Neumann KM 185 Stereo Set, Nickel

Full Description

Faithful sound with advanced engineering

The KM 185 is part of Neumann’s Series 180, a line created for applications that demand pure and honest sound reproduction. Unlike microphones designed to impart character, the KM 185 focuses on neutrality and accuracy. Its frequency response is flat and clean, with a gentle lift around 10 kHz to add subtle brilliance without artificial colouration.

This makes the KM 185 ideal for recordings that require a natural tonal balance, such as chamber ensembles, solo acoustic instruments, or orchestral spot miking. The tight tolerance matching of the stereo pair ensures that your stereo field is balanced and true to the source.

Hypercardioid pattern with true off-axis control

What sets the KM 185 apart is its hypercardioid pattern, which provides strong rejection of sound from the sides and rear, especially around 120 degrees. This helps isolate the source while avoiding unwanted room reflections or bleed from nearby instruments. Unlike many directional microphones, the KM 185 maintains a neutral sound even at the edges of its pickup field, preserving clarity in complex multi-mic setups or live ensemble recordings.

Low self-noise and high headroom

With a self-noise level of just 15 dB-A and the ability to handle sound pressure levels up to 142 dB, the KM 185 handles everything from soft strings to loud percussion without distortion. Its transformerless output stage ensures that all this dynamic range is preserved with clarity, while also allowing it to drive cable runs up to 300 meters with no signal degradation. This combination of low noise and high headroom makes it ideal for demanding acoustic work and critical broadcast applications.

Compact and discreet for visual applications

The KM 185’s compact form factor makes it an excellent choice for live sound, broadcast, and theatre environments where microphone visibility needs to be minimal. Its small size also helps with precise placement in tight recording spaces, allowing for optimal mic positioning without obstruction or interference with performers.

Complete stereo set for professional recording

This stereo set includes two KM 185 microphones, matched for consistent response and stereo coherence. It also comes with two SG 21/17 microphone clips and a wooden box for storage and transport. The KM 185 Stereo Set is ready for serious stereo capture of any acoustic source where clarity, detail, and isolation are key.

Features

• Matched stereo pair of KM 185 small diaphragm condenser microphones
• Hypercardioid polar pattern for focused pickup and high off-axis rejection
• Natural, transparent sound with gentle high-frequency lift around 10 kHz
• Low self-noise at 15 dB-A for capturing subtle acoustic details
• Handles high SPLs up to 142 dB for versatile instrument recording
• Transformerless output stage supports long cable runs up to 300 meters
• Compact and discreet design ideal for live sound, broadcast, and tight placement
• Excellent stereo imaging with tight tolerance matched microphone pair
• Includes SG 21/17 mic clips and wooden storage case for safe transport
• Ideal for acoustic instruments, orchestral miking, percussion, and studio applications

Specifications

• Acoustical Operating Principle: Pressure Gradient Transducer
• Directional Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz ... 20 kHz
• Sensitivity At 1 KHz Into 1 Kohm: 15 mV/Pa ± 1 dB
• Rated Impedance: 50 Ohms
• Rated Load Impedance: 1 Kohms
• Equivalent Noise Level, CCIR¹⁾: 22 dB
• Equivalent Noise Level, A-Weighted¹⁾: 13 dB-A
• Maximum SPL For THD 0.5%²⁾: 138 dB
• Signal-To-Noise Ratio, CCIR (Re. 94 dB SPL)¹⁾: 72 dB
• Signal-To-Noise Ratio, A-Weighted (Re. 94 dB SPL)¹⁾: 81 dB
• Maximum Output Voltage: 10 dBu
• Supply Voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V ± 4 V
• Current Consumption (P48, IEC 61938): 3.2 mA
• Matching Connector: XLR 3 F
• Weight: Approx. 80 g
• Diameter: 22 mm
• Length: 107 mm
• Product Code: 008526