The BCM 705 – Neumann’s First Dynamic Mic
If you’ve ever wondered what a Neumann microphone could do for your electric guitar, bass, or kick drum sound in your recordings, but were concerned about putting a mucho expensive condenser mic in front of an amp or kick, wonder no more. For the first time in their 75-year history at the top of the recording world, Neumann has created the BCM 705, the first ever Neumann dynamic microphone. The dynamic BCM 705 costs considerably less than the BCM 104 condenser version, and will thus address the problem of the enormous cost pressure of equipping a studio with multiple mics. Designed also to be a great broadcast mic, the Neumann BCM 705 will also handle vocal chores around the studio as well.
The BCM 705 utilizes a Neumann-redesigned version of the Profi Power Sennheiser MD 431 handheld stage microphone and capsule. Housed in the same body as the previously introduced BCM 104, the BCM 705 is immediately identifiable as a Neumann dynamic microphone by its new ‘green’ Neumann badge.
For the BCM 705 a major overhaul of the production steps of the original MD 431’s capsule was required. This was necessary to reduce tolerances in both frequency response and sensitivity to meet the application specifications for this new microphone.
To enhance low frequencies, the entire chamber surrounding the capsule in the BCM 705 is enlarged and acoustically coupled to a rear entrance port. Even though the BCM 705 is meant for close miking, there is relatively little low-frequency build-up due to the proximity effect. This makes the microphone a perfect choice for those who would prefer to work slightly further from the source yet maintain a good, solid bass response.
The same wire mesh pop screen principles used in the KMS 105 and BCM 104 microphones are utilized in the BCM 705 thus removing the need of foam in front of the capsule as originally used in the MD 431. Resistance to wind plosives was now improved but not at the expense of good, clear high-frequency response. The integrated pop screen can be removed for cleaning without the use of tools and like the BCM 104. Individual, color-coded head grilles are available for each user.
Finally, Neumann redesigned the capsule’s mechanical suspension to reduce the mic’s sensitivity to stand movement or handling shocks. The microphone in its mount is elastically suspended and compatible via standard broadcast-segment microphone arms.
If your studio lacks that “Neumann sound,” the BCM 705 is the perfect microphone to add to your arsenal today for a lot less than you might expect!
