Neumann MCM 115 High Strings Set

The Neumann MCM 115 High Strings Set is a professional clip-on instrument microphone for amplifying and recording the violin, viola, mandolin, and similar string 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 transparent sound reproduction with a directional pickup pattern, which more effectively suppresses ambient noise and crosstalk from other instruments.

The MCM 115 High Strings Set is designed for musicians, sound engineers, orchestras, concert halls, and rental companies seeking a reliable instrument microphone for professional live amplification and studio recordings. Thanks to its compact design, flexible gooseneck, and specially developed MC 1 instrument clip, the microphone can be mounted directly on the instrument. This allows the musician to retain full freedom of movement while keeping the microphone at a constant distance from the sound source.

With a maximum sound pressure level of 154 dB SPL, a frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and a modular design, the Neumann MCM 115 is suitable for both subtle acoustic passages and powerful on-stage performances.

KK 15 supercardioid capsule for better sound isolation
The main difference between the Neumann MCM 115 and the existing MCM 114 is the microphone capsule. While the MCM 114 uses the KK 14 cardioid capsule, the MCM 115 features the KK 15 supercardioid capsule. This supercardioid polar pattern has a narrower pickup area at the front, resulting in stronger suppression of sound from the sides. This offers advantages when amplifying a violin, viola, or mandolin in an environment where multiple instruments are positioned close together. For orchestras, ensembles, and live bands, crosstalk between different microphones can be a challenge. 

The KK 15 helps capture the sound of the instrument in question more precisely, giving the sound engineer greater control over the individual instrument channels. The supercardioid pattern also offers advantages when using monitor speakers on stage. By correctly positioning the microphone and monitors, more gain can be applied before feedback occurs. This makes the MCM 115 High Strings Set an attractive option for acoustic musicians performing with amplified bands or in environments with higher stage volumes.

Natural Neumann sound thanks to an advanced capsule design
The Neumann MCM 115 High Strings Set is based on the KK 15 electret condenser capsule, which was developed according to the same design principle as the KK 13 and KK 14 from the MCM series. To achieve this, Neumann has developed a capsule construction consisting of eight separate components. These are individually manufactured, inspected, and then assembled by hand. The result is consistent sound reproduction across different capsules, with the neutral sound characteristics for which Neumann is renowned. The KK 15 offers a balanced reproduction of low and mid frequencies, combined with transparent highs. As a result, the tonal characteristics of acoustic string instruments remain recognizable, including the resonance of the soundbox, the articulation of the strings, and the dynamics of the performance. With a violin or viola, both the warm fundamental tones and the overtones produced by the bow are captured. With a mandolin, the attack and the resonance of the soundbox are brought to the fore. 

The sonic similarities between the KK 13, KK 14, and KK 15 make it possible to combine different directional characteristics within a single microphone setup. This is particularly useful for orchestras and sound engineers who use multiple Neumann MCM microphones and wish to maintain a consistent sound balance.

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High 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 wide dynamic ranges, from soft passages to powerful solos. The use of a condenser capsule ensures detailed reproduction of transients, which is important for stringed 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 sound quality required for professional instrument amplification. The microphone capsule is housed in a titanium body with a diameter of 0.47 inches. This material protects the sensitive capsule components during intensive use and transport.

Secure mounting on violin, viola, and mandolin with the MC 1 instrument clamp
The Neumann MCM 115 High Strings Set comes with the MC 1 instrument clamp. This clamp is designed to mount the MCM microphone system on the soundbox of a violin, viola, mandolin, or similar string instrument. The clamp uses a spring mechanism that allows the microphone to be attached to and removed from the instrument. The contact surfaces are designed to protect sensitive instrument surfaces. Because the microphone is mounted directly on the instrument, the distance between the capsule and the sound source remains constant. 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 included SH 100 gooseneck is 10 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 sound and body resonance is achieved.

The gooseneck features a flexible suspension system that helps reduce mechanical noise, such as vibrations and movements of the instrument. The capsule is rotatable and can be positioned without the connection cable rotating with it. This makes setting up the microphone easier, even when the position needs to be adjusted during a soundcheck.

Wired via XLR or wireless with a compatible bodypack transmitter
The MCM 115 High Strings 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 MCM 100 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 musicians who want to move freely during a performance, the MCM system can also be connected to a compatible wireless bodypack transmitter. The included 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.

Modular Neumann MCM system with interchangeable components
The Neumann MCM 115 High Strings Set is part of the modular Miniature Clip Mic system. The various components—including the microphone capsule, gooseneck, cables, output stage, and instrument clips—can be replaced individually. This makes the system ideal for musicians who play multiple instruments or for rental companies that 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 adapted to the acoustic conditions without requiring a completely new microphone system.

Neumann also offers various instrument clamps that allow the MCM system to be mounted on other instruments:

- 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: attaches to the soundbox of a double bass
- MC 5: including oboe, clarinet, flute, recorder, bassoon, and harp
- MC 6: trumpet, trombone, saxophone, French horn, percussion, and stands
- MC 7: snare drum, tom, floor tom, and timpani
- MC 8: magnetic mount for upright and grand pianos
- MC 9: guitar, ukulele, dobro, acoustic bass, and cello

Thanks to this system, the MCM 115 High Strings Set can be adapted later for other instruments or applications. The titanium capsule housing and replaceable parts make the system suitable for long-term professional use.

Neumann MCM 115 vs. MCM 114 High Strings Set
The Neumann MCM 115 High Strings Set is the supercardioid version of the MCM 114 High Strings Set. Both models use the same modular MCM system, the same SH 100 gooseneck, and the MC 1 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 natural instrument reproduction 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 entering from the sides at an angle. As a result, the MCM 115 is particularly well-suited for stages with multiple instruments, higher sound levels, or situations where greater control over crosstalk and feedback is required.

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

Neumann MCM 115 Set High Strings features:

• professional clip-on condenser instrument microphone
• complete microphone set for violin, viola, mandolin, and similar string instruments
• part of the Neumann Miniature Clip Mic system
• Equipped with a KK 15 supercardioid electret condenser capsule
• supercardioid polar pattern for directional sound pickup
• Improved suppression of crosstalk and ambient noise
• 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 100 gooseneck, 10 cm long
• MC 1 instrument clamp for mounting on the soundbox
• 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.: 008740

In the box:

1x Neumann KK 15 supercardioid microphone capsule
1x Neumann SH 100 gooseneck (10 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 1 instrument clamp for violin, viola, and mandolin
1x safety instructions
1x quick start guide
1x carrying case