The KM 185 hypercardioid microphone is 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. All “Series 180” microphones are available with either matte black or nickel finish.
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.
The KM 185 helps rounds out the series with a hypercardioid microphone.
The pressure gradient transducers 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.
This difference was achieved with just a slight change of the capsule’s rear opening, and is not due to resonances.
The KM 185 with its hypercardioid characteristic features attenuation of sound incidence from the side or rear of about 10 dB, with minimum sensitivity at an angle of 120°.
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.
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.
- Successor of the worldwide successful KM 83/84
- Transformerless circuitry
Includes 2 x SG 21BK Swivel mic Clamp, 2 x WNS 100 foam windscreen, One wooden Box