Neumann MCM 115 Guitar

The Neumann MCM 115 Guitar Set is a professional clip-on instrument microphone for amplifying and recording acoustic guitars, ukuleles, dobros, acoustic bass guitars, cellos, and similar stringed 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. The MCM 115 combines Neumann’s natural sound reproduction with a directional pickup pattern, which better suppresses ambient noise and crosstalk.

The MCM 115 Guitar Set is designed for acoustic guitarists, singer-songwriters, sound engineers, recording studios, concert halls, and rental companies. Thanks to the included MC 9 instrument clip, the microphone can be attached directly to the instrument’s soundbox. The flexible SH 150 gooseneck allows the capsule to be positioned at the desired recording angle while the musician retains freedom of movement.

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 Guitar Set is suitable for a wide range of acoustic playing styles, from subtle fingerpicking to powerful strumming.

KK 15 supercardioid capsule for focused instrument recording
The main difference between the Neumann MCM 115 Guitar Set and the MCM 114 Guitar 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, which more effectively suppresses sound arriving from the sides. This offers advantages when amplifying an acoustic guitar in an environment where multiple instruments and monitor speakers are present. For singer-songwriters, acoustic bands, and ensembles, crosstalk between vocal microphones, guitars, and other instruments can be a challenge. The KK 15 helps capture the guitar’s sound more precisely, giving the sound engineer greater control over the individual guitar signal. The supercardioid polar pattern can also offer advantages when using monitor speakers. By positioning the microphone and monitors correctly, the risk of feedback can be minimized.

This makes the MCM 115 Guitar Set an attractive option for acoustic guitarists who want to combine a natural microphone sound with the practical advantages of a clip-on system.

Natural Neumann sound thanks to an advanced capsule design
The Neumann MCM 115 Guitar Set uses 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. To achieve this, Neumann has developed a capsule construction consisting of eight separate components. These are manufactured to precise specifications and assembled by hand. This ensures consistent sound reproduction across different capsules, with the neutral sound characteristics for which Neumann is renowned. For an acoustic guitar, a balanced reproduction of low, mid, and high frequencies is important. The KK 15 captures both the resonance of the soundbox and the plucking of the strings, as well as the overtones that define the instrument’s character. When fingerpicking, the individual string strikes, articulation, and dynamics of the playing come into their own. When strumming, the condenser capsule ensures a detailed reproduction of the attack and resonance of the instrument. For the ukulele, dobro, and acoustic bass guitar as well, the capsule allows you to capture the instrument’s unique tonal characteristics.

The sonic similarities between the KK 13, KK 14, and KK 15 make it possible to combine different polar patterns within the same microphone setup. This is particularly useful for sound engineers who are amplifying multiple acoustic instruments and wish to maintain a consistent tonal balance.

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Wide dynamic range and maximum sound pressure level of 154 dB SPL
The KK 15 capsule has a frequency response 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 fingerpicking passages to powerful chord strumming. The use of a condenser capsule ensures detailed reproduction of transients, which is important for acoustic string instruments to preserve natural attack and articulation. 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 and studio recordings. The microphone capsule is housed in a titanium body with a diameter of 0.47 inches. This construction protects the sensitive capsule components during transport, installation, and intensive use.

MC 9 instrument clip for acoustic guitar, ukulele, dobro, and cello
The Neumann MCM 115 Guitar Set comes with the MC 9 instrument clip. It is designed for attachment to the soundbox of acoustic guitars, ukuleles, dobros, acoustic bass guitars, cellos, and similar stringed instruments. The clamp allows the microphone to be mounted directly on the instrument, eliminating the need for a separate microphone stand. This allows the guitarist to maintain freedom of movement while keeping the microphone at a constant distance from the sound source during play. This is an advantage over a microphone on a stand, where the musician’s movements can affect the sound balance and the recorded volume. The MC 9 is designed to hold the microphone in place while taking into account the delicate finish of acoustic instruments. The contact surfaces help prevent damage to the instrument’s surface. The included SH 150 gooseneck is 15 cm long and allows for precise positioning of the KK 15 capsule. This enables the microphone to be aimed at the area of the instrument where the desired balance between string attack and body resonance is achieved. On an acoustic guitar, for example, the capsule can be aimed at the area around the twelfth fret or at the transition between the neck and the soundbox. By adjusting the position, you can influence the balance between warmth, definition, and attack.

The gooseneck features a flexible mount that helps reduce mechanical noise caused by vibrations and movements of the instrument. The microphone capsule can be rotated and positioned without the connection cable rotating with it. This allows the microphone to be adjusted during a soundcheck without having to reposition the entire mount.

Wired via XLR or wireless with a compatible bodypack transmitter
The MCM 115 Guitar 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 module features a balanced XLR output and operates on 48V phantom power. This allows the MCM 115 to be connected to a mixing console, microphone preamp, stage box, or audio interface. For guitarists who want more freedom of movement during a performance, the MCM system can also be connected to a compatible wireless bodypack transmitter. The AC 31 cable has a 3.5 mm mini-jack connector and can be used with compatible Sennheiser wireless systems. With optionally available connection cables, the 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

This allows the same microphone capsule to be used for both wired studio recordings and wireless live performances. For wireless use, a compatible bodypack transmitter and receiver are required separately. This is particularly useful for acoustic guitarists who want to utilize the sound of a microphone but do not want to be restricted to a fixed position on a microphone stand.

Modular Neumann MCM system with interchangeable components
The Neumann MCM 115 Guitar Set is part of the modular Miniature Clip Mic system. The various components—including the microphone capsule, gooseneck, connection cable, output stage, and instrument clip—can be replaced individually. This makes the system appealing to musicians who play multiple stringed instruments or to sound engineers who want to use microphones in different ways. For example, the KK 15 capsule can be swapped out for a KK 14 cardioid capsule or a KK 13 omnidirectional capsule. This allows the polar pattern to be adjusted to suit the acoustic conditions and the desired sound. For example, a different polar pattern may be desired for an acoustic solo recording in a controlled studio environment than during a performance with a full band. Neumann also offers various instrument clamps that allow the same MCM system to be mounted on different instruments.

Neumann offers 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 these interchangeable parts, the MCM 115 Guitar Set can be adapted for other instruments and applications. The titanium capsule housing and individually replaceable components make the system suitable for long-term professional use.

Neumann MCM 115 vs. MCM 114 Guitar Set
The Neumann MCM 115 Guitar Set is the supercardioid version of the MCM 114 Guitar Set. Both models use the same modular MCM system, the same 15-cm SH 150 gooseneck, and the same MC 9 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. It is suitable for situations where a natural instrument sound is desired and there is sufficient control over ambient noise and stage volume. The MCM 115 is equipped with the KK 15 supercardioid capsule. This offers a more focused pickup pattern and stronger suppression of sound coming in from the sides. As a result, the MCM 115 is particularly well-suited for guitarists performing with bands, multiple acoustic instruments, or monitor speakers, where greater control over crosstalk and feedback is desired.

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

Neumann MCM 115 Set Guitar features:

• professional clip-on condenser instrument microphone
• complete microphone set for acoustic guitar, ukulele, dobro, acoustic bass, and cello
• 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 and vocal microphones
• Suitable for professional live amplification and studio recordings
• Natural reproduction of string attack, overtones, and body 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, 15 cm long
• MC 9 instrument clip for mounting on the soundbox
• 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.: 008747

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 9 instrument clip for guitar, ukulele, dobro, acoustic bass, and cello
1x carrying case