The NEW Neumann Clip-on Sax Mic is EXCELLENT!

#bettersax #saxophone #microphone
Jay Metcalf reviews the Neumann Clip on saxophone mic.
Neumann MCM 114 Sax Microphone geni.us/ZXa58m
DPA 4099 Sax Microphone geni.us/ppUL
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[@bettersax]

Check out our Black Friday Sale on now! bettersax.com/black-friday-2022/

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Brilliant. Thanks Jay. I sometimes find my 4099 a little bright so this is exciting news! 🎉

[@sgsax]

I was taught to point the mic in the middle of the key stack because that's where the sound/air is coming from most of the time (on average), same with clarinet. On flute, I usually see the mic pointed at the mouthpiece blow hole for the same reason. I'll need to listen to this again with headphones, I couldn't tell an appreciable difference on my tablet speakers. In any case, it's always nice to see options. Thanks for sharing!

[@andreasgilgenberg5588]

Thanks a lot Jay.... for your constant effort to give us such useful information! I like the neumann more, sounds warmer and more natural, position to the keys is also more to my liking. At the times i a had a straight soprano, i tried a mix of both, bell and key that worked great with 2 microphones. In the end i got my hands on a curved soprano, better control of my sound and no problems with pick up wit only 1 mic.

[@michaelrowe1907]

Thanks Jay 😊 loved the reviews.

[@NoelBeltran_]

That Neumann is cleannnnn and I hear less hissing sound! Ty for this vid!! 🎉

[@brysava]

Works and sounds great on flute too. You can even use the same mic back and forth between saxes and the flute due to the versatility of the clamp. (brass/sax version)

[@skippruitt2391]

Both mics sound good, Although they sound similar on my phone, I like the DPA sound with the mic pointed at the bell.

[@gerhardwagner5428]

Thanks a lot, I was totally curious about the Neumann. I will stick @ 4099

[@timbly5824]

On the attack of each note the Neumann sounds slightly smoother and the bell I've always preferred. I personally want the true bell sound and I love my AMT Technologies wireless. Very dependable and true. I also added a DBX Go Pro for anti feedback and I never have to depend on any sound tech.. I adjusted my DBX with the input and output to match my original mic signal strength and I found sound techs love it. Now they can shape your sound or leave it flat without worrying about feedback. But that's just me because I've heard many other wireless setups and they all sound great with todays technology.

[@robreginald]

Yesterday I got a chance to try this mic (a well known music store in Jakarta that mainly sells recording gears want to record some demos of it), and on the way there I found this video. So I tried both mic angles and they gave really different results, both in sound and waveforms. I’ll aim for the keys 👍 thanks for the great & helpful video!

[@faizulzuraimi5393]

May I know which shop is this? Would love to visit one day

[@robreginald]

@@faizulzuraimi5393 ChandraCom - kelapa gading

[@tonylotven9288]

Just got the Neumann and it sounds even better than I expected on my tenor. I've only used it on a gig and practicing. I don't use clip-ons in the studio. I do use a little different placement. Instead of clipping to the side of the bell, I clip it on the outside of the bell, that is, the furthest part of the bell from my hands. Then I point it toward the keys. That makes it a little further from the keys than in your demonstration, which further reduces the key noise. And you are right, especially since I'm playing mostly rock, funk, etc., that no one hears the key noise anyway. The Neumann is richly warm sounding in all registers. It does a great job at all dynamic levels. I love that it has a cardiod pattern reducing bleed from the other instruments on stage. BTW, I blow through a Theo Wanne Gaia 3 8*, often with a Legere American cut but also through Boston Sax and Nexus reeds. I absolutely love this mic and eagerly await the strap attachment coming in stock at Sweetwater to try it on flute.

[@brassperson]

Neumann has a more spacious sound.🎙️

[@oldunclemick]

Interesting video 👍. For me I'd always point at the keys - the bell is just a convenient mounting point IMO. For the mics themselves, my cellphone speaker instantly revealed the DPA's lumpiness in the highs (a so-called "presence" peak maybe?) but when I checked on my headphones I can't say I like the mids on the Neumann either but that's likely easier to fix with EQ so given the choice of these two, I'd pick the Neumann.

[@frankzona5459]

Great review Jay. Both mics sound great. I'll give it to the Neumann though. When the Neumann was first announced I jumped on the Sweetwater site and placed my order, excited about purchasing my first Neumann mic. But the Mic was not in stock, it seems Neumann announced the product before actually having any inventory for sale. In the months of waiting for my order to be filled my enthusiasm cooled and I cancelled my order and decided to stick with my Shure wireless. It was more of a "want' than a "need" anyway, lol. I just checked Sweetwater and they are now in stock. Maybe down the road I'll reconsider. Now, should Neumann come out with it's own on the mic transmitter,( eliminating the need of a belt pack belt pack) and receiver...my order goes in.

[@amanisax5630]

Great review would love to hear an ab of SD systems mic vs this one!

[@skippruitt2391]

Hey, you should check out the SD systems saxophone clip for your DPA 4099. It is very sturdy and fits perfectly without all of the fuss of the DPA sax mic clip.

[@kaspbigbendas9573]

I think the SD SYSTEMS MICS are still the best for saxes! Please compare it with DPA and Neumann. Thanks!

[@jaareda9940]

I absolutely agree! I have the LCM89 and STM99. I'd put either of these up against these. I have the MCM114 as an emergency backup.

[@jamesmay5616]

Hi Jay, how does the cloudvocal wireless fair against those mics you just tested?

[@billstotts2346]

In studio, the best engineers position the mic over the bell and toward the keys. And I always use my Universal Audio 610 preamp. And yes, I'm bad ass.

[@DinoSoldo]

I would recommend all watchers of this video to listen with studio headphones. The story is told well listening that way. Live microphones have been the bane of my existence for decades. Most sax mics have a 3k and/or above boost in them. The DPA (while definitely not as bad as others) has some high end boost as well. I’m excited to try the Neumann. Up to now I have used early preamped AMT mics for a long time on the saxes( as well as a chromatic harmonica ). They provided the most transparent quality and came in a double mic configuration that really provided the best sound for each member of the sax family. Note that it married well with a stage where everyone used in-ear monitoring. Btw cost is not a factor here: Old Cheap Samson live mics are warm but lively as well when you can find them. I am curious to see if the Neumann’s frequencies can blend with a high energy live band. I guess I’ll dust off the wallet. Note : my opinion is for those who want to get as close as possible to the warm sound they might have worked for. The are plenty options for a bright, cutting mic out there.

[@FunkOsax]

The 1st time I listened was via a hi speed internet connection using high quality earphones Sony WF-100XM4. I used all permutations of noise cancelling off/on etc. The next time I listened using the PC outputting to a Steinberg audio interface connected to a Denon amp feeding Monitor Audio Radius 90 speakers with REL sub. Both times the sound was rather on the thin side with not much “body”. Don’t get me wrong, the sound was ok, just not full enough. I don’t think we’re hearing the sound that Jay is actually generating, for whatever reason.

[@douglange6863]

@@FunkOsax The audio sounds compressed on both mics and quite similar. I am over 50 and know my hearing is not as good. It would be great to compare the Neumann to a small diaphragm condenser with a flat response curve as a means of developing a reference. While a stage mic has different requirements than a recording mic, the reference mic would help us listening through the multiple layers of audio signal compression and audio file compression algorithms to hear the any differences in coloration the Neumann may have. As Jay said, though, the soundman will adjust it. Which really means, the soundman is going to cut below 120 Hz, scoop out the mids, boost 4K Hz and crank up 12K+ Hz for “air” because the mic makes the sax sound wrong in the mix and wants to use an SM57;-)

[@fredhandrix]

@@FunkOsax I totally agree. And they both sound very compressed. I'm using studio headphones DT 880 PRO. I think the only way to really compare this kind of stuff would be to have a decent audio file to download. The sound on these KZbin videos doesn't mean much. To be honest, I was disappointed with what I heard in both cases.

[@andrewvince5265]

I would like to see what the Sennheiser e608 dynamic is like in comparison to the phantom powered mikes here.

[@timwhalen3840]

I’ve been happy with my cheaper Beta 98H/C for years. Since I only use it for loud cover band gigs any nuance is lost anyway. I don’t see myself ever playing “You’ve Changed” with a clip-on mic so I probably won’t be dropping $600 on either of these. I’d go with the Neumann for the sturdier clip when my Shure craps out.

[@jjpbm]

Hi Jay, how do these compare with wireless microphones

[@saxuary]

Have you tried SD systems? I've been playing on it for 20 years. It's held up. I'd be curious to a/b it with the Neumann.

[@jeffhoman296]

I still have never heard a clip-on mic that comes close to my ultimate anti-clip-on Electro Voice RE20! If and when someone can pull that off, I'll be the first in line.

[@herbiethegalah6420]

If I get the Neumann, what is your top high end wireless system to get with it? My Shure wireless sax mic and system died this week. I need to make a sax mic and system emergency purchase. thanks for your helpful video.

[@charliegodell]

Well ... I think that the DPA sounds thicker, the NEUMANN sounds pretty good but in this video I do prefer the DPA, Grettings from Spain, and I also felt more key noise on the Neumann

[@landoncooper4708]

I want a mic, that would be unverisal for soprano, alto, and Tenor Saxophones. I would also like it to work for both recording and for concert/gigs. Is there a type of mic that could do all these with an amazing sound and quality?

[@golf4funjn532]

How would this compare to the Shure H98 clip on mic?

[@thinkjazzmedia]

Hi Jay. Great review, I’d just ordered one and now I’m glad I did! What wireless system would you pair this with, or do you usually use it wired? Thanks. Best wishes.

[@bettersax]

I am reviewing a wireless system I use with this next week. Keep an eye out for it.

[@thinkjazzmedia]

@@bettersax That’s good timing! Thanks.

[@lupedeanda3401]

what kind of mouthpiece do you recomend for a Jean Paul tenor in church music ?? mr. metcalf

[@ericwobschall8410]

Neither had enough low end for my taste. For once I wish there was more proximity effect. Definitely the bell position. At least not as thin as the key position.

[@edwardonsax9919]

I'm about to give up on clip-ons after buying the NU-X and the band not wanting me to use it because they said they heard all of the clicking of my keys through the speakers, and difficult to not get feedback.

[@juliovitolo5356]

Tough call. The Neuman seems brighter and the DPA seems darker. So it’s subjective and what sound you’re going for! Great and educational as usual.

[@fredhandrix]

I agree

[@DustinKreidler]

I currently use an *old* wireless Sony lavalier mic suspended via a DIY velcro harness directly over the bell. I have harnesses for each of my horns, so I can switch pretty quickly... but its ugly as sin! Upshot, the wireless receiver outputs 1/4" which I can feed directly into my effects pedal board. Sound-wise... I think I hate almost ALL single-source mics on sax, other than maybe a super-high-end Neumann U67 or U47 from a few feet away in a really nice room. My working assumption is that, what with all the various tone holes, the sound is really emanating from all over the body of the horn, so any single pickup point will only get a portion of that overall sound.

[@fabien64320]

Try out VigaTools intra mic!!!

[@bobblues1158]

They both sound nasal and thin to my ear, no matter where they are placed. To my ear anyway. This will crack you up Jay-I like my ancient 4061 DPA gaffer taped to the lower part of the bell and not pointing into the bell, just being on the bell but pointing a little bit upward. I have used the newer DPA´s with the mounting system that clips onto the bell like the one you use here. But gaffer tape gets me the sound I want. This model is prone to feedback in a situation with loud music and monitors. In that situation I will use the modern DPA because of possible feedback. And now all of the venues usually have these mikes available. If not, I KNOW they have a Shure 58! LOL

[@fredhandrix]

I agree. I was disappointed in both cases to be honest.

[@dennisd2531]

Both microphones sounded pretty good to me, on saying that I'm only a beginner of 18 month (however doing ok). My point it this, I want to buy a microphone however, there aren't many of us that are going to spend anywhere near that amount of money at this early part of our journey. Are you able to advise us on a product that is much cheaper (by at least half) but of decent quality to get us started. I've recently (7 months ago) progressed to the EAS112 Bettersax Alto a nd have joined a band and now need a good lower priced good quality microphone. (🇬🇧)

[@bettersax]

Yes watch my other recent video comparing some cheap wireless mics.

[@HonestSaxSound-unEdited-]

Neumann mics are one of the best in the whole world without doubts! But here both sounds so thin... all sound so thin, why?.. not idea. Anyway great video as usual. Congrats.

[@FunkOsax]

I agree, very thin sound.

[@MrGuto]

Agree. All sounds really thin and nasal on these recordings.

[@skaholic_tv]

More ligth neumann More brilliant DPA I choose DPA 💚💛❤️

[@hernanjimenez850]

IAm looking for a Brandon saxophone com .Can you oferta me one. Thanks

[@EchannelYT]

I wonder if there is a clip on clarinet mic yet 🤔

[@fg87fgd]

Check out "Neumann MCM 114 Set Woodwind"...

[@taylorfusion]

Wireless?

[@TM-jf8vg]

I have the DPA 4099 as well and I struggle to get full body sound out of it from both alto and tenor. Frankly, your recordings really show the same issue. Is it just me or do both mics still sound really heavy on the high frequency even though you commented that you added a high frequency filter already. I’m curious if its just an issue with bell mics. I know you sound wonderful and its a mic issue. The soprano pointed at keys was a massive improvement over pointed into the bell. Lastly, I’ll say the DPA mic mount is not my favorite - especially if I’m moving between alto & tenor.

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Jay said he added a “high pass” filter not a filter of the high frequencies.

[@mattmorris2867]

High pass filter filters the low end. Personally I would have left both mics untouched and compared that. Putting filters on distorts the results.

[@mattmorris2867]

Don’t listen on the phone speaker. KZbin is compressing the audio as well. I’m not sure mic comparisons really are any use on KZbin.

[@TM-jf8vg]

@@mattmorris2867 I listen through my FocusRite 18i8 to Yamaha HS-8 studio monitors through an iPad Pro. But I understand your point. Thanks

[@yvesbajulaz]

Go with SD System instead…

[@kwrigh1668]

YEAHHHH!!! This is the review! DPA is dead. LOL! Love our MCM, until the cat ate it. LOL! just the connection wires...capsule is fine. Actually a well thought out system, don't have to rebuy the whole system.

[@JeremyLCrabtree]

Can anyone explain why you would want a highpass filter? It, to me, sounds like nasal and thin, or like a very small speaker. (I'm listening on NOT small speakers with a sub)

[@KadrianThomas]

The purpose of the high pass filter is to eliminate unwanted frequencies. Anything below 200 Hz on the Eq curve for an alto sax for example will sound muddy.

[@andisaxophone]

As someone pointed out, it's to remove unwanted frequencies. If you record in a well-treated room, there really isn't anything useful below about 200 Hz that's actually coming from an alto sax. Anything below that is probably from other instruments or room noise, so a HP filter is useful for live sound and should have no effect on the rest of the signal.

[@rewindplays2570]

Last time I came this early I became a father

[@koreandemon5426]

W comment

[@ekaufman4800]

Can NOT stop laughing😂

[@XavierJordanMusic]

😂😂😂😂

[@ronhorton21]

Personally, my ears aren't hearing a difference in mics. And as far as placement. I use a Samson clipon in the bell, because I like that Dark Chocolate with it in the bell.

[@nathanminert3119]

Both microphones sound good in my opinion, but I definitely prefer the DPA. The Neuman sounds more boxey. It might have a more even frequency response, but the DPA sounds more like a natural to me.

[@skippruitt2391]

The bell sound had a little more body and warmness.

[@christophbrylka6256]

Both sound too thin. 🤷‍♂️

[@kaybhee6]

prefer 60cm away...bigger cond mics y ribbons too

[@dukkedusse]

Neumann has an awfully loud key noise... pretty dissapointing. As I write this comment I can tell when you switch to Neumann just by the key noise! And here you just start speaking about this... 🙂 Try comparing any of these with SD Systems LCM-85 and you'll forget about both of them...

[@jaareda9940]

Absolutely agree. LCM 85, 89, and STM 99.

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

Six of one, half dozen of other. Adjust this for this; adjust this for that and…🤔

[@notizu6969]

neumann is a little brighter

[@normalizedaudio2481]

The people can't tell. Just save your money.

[@christinecornec1470]

Too thin, maybe it's your sound,🍻

[@notizu6969]

neumann is a little brighter overall, dpa has a richer sound at the bell,

[@FunkOsax]

Is the Neumann mic the "paid promotion"?

[@bettersax]

The sponsor is sweetwater

[@alextrav7578]

First

[@normalizedaudio2481]

You guys, hold on to your wallet. Chain up your wallet and save all your money. Remember you are a sax player. Don't get a girl friend. This microphone is no good.