Having to amplify TOP acoustic guitars I wanted to buy one of the TOP stage microphones - Neumann MCM 114 Set Guitar - (important investment).
3 stars not for the quality and how much the microphone is performing but for how it came to me in its original packaging, so first I have to show some disappointment:
the product arrived badly packaged, Thomann assured me that the item MCM 114 Set Guitar is new, never opened nor manipulated, for this reason I must show disappointment towards the Neumann company (I will send a note of disappointment) that brings out a valuable and expensive product (Apple of microphones) with a summary packaging and, if so, in this wild market, buyers would no longer have any kind of reference on the purchase of new or used products. The product arrived in the original box where inside there was the box of the MC9 (guitar clip) and the bag of the MCM 114, and this is where I was amazed. Inside the bag the few components were placed in bulk with the mini jack of the AC 31 cable already connected and screwed to the MCM 100 (output stage); the latter not positioned in its seat and set inside; finally, the cable of the capsule KK 14 crushed in the closure of the bag. Absolutely a BAD presentation of a product like this.
That said, it is still too early to give a precise assessment of how the microphone sounds. The first impression trying it on my guitars, it could not be otherwise, the mini mic captures everything that comes out without equalization or reverberation; very precise in finger-style with all its nuances, attention also to the splints or even to the pressure of the fingers on the strings (out of tune notes). Appropriately directed excellent performance also the flat-style and bluegrass. Impressions with listening on closed headphones and with Acus Oneforstrings 8.
I compared the Neuman MCM 114 with the preamp systems on my 4 guitars I must say that there is no competition at all. Two guitars mount the "L.R. Baggs Anthem" system and the signal is processed by the dedicated preamplifier "L.R. Baggs Venue D.I." or by "L.R. Baggs - Para ACOUSTIC D.I.", despite finding this a great preamp system there is no competition with MCM 114 (20 vs 100). The other two guitars are equipped with a hybrid system: K&K Pure Mini (under the bridge) and MiniFlex 2 Mic Model-4 with one microphone under the bridge and one at the hole (this requires 9V phantom power), the output of the two signals with a stereo jack is sent to the preamplifier "L.R. Baggs - MixPro" which provides 9V power to the MiniFlex and manages both signals optimally; This is also an excellent preamp chain with a slightly more realistic sound that comes a little closer to the king (50 vs 100).
At the moment I can not give an evaluation regarding the use on stage and the problems related to acoustic feedback.
I think such a microphone is good for acoustic guitarists who love the sound of their guitar without, or almost never, using slight or strong equalizations to please the sound, otherwise it would be a wasted investment.
I hope it gives me good satisfaction, I'm ready to have fun.
