Microphones/Vocal Effects

Microphones

Vocals

Neumann KMS 105

Matt's choice of live microphone is a Neumann KMS 105. He prefers to use this microphone as it deals with his challenging mic technique (i.e. not singing near the mic).

Designed with superlative vocal reproduction in mind, the KMS 105 brings Neumann quality to the demanding sound reinforcement environment. With its supercardioid polar pattern, low self-noise and uncoloured off-axis pickup, the KMS 105 complements in-ear monitor systems. By employing a unique four-layer acoustic filter, the KMS 105 minimises popping and wind noise, and because of special mechanical and electrical filters handling noise is virtually eliminated. Superior resolution and linear frequency response make it very easy for the artist using the KMS 105 to identify whether he or she is "on mic".

The Neumann KMS 105 is used extensively by many large bands and costs around the £400 mark.

Matt's Microphone stands have until recently been K&M 23850 desk mounted stands, these crane mics suiting Bellamy's singing technique.

During The Resistance tour, both Matt and Chris use Yellowtec MIKARM YT3201 Studio Mic Booms which are Aluminium frames giving optimum movement. These are desktop mics mounted on a stage mic stand and usually cost around $225.00 . (unfortunately they can't seem to be found in the UK) These mic stands, previously believed to be custom built for Muse are actually used in studios, most commonly in radio stations.

Recently on the 2nd Law tour Matt has switched to a Nuemann Handheld Wireless microphone,it is unkown at the moment if it is the kk 104/105s/204/or 205s model.This enables Matt to move around the stage and interact with the crowd during singing parts that don't require guitar playing.

Guitars

• Royer R-122L on the cab with an SE Electronics Reflexion filter

Bass

• Clean rig: Beyer M88, DI
• Distorted rig: Shure SM7

Drums

• Kick: Beyer m88, Shure SM91
• Snare: Shure SM57, Neumann KMS 105
• HH/Ride: AKG C451
• Toms: Shure Beta 98
• Overheads: AKG C414

Note: for Supermassive Black Hole, Muse use a Roland TMC-6 trigger to MIDI converter on the snare and kick drum to a Roland SPD-S.

Processing

Avalon VT737

Sansamp

Matt's voice goes through three stages when singing live.

• Normal, standard clean vocal with no effects
• Through an Avalon VT737 with high gain that produces a "nice valve distorted" sound
• Through a SansAmp PSA in conjunction with a custom control switch operated by Bellamy to get extreme distortion.

Matt's voice also goes through System 6000 reverbs, a TC delay and an H35000.


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