Neumann KM 184 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Microphone - Nickel

At GearNuts, we offer a range of microphones designed to handle even the most specialized applications. The KM 184 is a prime example of our capabilities. Whether you need a microphone to record percussion, cymbals, or brass instruments, the KM 184 is up to the task, capable of handling high sound pressure levels with ease - as high as 138dB before overloading. But this microphone is not just about sheer power; it is also exceptionally quiet, making it an excellent choice for capturing the subtle nuances of acoustic guitars and orchestral instruments. And the best part? You get that classic Neumann sound!

The KM 184 is a condenser microphone from the "fet100" series, featuring a transformerless microphone circuit. Its capsule has a cardioid pick-up pattern, and it boasts an exceptionally low inherent self-noise of only 16dB A-weighted. Additionally, its overload capacity is incredibly high, withstanding up to 138dB SPL before distortion. The result is an exceptionally clear sound reproduction, free of any coloration, with very smooth frequency curves parallel to 0 degrees sound incidence.

The "Series 180" microphones, of which the KM 184 is a part, consist of three compact miniature models, each with a distinct pick-up pattern to satisfy the demands of all common studio applications. Due to their optimized mechanical construction and the conscious omission of unnecessary modularity, the "Series 180" microphones are particularly well-suited for economy-minded production and home recording studios.

The KM 183 omnidirectional and KM 185 hypercardioid microphones are based on the tremendously successful KM 184 cardioid model, which has quickly become a standard within the global studio community. All "Series 180" microphones are available in either a matte black or nickel finish, and come packaged in a folding box with a windshield and two stand mounts that allow for connection to the microphone body or the XLR connector.

Acoustically, the KM 183 and KM 184 are the successors to the well-proven KM 83 and KM 84 models, which have been used worldwide with great success since the 1970s. The KM 185 rounds out the series with a hypercardioid microphone. The KM 183 is a pressure transducer with a boost of approximately 7 dB at 10 kHz in the free field, while in the diffuse sound field, it maintains a flat frequency response. The pressure gradient transducers KM 184 and KM 185, on the other hand, feature very smooth frequency responses not only on the 0° axis, but also for lateral (off-axis) sound incidence, ensuring no coloration of the sound over a wide pickup angle.

Electrically, the "Series 180" microphones share the same transformerless circuitry as the KM 100 system, resulting in excellent technical specifications. Compared to the KM 84, the dynamic range of the KM 184 has 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. These microphones can operate without any problems, even if the input of the following equipment is unbalanced, such as in some DAT recorders. The output of the "Series 180", like all Neumann microphones, is balanced and phantom (48V) powered.

The "Series 180" is an excellent choice for users who seek a high-quality miniature microphone but do not require the complex, modular KM 100 system, which remains part of the Neumann product range. The mechanical construction has been simplified, with the capsule and output stage permanently integrated. This makes the "Series 180" an economical alternative without compromising the electroacoustic features that users expect from Neumann microphones.

The slender shapes and transmission characteristics of the "Series 180" microphones make them especially suitable for a wide range of tasks in the radio and television sectors. They are versatile tools, ideal for universal use, particularly in recording situations where it is necessary to attenuate off-axis sound (mainly from the rear) from other nearby instruments. These microphones can also be used as XY and ORTF stereo pairs, as announcers' mics for broadcasting, and for close miking of strings, wind instruments, percussion, piano, Leslie speakers, and guitar amps.

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