Neumann - KM 185

Thanks to its optimized mechanical construction and conscious omission of modularity, which is unnecessary in many cases, the Series 180 is predestined for economy-minded production and home recording studios.

The KM 183 (omnidirectional) and KM 185 (hypercardioid) are based on the KM 184 cardioid microphone, whose great success has quickly made a standard in studios around the world. All microphones Series 180 are available in matte black or nickel finish.
Applications
Their tapered shape and capture features described below are microphones in the range 180 versatile tools, suitable for a wide variety of tasks, including in the areas of radio and television.
Acoustic characteristics
The KM 183 and KM 184 are the successors of the legendary models KM 83 and KM 84, successfully used worldwide since the 70 KM 185, of hypercardioid, completes the range.

The KM 183 is a pressure transducer whose response curve has a boost of approximately 7 dB at 10 kHz in open field; in the diffuse field, the frequency response is flat. Pressure gradient transducers KM 184 and KM 185 exhibit a very linear response curve not only to an impact in the axis (0 °), but also to a side impact (off-axis). In a typical use, tone color can be detected even on a very open pickup angle.

Although the KM 184 has the same capsule as the KM 84, the two microphones have a slight difference in frequency response level for an angle of incidence of 0 °. The KM 184 has a slight boost above 9 kHz - a feature introduced with great success on the model KM 140. Compared to the KM 84, which is neutral in this frequency band, the result is a tonal balance more living, greater freshness.

This difference is obtained by a slight modification of the rear openings of the capsule, and not by acting on the internal resonance.

The KM 185, with its hypercardioid response curve provides an attenuation of about 10 dB of sound coming from the back or sides, the minimum sensitivity at an angle of incidence of 120 °.
Electrical Characteristics
The Series 180 microphones have the same transformerless output circuit that the KM 100 system, which gives them excellent technical characteristics:

Compared to the model KM 84, the dynamic range of the KM 184 is greater than 24 dB, thanks to a clean noise level reduced to only 22 dB (CCIR) and an acceptable level of maximum sound pressure higher (up 138 dB SPL).

The microphones operate without problem even if the input of the recorder is asymmetrical (which is the case on some portable DAT, for example).

Like all Neumann microphones, the output of KM 18x is symmetrical, and microphones feed by phantom voltage (48 volts).
Economy
Microphones Series 180 are a good choice for all users looking for a high quality miniature microphone, but do not necessarily need a complex system like the modular KM 100, which is still part of Neumann family products.

The mechanical construction is simplified: for example, the KM 18x, it is impossible to separate the capsule and the output stage. Therefore, this family of microphones is an economical alternative while maintaining the electroacoustic features the users expect from Neumann microphones.