The Neumann KM 184 Stereo Microphone Set are a matched pair of state-of-the-art small diaphragm condenser KM 184 microphones featuring uniform, frequency-independent cardioid polar patterns. With very natural, transparent sound, low self-noise and high SPL capability, this stereo set is perfect for many applications ranging from classical piano to heavy metal drums. This black pair is ideal for the studio or on stage.
The Neumann KM 184 Stereo Microphone Set is a stereo pair of condenser miniature KM 184 microphones featuring the “FET 100” technique with a transformerless microphone circuit and capsule with cardioid pick-up pattern.
Faithful
While many microphones, these days, are designed to add some sonic imprint of their own, there are many applications that require a faithful reproduction of the original acoustic event, without adding or removing anything. That’s where the Neumann Series 180 comes in. The Neumann Series 180 consists of three members with different pickup patterns: KM 183 (omni), KM 184 (cardioid), and KM 185 (hypercardioid), thus covering the majority of stage and studio applications. Because the Series 180 microphones are non-modular, they are more cost-effective than the modular Series KM A and KM D (which offer a wide range of interchangeable capsule heads for analog and digital output stages).
Cardioid
Despite its attractive pricing, the Neumann KM 184 offers state-of-the-art Neumann engineering. Its cardioid pattern is frequency-independent; rejection of rearward sound (180°) is excellent, even at low frequencies. In practical usage, there is no sound coloration over a wide pickup angle, which is crucial in multi-microphone setups and for precise stereo/surround imaging. The Neumann KM 184’s frequency response is very smooth and linear with a slight treble lift around 9 kHz for added brilliance. Its innovative transformerless head amplifier offers a wide dynamic range of 125 dB and is carefully designed to maintain the capsule’s sonic integrity. The Neumann KM 184 has a very low self-noise of only 13 dB-A and can handle high sound pressure levels of up to 138 dB free from distortion. Due to its low impedance output stage, the Neumann KM 184 can drive long cable runs of up to 300 meters (1000 feet) without transmission losses.
Applications
The Neumann KM 184 is a universal microphone for studio and stage applications. Its transparent sound makes the Neumann KM 184 a superb microphone for acoustic instruments, such as piano, percussion, drums, acoustic guitar, upright bass, violin, cello, woodwinds, and brass. The Neumann KM 184 can be used for soloists as well as ensembles. Thanks to its superior off-axis behavior, the Neumann KM 184 is an excellent microphone for stereo and surround recording with perfect imaging. Although the Neumann KM 184 is not specially optimized for the human voice, it is often used for classical vocals and whenever sonic authenticity is paramount. Due to its small size, the Neumann KM 184 is visually unobtrusive and well suited to TV and radio applications.
Neumann KM 184 Stereo Microphone Set Features
- Uniform cardioid pattern without off-axis coloration
- Linear frequency response with a slight treble lift
- Very low self-noise (13 dB-A)
- Low impedance output for long cable runs without transmission losses
- Transformerless circuitry
- Compact size, visually unobtrusive
Neumann KM 184 Stereo Microphone Set Specifications
- Acoustical Operating Principle: Pressure Gradient Transducer
- Directional Pattern: Hypercardioid
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 15 mV/Pa ±1 dB
- Rated Impedance: 50 Ohm
- Rated Load Impedance: 1 k Ohm
- Equivalent Noise Level: 22 dB, A-Weighted; 13 dB-A
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Rel. 94 dB SPL): 72 dB, A-Weighted; 81 dB
- Maximum SPL for < 0.5% THD: 138 dB
- Maximum Output Voltage: 10 dBu
- Supply Voltage: 48 V ± 4 V
- Current Consumption: 3.2 mA
- Matching Connectors: XLR 3F
- Finish: Black
- Weight (Per microphone): Approx. 80 g
- Diameter (Per microphone): 22 mm
- Length (Per Microphone): 107 mm
- Permissible Atmospheric Conditions:
- Operating Temperature Range: 0 °C - +70 °C
- Humidity Range: 0 % - 75 % Relative Humidity
- Storage Temperature Range: –20 °C - +70 °C
- Humidity Range: 0 % - 95 % Relative Humidity
Neumann KM 184 Stereo Microphone Set Includes
- 2 x Neumann KM 184 Microphones (Black)
- 2 x Swivel Mount SG 21 nl
- 2 x Windscreen WNS 100
- 1 x Wooden Jeweler's Box
- 2 Year Warranty
4 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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For all purposes
Nov 11th 2016The KM184 sound very honest and natural. They don't boost the high frequencies to much, but still they sound open and shimmery. I use them mostly for Acoustic Guitars and as Drum Overheads. It's no mistake to buy these ones, you will not regret.
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Very Good... but... there is another.
Jun 16th 2016Purchased this stereo set and the Lewitt LCT340 stereo set at the same time. While there is no denying the build quality of Neumann or the signature sound, I strongly recommend considering the Lewitt LTC340 for your SDC needs. In every session we have conducted with both these mics set against one another the Lewitt was preferred.
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just getting started
Mar 22nd 2016I don't have a string session until April 17 but I've used them on acoustic guitar, mandolin and omnichord -seriously I just used them on an omnichord tonight... so maybe this isn't the most complete perspective for a review but I imagine if you are looking at this page you know what a KM184 is...
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"Swiss knife" microphone pair
Dec 30th 2010Good for almost any instrument. I use them for battery overheads live. They are small and sound great. I've used them on sax, grand piano, accoustic guitar too... A little bit on the bright side -as it is now common for a lot of microphones- but nevertheless rich and full sounding.