Neumann KM 184 Cardioid Miniature Microphone

Because of KM 184's optimized mechanical construction and conscious omission of modularity, which is unnecessary in many cases, the KM 184 is predestined 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 microphone, which has become a standard within the global studio community in just a very short time. The KM 184 microphone is available with either Matte Black or Nickel finish with transformerless circuitry.

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.

• Ideal as AB stereo pair because of the flat frequency response in the diffuse sound field
• As a main mic, especially for capturing room acoustics
• For stereo recordings with a baffle plate
• As a spot mic for piano, wind instruments, organ, choir

Acoustic Features

The KM 184 microphone is successors of the well proven KM 84, which has been used since the seventies worldwide with great success. The pressure gradient transducers KM 184 features very smooth frequency response 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.

Electrical Features

The KM 184 microphone has 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 handlingcapability of up to 138 dB. The microphone operates 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 KM 183, as in all Neumann microphones, is balanced and phantom (48V) powered.

Economy

The KM 184 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 KM 184 is an economical alternative without giving up the electroacoustic features the users expect from Neumann microphones.

SG 21 Bk Stand Mount

Swivel mount with a plastic clamp for miniature microphones. It has a 5/8"-27 female thread, plus a thread adapter to connect to 1/2"- and 3/8" stands.

WNS 100 Windscreen

Close range sounds, wind, and fast movements of the microphone boom, all may cause interfering noises. To avoid these unwanted sounds, windscreen accessories are available. Typically, they are made out of open-cell polyurethane foam. These windscreens do not cause interfering resonances and do not influence the directional pattern. Only in the upper frequency range is the output level slightly attenuated. The wind noise attenuation was measured without electrical filtering in a turbulent air stream traveling at 20 km/h, generated by a noiseless wind machine.

• Wind noise attenuation 18 dB
• Attenuation at 15 kHz 2 dB. Ø 45 mm

Delivery Contents

KM 184 Cardioid Miniature Microphone with K 40 capsule, SG 21 BK Stand Mount and WNS 100 Windscreen.