A New Alternative for Professional Grade PA Lavalier Microphones - The Neumann Miniature Clip Mic System [MCM]

＜Windscreen also included＞

As the name suggests, the MCM is a system consisting of 26 products in total, including the KK 14 electret condenser microphone capsule, gooseneck, clip, and output section, which are used in combination with the necessary products for your situation and instrument.

＜NEUMANN MCM 114 SET BRASS/SAX/UNI＞

The 26 products include a typical combination of set products, and the model number MCM 114 is the set product. The so-called lavalier microphone is the MCM 114 SET BRASS/SAX/UNI model. To briefly explain, it is a lavalier microphone set with an XLR output.

The MCM 114 SET BRASS/SAX/UNI includes a KK 14 capsule head, AC 31 (1.8 M) 3.5mm terminal cable, SH 150 gooseneck, KC 1 cable brace, WS 110 windscreen, MCM 100 output stage, MC 6 Universal clamp clips are housed in a special semi-hard case.

＜Ability to use four different types of clamps＞

Perhaps the most notable feature is the lineup of clamps that attach to instruments. In addition to the MC 6 universal clamp clips I mentioned above, there are nine different types of clamps available for violins, double basses, acoustics, and even pianos. (Some are not yet available.)

The various clamps feature numerous moving parts. The “MCM” is a gooseneck + movable clamp design that offers a high degree of freedom and durability.

＜The gooseneck mounting section rotates 360 degrees in two axes＞

The gooseneck mounting section not only allows you to change the gooseneck mounting position, but the section also rotates 360 degrees in 45-degree increments, locking every 45 degrees to prevent it from moving.

＜Accommodates the lines of the instrument＞

In addition, the clamp's surface to the instrument has a pivoting mechanism that tilts the clamp by about 30 degrees to the left or right. Since instruments are not only parallel surfaces, the movable ground plane of the clamp can be a big advantage when installing a mic.

＜Clamps are installed by spread out with fingers＞

The clamp is designed to be clamped on from the top and bottom by a parallel-moving mounting section, so it exerts more firm force than the lavalier type. The clamp has a built-in spring, and is attached to the instrument by spreading out the width of the clamp with three fingers, and the clamp firmly holds onto the instrument as soon as the fingers let go of the clamp.

Each clamp gives the impression of being well planned and designed as a single product. Since a sense of security and reliability in attaching a lavalier microphone to a musical instrument is extremely important, the design that focuses on the clamp section gives a glimpse into the NEUMANN mindset of listening to the voice.

＜Ability to separate only the cable＞

In recent years, many low-priced microphones have gone on sale, and lavalier microphones have become more readily available. However, inexpensive products often fail after only a few uses. If repair is not possible, the microphone must be replaced. Lavalier microphones are frequently used in PA environments, so durability and maintainability are important factors.

MCM can be purchased in parts, so even if a part breaks or malfunctions, it can be replaced with a new one. The cable part is particularly prone to breakage or tearing, but it is possible to just purchase a new cable.

＜Optimal for wireless systems＞

Since there are four types of cable selections in the product lineup, it can be used at various sites simply by changing the cable. This results in great cost saving value. The output of the standard AC 31 (1.8 M) 3.5mm terminal cable can be connected to a bodypack transmitter with a 3.5mm input, such as the SENNHEISER MKE 2. Other cables with LEMO/MICRODOT/mini XLR outputs are also available.

＜Separated KK 14 microphone capsule＞

As shown above, each part is interchangeable to ensure high maintainability and to enable compatibility with a variety of systems.

As a side note, the titanium microphone capsule is also separable and is called the KK 14. I expect capsules with different directivity and characteristics to be released in the future.

＜Highly versatile MCM 114 SET BRASS/SAX/UNI＞

The MCM 114 boasts specifications that live up to the NEUMANN name, despite the severe conditions of being an electret type and having almost no space for an output circuit. The sound pressure resistance is 153dB SPL, which allows for a super on-mic setting without worry.

In addition, the equivalent noise level of 23 dB-A has been achieved. As expected, this is inferior to large diaphragm microphones with large enclosures, but it can be said to have sufficient noise performance for many PA sites.

I have not been able to use the microphone in a PA yet, but there was one time when I was recording live, so I tried using it with piano, pianica, clarinet, and a bass clarinet. The sound quality is what is called a NEUMANN microphone, and I think it is a very good microphone for a live recording.