NEUMANN Neumann KM185 Stereo Set (Supercardioid) (Nickel) (Official Japanese Product, 3-Year Warranty) (Condenser Microphone)

★Uncolored, transparent, versatile hypercardioid microphone stereo set

■Product Features ・Uniform hypercardioid pattern with no off-axis coloration ・Highly effective suppression of unwanted sounds ・Linear frequency response with slight boost in the treble range ・Low self-noise (15 dB-A
-Low impedance output for long cables with no transmission loss -Compact size for unobtrusive appearance
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The KM 185 is a cutting-edge small diaphragm condenser microphone with a frequency-independent hypercardioid polar pattern. Its exceptionally natural and transparent sound, combined with low self-noise and high SPL capability, has made it the choice for a wide range of instruments, from classical piano to heavy metal drums, on many stages and in studios.

The Neumann Series 180 consists of three members with different pickup patterns: KM 183 (omnidirectional), KM 184 (cardioid), and KM 185 (hypercardioid), covering the vast majority of stage and studio applications. Because the Series 180 microphones are non-modular, they offer a more cost-effective alternative to the modular Series KM A and KM D, which offer a wide range of interchangeable capsule heads for analog and digital output stages.

The KM 185 offers cutting-edge Neumann engineering. Its frequency-independent hypercardioid pattern provides excellent rear rejection (120°) even at low frequencies. In practical use, there's no sound coloration at wide pickup angles, essential for multi-mic setups and accurate stereo/surround imaging. The KM 185's frequency response is extremely smooth and linear, with a slight treble boost around 10 kHz for added brilliance. The innovative transformerless head amplifier provides a wide dynamic range of 127 dB and is carefully designed to preserve the capsule's sonic integrity. The KM 185 boasts exceptionally low self-noise of just 15 dB-A and can handle high sound pressure levels up to 142 dB without distortion. A low-impedance output stage allows the KM 185 to drive long cables up to 300 meters (1000 feet) without transmission loss.

The KM 185 is a universal microphone for studio and stage use. Its transparent sound is ideal for acoustic instruments such as piano, acoustic guitar, upright bass, violin, cello, wind instruments, drums, and percussion. Its high rejection at 120°, free of off-axis coloration, makes it suitable for demanding applications, such as recording a snare drum while minimizing spill from a hi-hat. While not specifically optimized for the human voice, the KM 185 is often used for classical vocals and other applications where sonic authenticity is paramount. Its small size makes it visually unobtrusive, making it suitable for use in television and radio.

■Product Specifications ・Acoustic operating principle: Pressure/pressure gradient transducer ・Polar pattern: Omnidirectional/Cardioid/Hypercardioid ・Frequency response: 20 Hz...20 kHz
Sensitivity 1 kHz into 1 kΩ load: 12/15/10 mV/Pa
Rated impedance: 50 Ω
Rated load impedance: 1000 Ω
・S/N ratio, CCIR1) (rel. 94 dB SPL): 70/72/70 dB
・S/N ratio, A-weighted1) (rel. 94 dB SPL): 81/81/79 dB
Equivalent noise level (CCIR1): 24/22/24 dB
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted1): 13/13/15 dB-A
・Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%2): 140/138/142 dB
Maximum output voltage: 10 dBu
Operating voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V ± 4 V
・Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938): 3.2 mA
- Connector: XLR3F
・Weight: Approx. 80 g
Diameter: 22 mm
Length: 107 mm