[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Neumann BCM 104, August 2004
Aug 1, 2004 1:18 PM, By Ty Ford
SIDE-ADDRESS BROADCAST MIC
Microphones
advertisement
The death grip that the RE20 and RE27 N/D have on the radio and TV station announce market is legendary. Neumann's condenser BCM 104 ($999.99) is the latest mic in a long line of RE20 challengers. While still applying the physics behind the form, the Neumann BCM 104 looks like no other mic on the planet.
The BCM 104 is a side-address, large-diameter true condenser with a remarkably low 7dBA self-noise. The capsule has a single front diaphragm and an elaborate rear porting system. As with the TLM 103, the capsule-mounting stalk attaches to the circular printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB is mechanically decoupled from the body by a rubber ring that holds the PCB in place.
The BCM 104's integral suspension mount takes up less space than a traditional spider mount and doesn't cost extra. It accepts a standard ⅝-inch threaded pipe and is not adjustable. The head grille unscrews very easily for quick cleaning and reattaches by lining up a spring-loaded bearing mounted in the body of the mic into a small detent in the head grille.
Around the top edge of the body, four small slots receive the four corners of the internal metal-mesh pop filter. The pop filter screens out all but extreme plosives and can be removed for cleaning by squeezing the mesh supports from front to back and carefully lifting the screen from around the capsule.
Switches for engaging a 14dB pad and highpass filter are accessible by removing a small screw that holds the male XLR in place. A slight outward tug pulls the three-prong connector into view. On its backside is a small circuit board where the switches are mounted.
Even with the highpass filter disengaged, the BCM 104 has a milder LF response than the TLM 103. I liked the low end without engaging the highpass filter, but it might be useful for people with exceptionally bass-y voices. The BCM 104 doesn't reject sound entering the open end of the head grille but it rejects sound coming from the other end of the mic. If you have lots of highly reflective counter top and a relatively absorptive and diffusive ceiling, you might get better results by mounting the mic upside down.
The BCM 104 exhibited excellent high-end detail. This may be a liability in an extremely noisy and highly reflective environment, especially if an announcer is speaking extremely loud. I found that with a moderately projected DJ voice, I could work with my nose touching the edge of the head grille. Even as close as that, I wasn't quite filling up my headphones with low end the way I like, but with a gentle touch of EQ (+1.5 dB at 120 Hz), I was ready to rock.
In addition to looking the part of a 21st-century mic, the BCM 104's impressive specs and sound should please any discerning audio pro.
Neumann, www.neumannusa.com.
Modern Recording and Mixing
This 2-DVD set will show you how the best in the music industry set up a studio to make world-class records. Regardless of what gear you are using, the information you'll find here will allow you to take advantage of decades of expert knowledge. Order now $39.95
Mastering Cubase 4
Electronic Musician magazine and Thomson Course Technology PTR have joined forces again to create the second volume in their Personal Studio Series, Mastering Steinberg's Cubase(tm). Edited and produced by the staff of Electronic Musician, this special issue is not only a must-read for users of Cubase(tm) software, but it also delivers essential information for anyone recording/producing music in a personal-studio. Order now $12.95
Delivered straight to your inbox every other week, MixLine takes you straight into the studio, with new product announcements, industry news, upcoming events, recent recording/post projects and much more. 
NAMM 2011: Fairlight CMI
State of NAMM 2011