Brand New Neumann KK 105 U Capsule Takes Main Stage at Super Bowl Halftime Show

During the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show, Alicia Keys joined Usher onstage to sing “If I Ain't Got You” and “My Boo” using a wireless handheld microphone topped with a Neumann KK 105 U supercardioid condenser capsule. The new capsule, released in January 2024, makes the perfectly balanced, nuanced sound of Neumann's award-winning KMS series wired stage vocal microphones available to users of several third-party wireless systems*.

"The thing I love about the KK 105 U capsule is that the sound of the mic is flat," commented Ann Mincieli, engineer for Alicia Keys. "It’s not hyped, and the frequency curve is very natural, giving us a great, balanced starting point!  Another thing is that there is no bleed in the capsule, because the polar pattern is designed so well.  There were 80,000 fans in the stadium, and additional fans all around the stage — we had minimal bleed. The KK 105 U is our capsule of choice!"

Previously, Neumann capsule heads were exclusive to Sennheiser wireless systems. With the introduction of the KK 104/105 U models, Neumann sound becomes available for third-party* systems, too. This is exciting news for artists and engineers looking to upgrade their existing wireless systems.

Neumann CEO Ralf Oehl comments: "We are extremely proud to have been able to inspire such great artists as Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys with our new capsule heads right after the market launch and that we can finally serve the entire community – regardless of their choice of wireless system – with our iconic Neumann sound on stage."

Of course, existing capsule heads for Sennheiser handheld transmitters continue to be available, but with the addition of KK 104/105 U capsule heads, studio sound on stage now becomes a reality for everyone.

Neumann’s Family of Capsule Heads for Wireless

• KK 104 S (cardioid) and KK 105 S (supercardioid) for Sennheiser SKM 5000 and 5200 handheld transmitters
• KK 204 (cardioid) and KK 205 (supercardioid) for Sennheiser SKM 2000/6000/9000 and EW G4 300/500 and EW-D wireless systems
• KK 104 U (cardioid) and KK 105 U (supercardioid) for third-party* systems – available from end of February 2024.

Standard colors for Neumann capsule heads are black and nickel matte. Custom finishes can be ordered via Neumann’s Made-to-Order Service (MTO).

* Sony (all models), Lectrosonics (all models), Mipro (ACT Series), Shure (Axient Digital, ULX-D, QLX-D und SLX-D Series)

About Neumann

​Georg Neumann GmbH, known as “Neumann.Berlin”, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of studio-grade audio equipment and the creator of recording microphone legends such as the U 47, M 49, U 67, and U 87. Founded in 1928, the company has been recognized with numerous international awards for its technological innovations. Since 2010, Neumann.Berlin has expanded its expertise in electro-acoustic transducer design to also include the studio monitor market, building upon the legacy of the legendary loudspeaker innovator Klein + Hummel. The first Neumann studio headphones were introduced in 2019, and since 2022, the company has increased its focus on reference solutions for live audio. With the introduction of the first audio interface MT 48, and its revolutionary converter technology, Neumann now offers all the necessary technologies needed to capture and deliver sound at the highest level. Georg Neumann GmbH has been part of the Sennheiser Group since 1991 and is represented worldwide by the Sennheiser network of subsidiaries and long-standing trading partners. www.neumann.com

Stay up to date and follow us on: FACEBOOK I INSTAGRAM I YOUTUBE