Neumann BCM 104 Review / Test (vs. SM7b, TLM103, U87)

Today I review the Neumann BCM104, a broadcaster condenser. I compare this mic to the Shure SM7b, Electro Voice RE20, Neumann TLM103, Neumann U87 Ai, and a bunch more mics so you can hear how it compares to the other available options.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~12:30
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
Sensitivity: -33dB
Impedance: 50 Ohms
Power Requirement: 48V DC Phantom Power

Buy the Neumann BCM104 (Affiliate Link)

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)

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00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:30 - What’s in the Box
00:47 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:23 - Specifications
01:34 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:52 - Plosive Test
02:04 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:24 - Background Noise Test
02:39 - Untreated Room Test
02:57 - Shock Rejection Test
03:13 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:26 - High Pass Filter Demo
04:04 - Intro to Comparison
04:34 - Shure SM58 Comparison
05:00 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
05:30 - Shure SM7b Comparison
06:00 - Earthworks Ethos Comparison
06:29 - Rode Broadcaster Comparison
06:58 - Electro Voice RE20 Comparison
07:28 - Lauten Audio LS208 Comparison
07:54 - Neumann KMS105 Comparison
08:29 - Neumann BCM705 Comparison
09:09 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
09:55 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:32 - Music Test
12:00 - Pros & Cons
14:12 - Overall Thoughts
16:14 - Recommendation
17:20 - Conclusion

#Neumann #Broadcast #MicReview

Check Out This Stuff TOO:

[TSGEnt]

0:15 Second!?! You are my FIRST! Good sounding mic BTW. Good tune too! Thx.

[senpos]

I already have a mic and many reviewed mics are not even in my price range, but I watch these videos every time for music tests, they are amazing!

[PH_at_PH]

"I love how it sounds if you eat the mic". I love it too! And I absolutely adore Bandrew's detailed reviews of the mics I'll never posses. There must be some word for people who are so obsessed with mics and who like hearing how they sound. 🙂

[ThisIsHeraldoJones]

I love how that mic sounds. Always wanted to get one, but having an U87ai I can't convince myself to invest on it. What it surprised me has been how good it sounded in the untreated room. One idea for the future could be a compilation video of a more extended test of your mic collection (maybe divided in parts if it gets too long) in the untreated room.

[Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

Had this mic once . Got it for under $400 amazing deal. I first seen this in action on K-Love Radio’s YouTube channel ..it was their in studio mic at one point for live performances. Sounded SO detailed and clear and quiet. The room didn’t seem to effect the sound negatively either. That was my experience with the mic as well. I also found it to be borderline sterile. Definitely doesn’t have the girth of a u87…I’m sure a good colored preamp would liven this up. It has a Smoother and nicer high end than the TLM103, but more controlled bottom end. In the right room doesn’t require much eq and I think that’s why it shined in those live radio performances

[QuantumFerret]

Hi @Podcastage, what USB mic would you recommend for someone with a fairly deep voice? My old wired earphones are finally breaking and I find myself wanting to splurge a bit on a mic for gaming and probably for work calls when I'm at home - I want to like how I sound on a mic for once. I will occasionally have quite a lot of background noise coming from behind and to the side of where a mic would be, but I exclusively use push-to-talk so I'd only really be worried about it being able to mitigate sound enough for my voice to come through clearly. My voice is usually sitting around 90 - 115 Hz.

I've been thinking about the Shure MV7 - is that the best option? Or would a cardioid condenser mic with the right settings be better, despite the potential background noise? I've never had an actual mic set up before, and I'm a little wary of having to be very close to a dynamic mic.

[amp_cackl]

The Ethos is consistently so damn good I love it

[SunkaWicasa]

re20 after u use this ... only a few comes close nice review... i really like how the earthworks ethos sound

[risingtoneofthemojo]

Got to admit you've really been putting in the work on those multi-tracked guitar licks and it really shows. Very impressed as they sound excellent!

[billyhughes]

Nice sounding mic on your voice and the guitars sounded probably one of the best I've heard from your recordings for the "music test". Very even overall and soft but clear on top. I still think the RE20 sounds best on your voice -- the LS-208 as well, just a bit brighter. BTW -- there are currently about 6 of those used for between $600-$800 on Reverb.

[martinrothwell]

Hey Bandrew, thankyou. I have gradually been swapping /upgrading my mic over the years and as money permits, and trying to find the right fit for my voice.. the RE20 was my favourite for many years, but I knew I really wanted to try Neumann, and it was down to the BCM104 or the TLM103. But I couldn't find any side by side comparisons.. watching your videos, I always I loved the sound of the 103, (and I wasn't particularly fond of the 104's design) so purchased a 103.. this comparison has reassured me that I made the right choice.. so thanks. :-)

Overall I don't dislike the sound of the 104, but in all the mics you have demoed here, I think the 103 has the edge.

[techmed-rainer]

I love this mic. I use it upside down when it's in frame. Wife uses the BCM 705, also upside down.

[GoTellJesusSaves]

Love the Earthworks Ethos when compared to this BCM 104 mic.

[LTPottenger]

This is a really nice mic, very flattering.

[nobodyhaslogin]

I had no idea you are communicating with Fluff. I wonder now who's his first favorite channel.
And the mic is deffo something. Expensive but very nice.

[cosmicknocks]

I’d love to hear this vs the Shure ksm32

[groovmon]

Just really love these videos! I always feel like I learn something and I get to have a little smile. Boop!

[VOByRobbins]

Damn Bandrew, you've really kicked up your Music and song section of these LOL --- this mic sounds amazing on everything!!! great review!!

[JeroBagg]

Though it wasn't covered in this video, I still prefer the 414...XLII or XLS. I went back to the verses video to check, and AKG has done a great job with the latest 414's. They brought back what was great about the 414 EB from the 70s, especially with the XLII. And if Neumann put out something like the 414, they would probably charge $5000. As for the mics in this video, I liked the RE20, SM7 and that new Earthworks condenser better than the BCM 104. But a lot of this stuff depends on the voice. I don't like the 87 on my voice, but I really like the 103. But for you, the 87 sounded better than the 103. But my overall favorite is my 414 XLII.

[CWUEOY]

This is a great sounding mic. But why, oh why, would you place the switches like this?