The Neumann MCM provides a compact microphone solution for close miking acoustic instruments in live performance environments. Paul Gatehouse, a British sound designer and music mixer, shares his real world experience with the MCM, focusing on its natural sound, versatility, and secure mounting system.
Paul Gatehouse and His Experience with Neumann MCM
Paul Gatehouse, a British sound designer and music mixer, has shared his real world experiences using the Neumann MCM during recent tours in the UK and the US.
According to Gatehouse, his decision to choose the MCM was based on three key factors: natural sound, practicality in use and reliable mounting. These are also the characteristics he values highly throughout his experience with the Microphone.
MCM and Its Versatility with Multiple Acoustic Instruments
One of the key points emphasized by Gatehouse is the versatility of the Neumann MCM when working with acoustic sound sources.
According to him, within a band, the MCM is used with instruments featuring acoustic sound sources thanks to its ability to accommodate a variety of positions. He also highly appreciates the design and development of the mounting system and clips, as well as their robustness compared with microphone models he had used previously.
The ability to access different positions allows the MCM to be placed appropriately according to the requirements of each instrument during a performance.
A Practical Mounting System Design
For Microphones used in live performance environments, Microphone placement and the stability of the mounting system are important factors during setup.
Paul Gatehouse considers the MCM mounts and clips to be very well designed, while also offering a high level of stability.
He particularly mentions his experience using the MCM on acoustic guitar, hi hat, crash and ride cymbals. According to Gatehouse, the microphone can be positioned exactly where it is needed while still providing a secure feel, even when using the gooseneck design.
Neumann MCM: Natural Sound and Practicality
In Paul Gatehouse's experience, natural sound is one of the key reasons for choosing the Neumann MCM for touring.
Alongside sound quality, he also emphasizes practicality during use. In a live performance environment, a Microphone system needs to adapt to different positions and instruments, while the mounting system must be sufficiently robust to meet practical requirements.
Gatehouse chose the MCM based on the combination of these factors: natural sound, practicality and reliable mounting.
Experience with Acoustic Guitar and Percussion
Paul Gatehouse states that the MCM can be used on acoustic guitar as well as hi hat, crash and ride cymbals.
With acoustic guitar, the MCM can be positioned where needed to capture the acoustic sound source. For hi hat, crash and ride cymbals, the microphone also allows for positioning that suits the requirements of each instrument.
Gatehouse considers this process very easy to carry out and emphasizes the secure feel of the microphone when used on the gooseneck.
Neumann MCM and the Microphone Solution for Acoustic Instruments
Neumann introduces the Miniature Clip Mic System MCM as a solution that brings Neumann sound to close miking acoustic instruments in live environments.
According to the information presented by Neumann on the product page in the article, the MCM features:
- Bringing the electret principle to Neumann's sound standard
- Durability designed to increase ROI by up to ten times
- Each capsule can be used for both high and low volume instruments
- Compatible with common bodypack transmitters
These characteristics form the foundation of the MCM system, particularly for applications requiring a compact microphone, flexible positioning and suitability for close miking acoustic instruments in live performance environments.
How Does Paul Gatehouse Evaluate the Neumann MCM?
Based on his real world experience, Paul Gatehouse chose the MCM for recent tours in the UK and the US based on its natural sound, practicality and reliable mounting.
He also values the system's versatility when used with acoustic sound sources and its ability to position the microphone where needed.
In particular, with acoustic guitar, hi hat, crash and ride cymbals, Gatehouse says that the MCM can be positioned very easily while providing a secure feel during use.
Insights from sound engineers and audio professionals such as Paul Gatehouse provide a practical perspective on how Neumann equipment is used in Professional Audio environments.
At hoang bao khoa, customers can learn about and experience Neumann products in the Neumann Studio, a space designed to allow users to listen directly and explore the equipment in a real studio environment.
This is also how Hoang Bao Khoa creates an additional space where learning about audio equipment goes beyond specifications and begins with real listening and hands on experience.
Source: Neumann - Paul Gatehouse on the MCM