Neumann KMS105 live mic (vs) Sennheiser MD431 II live mic ?

[KLINKDETROIT]

Neumann KMS105 live mic (vs) Sennheiser MD431 II live mic ?

I am in the market for a top of the line live lead vocal mic that is good for everything from breathy low stuff to high screams ala Deftones to Sepultura growl. I narrowed it down to these 2 mics. I am assuming the higher priced Neumann is better but not sure. I also like the audix info on the OM6 OR OM7.

I actually tried the Neumann and really liked it but no one around here has a way to A/B these mics. I would also like to use the mic for home recording with my pro tools setup. I like the way my bass players Shure ksm44 studio mic sounds but I really need a live mic.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Not sure what catagory this should go in so I will post in 2 other forum catagories to be sure. Thanks

[Loserchief]

Re: Neumann KMS105 live mic (vs) Sennheiser MD431 II live mic ?

no experience with either of those but somehow those prices look abit like overkill to me. Are you sure you really something that expensive?
I personally use a Shure Beta 58A for live Vocals and it handles everything from screaming black metal vocals to death growls and clean vocals perfectly and without any kind of unwanted noise.

[KLINKDETROIT]

Re: Neumann KMS105 live mic (vs) Sennheiser MD431 II live mic ?

I am also using the beta 58 now. it is a little high endy and hollow compared to the Neumann.

[Rich_T]

Re: Neumann KMS105 live mic (vs) Sennheiser MD431 II live mic ?

i've used the SM58 with no trouble, love the sound. I dont think thts very different to the beta, i might be wrong though. If you find the 58 too toppy and hollow, maybe the 57 is more suited to you, with a mid peak.

[KLINKDETROIT]

Re: Neumann KMS105 live mic (vs) Sennheiser MD431 II live mic ?

I have been using the beta 58 but find it a bit thin and hollow compared to the Neumann. I spent alot of money on my guitar rig and only sing lead in my other band so I feel $500 on ebay bstock is well worth the investment in my craft but I havent heard the Sennheiser md431 ii and it is also supposed to be a great high end live mic. I am torn between the Neumann and the Sennheiser.
I actually really like the SM58 for its eq but it doesnt have the hotness or ability to easily pick up subtle nuances like a phantom powered mic. The Beta 87 doesnt sound as good to me as the Beta 58. I compared in the same room/time, the Beta 58, 87, Neumann kms105 and an Audix om5. I would be interested in the Audix om6 or om7 but didnt care as much for the om5 although I liked it better than the Beta 87.

[vinterland]

Re: Neumann KMS105 live mic (vs) Sennheiser MD431 II live mic ?

i've used the SM58 with no trouble, love the sound. I dont think thts very different to the beta, i might be wrong though. If you find the 58 too toppy and hollow, maybe the 57 is more suited to you, with a mid peak.

The beta series is meant to have more of a live presence. So yes the beta 58 does sound different than the standard 58.

[proxy]

Re: Neumann KMS105 live mic (vs) Sennheiser MD431 II live mic ?

Any ability for you to perhaps buy both and return the one that doesn't do anything for you?

[KLINKDETROIT]

Re: Neumann KMS105 live mic (vs) Sennheiser MD431 II live mic ?

They wont let you return mics as the health code prohibits it. I am leaning towards the Neumann. The Sennheiser looks so cool though LOL.