Neumann KM184 Cardioid Small Diaphragm Microphone

The KM 184 is known as "the" acoustic guitar microphone, but don't pigeon-hole it. This microphone also works well for overheads, speech applications, and spot mics. The SKM 184 works well as a high-quality stereo pair for professional live and studio recording. An industry standard that began with the KM 84 is continued by the more modern, quiet, and affodable KM 184.

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.

The tremendously successful KM 184 cardioid microphone has become a standard within the global studio community in just a very short time. All "Series 180" microphones are available with either matte black or nickel finish.

It comes in a folding box with a windshield and two stand mounts that permit connection to the microphone body, or the XLR-connector.

Applications
Their slender shapes and the transmission characteristics described below make the "Series 180" especially suitable for a very wide range of tasks in the radio and television sector.

Acoustic features
The KM 184 microphone is the successor of the well proven KM 83 and KM 84, which have been used since the seventies worldwide with great success.

The pressure gradient transducer KM 184 features very smooth frequency responses not only for the 0-degree 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-degree 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.

Electrical features
The "Series 180" microphones have the same transformerless circuitry as is used in the KM 100 system, resulting in excellent technical specifications.

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 handling capability 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 "Series 180" is a good choice for all users who look for a high-quality miniature microphone, but do not need the complex, modular KM 100 system, which continues to be part of the Neumann product range.

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

Trouble-free operation also with unbalanced equipment (e.g., DAT recorders)

Set includes windshield and two different microphone clamps

Application hints
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

Technical Info

Acoustical operating principle: pressure gradient transducer

Directional pattern: cardioid

Frequency range: 20 Hz -- 20 kHz

Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 15 mV/Pa

Rated impedance: 50 ohms

Rated load impedance: 1000 ohms

Equivalent SPL CCIR 468-3: 22 dB

Equivalent SPL DIN/IEC 651: 13 dB-A

S/N ratio CCIR 468-3: 72 dB

S/N ratio DIN/IEC 651: 81 dB

Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: 138 dB

Maximum output voltage: 10 dBu

Dynamic range of the microphone amplifier DIN/IEC 651: 122 dB

Supply voltage: 48 V ? 4 V

Current consumption: 2.3 mA

Matching connectors: XLR 3F

Weight: approx. 80 g

Diameter: 22 mm

Length: 107 mm