




The KM 184 (cardioid) in particular has become the classic high-quality miniature microphone. Now also available in attractive stereo sets, with cardioid, hypercardioid or omni directional characteristics. The "Series 180" consists of three compact miniature microphones with patterns that satisfy the demands of all common studio applications.
Because of its optimized mechanical construction and conscious omission of modularity, which is unnecessary in many cases, the "Series 180" is predestined for economy-minded production and home recording studios.
Applications
Acoustic features
The KM 183 is a pressure transducer with a boost of approximately 7 dB at 10 kHz in the free field. In the diffuse sound field it has a flat frequency response. The pressure gradient transducers KM 184 and KM 185 feature very smooth frequency responses not only for the 0° axis, but also for lateral (off-axis) sound incidence. In typical usage, there is no coloration of sound over a wide pickup angle.
Although the KM 184 has the same capsule as the KM 84, the microphone differs slightly on the 0° frequency response: The KM 184 has a gentle rise at about 9 kHz, a characteristic that was introduced very successfully with the KM 140. The result is a tonal balance that is fresher and livelier when compared to the KM 84 with its flat frequency response in that band.
This difference was achieved with just a slight change of the capsule’s rear opening, and is not due to resonances.
The KM 185 with its hypercardioid characteristic features attenuation of sound incidence from the side or rear of about 10 dB, with minimum sensitivity at an angle of 120°.
Electrical features
Compared to the KM 84 the dynamic range of the KM 184 increased by 24 dB mainly through the reduction of self-noise level to only 22 dB (CCIR) and an increased sound pressure handlingcapability of up to 138 dB.
The microphones operate without any problems, even if the input of following equipment happens to be unbalanced, for example as in some DAT recorders.
The output of the "Series 180", as in all Neumann microphones, is balanced and phantom (48V) powered.
Economy
The mechanical construction was simplified, for example, capsule and output stage cannot be separated from each other. For this reason the "Series 180" is an economical alternative without giving up the electroacoustic features the users expect from Neumann microphones.
Features:
- Three different miniature microphones for all typical studio applications
- Successor of the worldwide successful KM 83/84
- Transformerless circuitry
These are just some of the most common applications. We recommend additional experimentation to gain maximum use from this microphone.
- For universal use, especially for recording situations when it is necessary to attenuate off-axis sound (mainly from the rear) from other nearby instruments.
- As XY and ORTF stereo pair
- Announcer’s mic for broadcasting
- Spot mic, overhead
- Close miking of strings, wind instruments, percussion, piano, Leslie speakers, guitar amps
KM 183 / 184 / 185 | |
Acoustical operating principle | Pressure/Pressure gradient transducer |
Directional pattern | omnidirectional/cardioid/hypercardioid |
Frequency range | 20 Hz ... 20 kHz |
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm | 12/15/10 mV/Pa |
Rated impedance | 50 ohms |
Rated load impedance | 1 kohms |
Equivalent noise level, CCIR1) | 24/22/24 dB |
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted1) | 13/13/15 dB-A |
Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR1) (rel. 94 dB SPL) | 70/72/70 dB |
Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted1) (rel. 94 dB SPL) | 81/81/79 dB |
Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%2) | 140/138/142 dB |
Maximum output voltage | 10 dBu |
Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938) | 48 V ± 4 V |
Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938) | 3.2 mA |
Matching connectors | XLR 3F |
Weight | approx. 80 g |
Diameter | 22 mm |
Length | 107 mm |
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1) according to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting acccording to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS
2) measured as equivalent el. input signal