Mic Archive
Neumann KM 185
Photo: Neumann, from its manual, p. 1.

Neumann

Neumann KM 185

Small-diaphragm condenser, hypercardioid, transformerless

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Hypercardioid
Sensitivity
−40 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
15 dB(A)
Max SPL
142 dB SPL
Impedance
50 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 10. Free field, IEC 60268-4; tolerance ±2 dB (as printed on the page). Distance not stated. The solid curve is the nominal response; the dashed lines are its tolerance band.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the manual, p. 11. Free field, IEC 60268-4. Each curve is drawn on one side only (125 Hz to 1 kHz left, 2 to 16 kHz right); the pattern is taken as symmetric. Rings every 5 dB, centre -25 dB.

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All specs

From the manual
Sensitivity−40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa), 1 kHz into 1 kohm; ± 1 dB. Not stated by the manufacturer: Stated as 10 mV/Pa; converted: 20·log10(0.010) = -40.0. The table lists KM 183/KM 184/KM 185; this is the third value.p. 8
Self-noise15 dB(A), IEC 60268-1; A-weighted per IEC 61672-1, RMS. The table lists KM 183/KM 184/KM 185; this is the third value.
Self-noise (CCIR 468)24 dB, CCIR 468-3, quasi peak. The table lists KM 183/KM 184/KM 185; this is the third value.
Max SPL142 dB SPL, less than 0.5% THD. "THD of microphone amplifier at an input voltage equivalent to the capsule output at the specified SPL". The table lists KM 183/KM 184/KM 185; this is the third value.
Signal-to-noise ratio79 dB, re 94 dB SPL, A-weighted; also 70 dB, re 94 dB SPL, CCIR 468-3. The table lists KM 183/KM 184/KM 185; this is the third value.
Output impedance50 ohm, rated impedance
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, rated load impedance
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz. Tolerance not stated in the table; the graph is printed with "tolerance ±2 dB".
Poweringphantom P48, 48 V ± 4 V (IEC 61938). Any P48 supply giving at least 3.2 mA per channel (p. 7).
Current draw3.2 mA
ConnectorXLR-3 male. "Matching connector XLR 3F"; pin 1 ground, pin 2 + (positive voltage for a pressure rise on the front), pin 3 - (p. 7).
Weight80 g, approx.
Dimensions22 × 107 mm. "Ø 22 mm x 107 mm": diameter × length.
Supplied accessoriesSG 21 bk swivel mount; WNS 100 windscreen. "Delivery includes: Microphone, Swivel mount SG 21 bk, Windscreen WNS 100".p. 6
Max. output voltage10 dBup. 8
Off-axis responseSignals within a pick-up angle of ± 135° are reproduced without any colorationp. 6
Cable lengthNot affected by very long cables; a fall-off at the top only well over 300 mp. 7
Operating conditions0 °C to +70 °C, 0 to 75 % relative humidity; storage -20 °C to +70 °C, 0 to 95 %p. 8
Selected accessoriesDS 120; MF 2, MF 3, MF 4, MF 5 stands; STV extensions; MNV 21 mt auditorium hanger; EA 2124 A mt elastic suspension; PS 15, PS 20a popscreens; WNS 110, WS 100 windscreens; N 248 power supply; IC 3 mt cable
From the product page
Capsulesmall-diaphragm pressure-gradient capsule, hypercardioid. "Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer". The manual's table gives "Pressure/Pressure gradient transducer" for the series (the KM 183 is the pressure one).
Dynamic range127 dB. "Its innovative transformerless head amplifier offers a wide dynamic range of 127 dB" (142 dB minus 15 dB-A).
Finishnickel or black. Order info: colour nickel (Cat. No. 008440) and black (008441).
Cat. No.KM 185 nickel 008440; KM 185 mt (black) 008441; stereo set (2 × KM 185, nickel) 008526
Rear rejectionHypercardioid pattern frequency-independent; rejection of rearward sound (120°) excellent, even at low frequencies
0° responseVery smooth and linear with a slight treble lift around 10 kHz
ApplicationsAcoustic instruments (piano, acoustic guitar, upright bass, violin, cello, wind), drums and percussion; snare with hi-hat spill suppressed; classical vocals; TV and radio

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Neumann, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on neumann.comRecording Hacks

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