Mic Archive
Neumann KM 86
Photo: Neumann, from its catalog, p. 3.

Neumann

Neumann KM 86

Small condenser, two back-to-back cardioid capsules: omni, cardioid or figure-8; fet 80 series, P48; made about 1968 to 1986, discontinued

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / cardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−40.4 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
19 dB(A)
Max SPL
121 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
40 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 10. KM 86 i graph in "11. Frequency Responses and Polar Patterns"; 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
CapsuleTwo small single-diaphragm cardioid capsules, back to back. "Two back-to-back, individual capsules permit the three directional characteristics: omni, cardioid and figure-8 to be electrically selected by means of a switch located below the capsule head." Recording Hacks names them as KK 84 capsules.p. 2
Sensitivity−40.4 dBV/Pa (9.5 mV/Pa), 1 kHz. Stated as 9.5 mV/Pa; converted: 20·log10(0.0095) = -40.4.p. 8
Self-noise19 dB(A), IEC 179. "Equivalent loudness level due to inherent noise, IEC 179: 19 dB-A".
Self-noise (CCIR 468)30 dB, CCIR 468-1 (1976)
Max SPL121 dB SPL, less than 0.5% THD at 1 kHz; also 131 dB SPL, with pre-attenuation; also 122 dB SPL, brochure: "≧ 250 µb ≙ 122 dB" for 0.5% THD. "Max. SPL for less than 0.5 % THD at 1 kHz: 121 dB; with pre-attenuation 131 dB": "THD of the microphone amplifier when an input level equivalent to the capsule output at the specified SPL is applied".
Signal-to-noise ratio68 dB, DIN 45 590, re 1 Pa. "S/N ratio according to DIN 45 590 (ref. level 1 Pa) 68 dB".
Output impedance200 ohm, source impedance; switchable to 50 ohm; also 50 ohm, switched. "Source impedance switchable to 200 / 50 ohms". Recording Hacks: mics set to 50 ohm at the factory have a red dot by the serial number.
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, minimum; 250 ohm with the 50 ohm setting; also 250 ohm, with 50 ohm source impedance. "Minimum load impedance 1000/250 ohms".
Rated frequency range40 Hz to 20 kHz; also [40, 16000], brochure (KM 86). "Frequency range 40 ... 20 000 Hz" (KM 86 i).
Poweringphantom, 48 V ± 4 V (P 48, DIN 45 596). The brochure: "48 +6/−8 VDC".
Current draw0.4 mA. The brochure: "appr. 0,4 mA".
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. 3
ConnectorXLR-3 (KM 86 i); 3-pin Binder/Tuchel (KM 86). The table gives dimensions for a "Version with Switchcraft connectors" and a "Version with Binder connectors". Recording Hacks: KM 86 with Binder/Tuchel, KM 86 i with XLR.p. 8
Weight200 g. The brochure also says 200 g.
Dimensions21 × 47 × 185 mm; also [21, 47, 175], version with Binder connector. Printed "21/47" diameter and 185 mm length for the Switchcraft (XLR) version, 175 mm for the Binder version: body diameter, head diameter, length. The brochure: "21+46 mm Ø, 175 mm long".
Equivalent loudness (DIN 45 405)26 dB (1967 method); brochure: about 25 dB (cardioid), "dB re 2·10⁻⁴ µb"
Battery operationAbout 15 hours from the BS 945 i battery supply; the brochure: about 200 hours (with the BS 45 of that time)
Low frequenciesLow frequencies reproduced equally well in all three patterns, even far from the source; high-frequency response nearly linear in both the diffuse and the free fieldp. 2
AddressFrom the side, the front being the side with the Neumann insignia
From the other (Recording Hacks copy)
ProductionAbout 1968 to 1986
VersionsKM 86 (Binder/Tuchel, nickel, 175 mm), KM 86 i (XLR, nickel, 185 mm), KM 86 mt and KM 86 i mt (dark matte)
From the catalog
Capsule capacitance2 x about 34 pFp. 4
From the product page
HistoryLike the KM 76, a transistor successor to the KM 66 tube microphone; the KM 86 was made for P48 phantom power

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

Recommended for

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

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