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Neumann SKM 184 Stereo Mic Set (Nickel)  From Neumann

Stereo pair of cardioid small diaphragm microphone with a huge, warm sound and a big name, the KM184 is one of the most sought after and commonly used SDC’s on the market.

Neumann USA

$1,595.00

Retail:  $1,999.00

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Microphone Shootout: Vintage Neumann KM84 vs Neumann KM184 vs Peluso P84

This blind mic shootout comparison features three "84" style microphones: a Neumann KM184, a vintage Neumann KM84, and a Peluso P84. The Neumann KM84 is a vintage SDC mic with a warm, natural, and detailed sound. The modernized version, the Neumann KM184, features a slightly different tone and response resulting in some engineers preferring one over the other depending on their recording application. Because vintage Neumann KM84s are limited in number, relatively expensive, and can require some touch up repair work due to their age, the Peluso P84 was developed - which was modeled after the sound of the vintage KM84 despite being a brand new microphone. All three mics were running through our Millennia HV-3R preamp and Lynx Aurora Converter. We conducted this shootout comparison blind to rule out bias or expectations and to provide the most neutral comparison possible. If you'd like the results and full length hi-res audio to compare for yourself shoot us a quick email to mics[at]soundpure.com or give us a call at anytime. Thanks for watching! 919-682-5552

Manufacturer's Description from Neumann

The "Series 180" consists of three compact miniature microphones with patterns that satisfy the demands of all common studio applications. 

Because of its optimized mechanical construction and conscious omission of modularity, which is unnecessary in many cases, the "Series 180" 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. All "Series 180" microphones are available with either matte black or nickel finish.

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.

Acoustic features

The KM 183 and KM 184 microphones are the successors of the well proven KM 83 and KM 84, which have been used since the seventies worldwide with great success. 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. In the diffuse sound field it has a flat frequency response. 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. 

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°.

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 handlingcapability 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 electroacoustic features the users expect from Neumann microphones.

 

Three different miniature microphones for all typical studio applications

Successor of the worldwide successful KM 83/84

Transformerless circuitry

 

Neumann USA

About Manufacturer

Specializing in some of the finest microphones in the world, Neumann has develpoed a top name in the industry for consistency, reliability, and sonic excellence. With microphones suited for the entire range of studio recording (and more recently live application), Neumann microphones are often a first choice for uncompromised acoustic reproduction.

Specifications

 

KM 183 / 184 / 185

Acoustical operating principle

Pressure/Pressure gradient transducer

Directional pattern

omnidirectional/cardioid/hypercardioid

Frequency range

20 Hz ... 20 kHz

Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm

12/15/10 mV/Pa

Rated impedance

50 ohms

Rated load impedance

1 kohms

Equivalent noise level, CCIR1)

24/22/24 dB

Equivalent noise level, A-weighted1)

13/13/15 dB-A

Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR1) (rel. 94 dB SPL)

70/72/70 dB

Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted1) (rel. 94 dB SPL)

81/81/79 dB

Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%2)

140/138/142 dB

Maximum output voltage

10 dBu

Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938)

48 V ± 4 V

Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938)

3.2 mA

Matching connectors

XLR 3F

Weight

approx. 80 g

Diameter

22 mm

Length

107 mm


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1) according to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting according to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS
2) measured as equivalent el. input signal