Mic Archive

Neumann

Neumann KM 84

Small-diaphragm condenser, cardioid; the first phantom-powered mic (1966), discontinued

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−40 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
17 dB(A)
Max SPL
120 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
40 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual (Recording Hacks copy), p. 16. Titled "Frequency Responses and Polar Patterns" (p. 16); relative dB, the curve marked at 1 kHz. Distance and room not stated. Dashed tolerance lines either side (not stored).

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

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the manual (Recording Hacks copy)
Capsulepressure-gradient transducer. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.p. 15
Sensitivity−40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa), 1 kHz. Not stated by the manufacturer: Stated as 10 mV/Pa; converted: 20·log10(0.010) = -40. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.
Self-noise17 dB(A), IEC 179. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.
Self-noise (CCIR 468)28 dB, CCIR 468-1 (1976). The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.
Max SPL120 dB SPL, 0.5% THD at 1 kHz, without pre-attenuation; also 130 dB SPL, with pre-attenuation. Both lines of the table read "mit Vordämpfung" in German; the English gives the second as "with pre-attenuation", so the first is taken as without. THD of the amplifier at the capsule output for that SPL. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.
Signal-to-noise ratio70 dB, DIN 45 590, re 1 Pa. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.
Output impedance200 ohm, switchable (by soldering) to 50 ohm. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, minimum; 250 ohm at the 50 ohm setting. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.
Rated frequency range40 Hz to 20 kHz. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.
Poweringphantom P48, 48 V ± 4 V (DIN 45 596). The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.
Current draw0.4 mA. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.
Pad−10 dB. Overload protection switch (pre-attenuation); 10 dB from the max SPL rows.p. 4
Weight80 g. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.p. 15
Dimensions21 × 110 mm. Diameter × length, version with Switchcraft (XLR) connector; 21 × 100 mm with a Binder connector. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 84 i column.
ConnectorTwo versions: Switchcraft (XLR-3) or Binder
Battery supplyAt least 15 hours on a BS 945 i battery supply

Documents

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

Recording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

Other mics