The Neumann KM184 is the successor to the famous KM84, which has been used since the seventies worldwide with great success. The pressure gradient transducer KM184 features very smooth, colorless frequency response on- and off-axis. The KM184 has a gentle rise at about 9 kHz, a characteristic that was introduced very successfully with the KM140. Its tonal balance is fresher and livelier when compared to the KM84 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. This is a transformerless mic with 138dB SPL handling capability, and low (22dB) self noise. Requires 48V phantom power and includes a case, windshield and two different stand mounts.
Neumann KM184 Applications
- 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
Neumann KM184 and 180 Series Microphones
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 successors of the well proven and KM 84, which have been used since the seventies worldwide with great success. 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.
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 electro acoustic features the users expect from Neumann microphones.
For universal use, especially for recording situations when it is necessary to attenuate off-axis sound (mainly from the rear) from other nearby instruments.