Incredible Neumann Vocals — for Less!
Neumann designed the BCM 104 with broadcast professionals in mind. What the company didn’t necessarily expect was the number of home, project, and professional studio owners who have fallen in love with what the microphone does for studio vocals. Designed to capture the emotion of a voice performance, the BCM 104 has quickly become essential kit not only for broadcasters and podcasters, but also for music recording engineers who want to capture vocals and instruments with stunning clarity, presence, and authority. When it comes to upgrading your studio with the inimitable “Neumann sound,” the BCM 104 is the perfect addition to your mic locker — and for a lot less than you might expect!
Related Videos: BCM 104 Large-diaphragm Condenser Broadcast Microphone
Capture any source in brilliant detail
Neumann is famous for its large-diaphragm condenser capsules, and the one used in the BCM 104 is specifically designed to capture the human voice without coloration or undesirable artifacts. The mic has a fixed cardioid polar pattern with outstanding off-axis rejection. Its linear frequency response features a gentle presence boost around 4kHz and a subtle shelf boost above 10kHz to enhance intelligibility. The microphone’s outstanding transient response is optimized to capture every nuance of the human voice in brilliant detail. The BCM 104’s wide frequency response makes it perfect for much more than vocals — it’s also stunning on acoustic instruments.
Integrated pop screen prevents plosives while protecting the capsule
The BCM 104 is equipped with an integrated pop screen that prevents take-ruining plosives in vocal recordings and also effectively protects the diaphragm from moisture and particulate contamination — a common issue with vocal mics. The quick-release head grille can be easily removed for cleaning without the use of tools; for the ultimate in sanitary operation, additional grilles are available, enabling multiple voice artists to each have their own. The BCM 104 is also spec’d with internal elastic-suspension shock absorption that prevents structure-borne rumble for the cleanest possible recordings.
Low-noise circuit with high SPL handling
The BCM 104 electronic circuit features extremely low self-noise of just 7dBA and can handle high sound pressure levels up to 138dB without distorting. Its balanced output operates transformerless to ensure minimal hum interference and excellent common-mode rejection of extraneous signals. A subsonic filter suppresses frequencies below 20Hz. A switchable 100Hz highpass filter compensates for proximity effect, and a 14dB pre-attenuation pad is also provided to reduce the mic’s output level, allowing you to use it with a wide range of preamps. The filter and pad switches are accessible inside the microphone body, as these options are usually selected only once during setup. The BCM 104’s impressive sensitivity and robust 152dB SPL rating (with the pad engaged) enhance the versatility of this amazing mic, making it ideal for capturing everything from the quietest whisper to electric guitars and drums!
Neumann: the first name in professional microphones
In 1928, Georg Neumann founded the company that bears his name and introduced the first mass-produced condenser microphone. Ever since, the Neumann badge has stood for unwavering quality. Neumann’s instantly recognizable diamond is more than a corporate logo — it is a quality seal. Every microphone that bears it is a testimony to this proud tradition. As you ponder your future in recording, we’d like to leave you with a Sweetwater tip that, interestingly, has nothing to do with sound. If you have clients coming into your studio, appearances matter — and having no-name microphones set up in your tracking room is probably not the best way to impress them. When your clients see the Neumann badge, they’ll know they’re in a professional studio with serious equipment. The presence of Neumann microphones commands instant respect. They’re classics that tell the world: you’ve arrived.
Neumann BCM 104 Features:
- Large-diaphragm condenser microphone
- Fixed cardioid polar pattern with excellent off-axis rejection
- Ideal for studio vocals, voice-overs, and acoustic instruments
- Subsonic filter suppresses frequencies below 20Hz
- 100Hz highpass filter compensates for proximity effect
- 14dB pad for loud sources and preamp compatibility
- Distinctive design with integrated pop screen
- Pop screen prevents plosives and protects the capsule
- Quick-release head grille for easy cleaning
- Individual head grilles available for each user
- Internal elastic-suspension shock absorption
- Requires 48V phantom power
