clamp for mounting on drums and percussion instruments
• Mounting without a separate microphone stand
• 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 clips
• Manufactured in Germany
• Neumann part no.: 008745

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 7 instrument clamp for drums and percussion
1x carrying case