Mic Archive

Neumann

Neumann KM 85

Small-diaphragm condenser, cardioid, with a built-in low-frequency roll-off (about 12 dB down at 50 Hz); the KM 84 with a bass cut, discontinued

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−40.9 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
18 dB(A)
Max SPL
120 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
40 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual 1987, 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 1987
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 85 i column.p. 15
Sensitivity−40.9 dBV/Pa (9 mV/Pa), 1 kHz. Not stated by the manufacturer: Stated as 9 mV/Pa; converted: 20·log10(0.009) = -40.9. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 85 i column.
Self-noise18 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 85 i column.
Self-noise (CCIR 468)29 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 85 i column.
Max SPL120 dB SPL, 0.5% THD at 1 kHz, without pre-attenuation; also 130 dB SPL, with pre-attenuation. In 1987 both German labels read "mit Vordämpfung"; the 1984 English table labels the rows "dB" and "with pre-attenuation dB", 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 85 i column.
Signal-to-noise ratio69 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 85 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 85 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 85 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 85 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 85 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 85 i column.
Pad−10 dB. "On the back of the amplifier housing of all microphones there is a 10 dB overload switch. This switch is recessed". Not shown in the graphs.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 85 i column.p. 15
Dimensions21 × 110 mm. Diameter × length, version with Switchcraft (XLR) connector; 21 × 100 mm with a Binder connector (110 mm in the 1984 table). The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp. 14-15); this is the KM 85 i column.
Low-frequency roll-offBuilt in, reaching about 12 dB at 50 Hz in a plane sound field; less sensitive to low-frequency interference outdoors and in PA use, and compensates the proximity effect when close talkingp. 2
Capsule exchangeThe KM 83 i, KM 84 i and KM 85 i look the same and their capsules screw onto the same amplifier
ConnectorTwo versions: Switchcraft (XLR-3) or Binderp. 15
Battery supplyAt least 15 hours on a BS 945 i battery supply
From the other (Recording Hacks copy)
VersionsKM 85 (silver, 3-pin DIN connector for a Binder/Tuchel adapter), KM 85 mt (matte grey), KM 85 i (silver, XLR-3 male), KM 85 i mt (matte grey, XLR)

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.

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