software

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

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.

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

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.

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.


Originally Posted by Kyuss_Rocki'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.

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

Between those two, the Neumann KMS, hands down.

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.