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Neumann SKM 185 Stereo Mic Set (Nickel) - Used  From Neumann

Stereo pair of hypercardioid small diaphragm microphone with a huge, warm sound. In Used, Excellent condition

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Neumann USA

$850.00

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What We Think

The Neumann KM 185 is one of those microphones that does exactly what you want a small-diaphragm condenser to do—and then a little more.

At its core, it’s all about accuracy. The KM 185 captures detail in a way that feels effortless, with fast transient response and a top end that’s open and clear without ever getting harsh. It’s the kind of mic that gives you a true picture of what’s in front of it, which makes it incredibly reliable when you’re working on sources where nuance matters.

What really sets it apart is the hypercardioid pattern. That extra focus makes a big difference in real-world situations—whether you’re dealing with bleed on a live session or just trying to tighten up the image in a busy arrangement. It lets you zero in on the source without losing the natural feel.

In practice, it’s a go-to for acoustic instruments. Guitar, piano, strings, percussion—it handles all of it with clarity and consistency. It’s also a great problem-solver in less-than-perfect rooms, where that tighter pickup pattern can help keep things clean and controlled.

There’s no hype here, and that’s the point. The KM 185 doesn’t try to flatter—it translates. And when the source is right, that honesty pays off in a big way.

For engineers who want precision, focus, and a microphone they can trust across a wide range of applications, the KM 185 is a modern classic that earns its place again and again.

One mic in this pair has a worn logo but theyare otherwise pristine.

Manufacturer's Description from Neumann

The Neumann SKM 185 is a premium small-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for precise, transparent audio capture in both studio and live environments.

Part of Neumann’s respected KM 180 series, the SKM 185 features a hypercardioid polar pattern that provides excellent off-axis rejection and focused pickup. This makes it especially effective in complex recording situations where isolation and control are critical, such as close-miking drums, orchestral sections, or live ensembles.

Built around a transformerless FET circuit, the SKM 185 delivers a clean, uncolored signal with high output and extremely low noise. Its wide frequency response (20 Hz–20 kHz) and high SPL handling (up to 142 dB) allow it to capture everything from delicate acoustic detail to high-energy transients with accuracy and consistency.

Sonically, the SKM 185 is known for its natural, transparent character. The frequency response is smooth and linear, with a subtle presence lift in the upper frequencies that adds clarity without harshness. This makes it well suited for acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, strings, and percussion, as well as broadcast and stereo recording applications.

Its compact, rugged design allows for easy placement in tight spaces, while its consistent off-axis response ensures accurate imaging in stereo and multi-microphone setups.

Designed and built to Neumann’s exacting standards, the SKM 185 offers a combination of precision, reliability, and versatility that has made it a trusted choice for engineers worldwide.

The result is a highly accurate, professional-grade microphone that excels wherever detail, isolation, and faithful reproduction are essential.

Neumann USA

About Manufacturer

Specializing in some of the finest microphones in the world, Neumann has developed 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