Neumann KM184-NI Miniature Cardioid Condenser Microphone, Nickel

Info

The Neumann KM 184 NI microphone boasts a slender design and problem-free operation.

The Neumann KM 184 NI miniature cardioid condenser broadcast mic in particular has become the classic high-quality miniature microphone. Its slender shape and the transmission characteristics described below make the KM 184 especially suitable for a very wide range of tasks in the radio and television sector.

The KM 184 microphone is the successor of the well proven KM 84, which has been used since the seventies worldwide with great success. Although it 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.

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. This 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 184, as in all Neumann microphones, is balanced and phantom (48V) powered. 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.