Neumann KM184: The Industry Standard Condenser Mic

Neumann KM184: The Industry Standard Condenser Mic

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Overview of the Neumann KM184
  3. Build Quality
  4. Specifications
    • Polar Pattern
    • Frequency Response
    • Sensitivity
    • Self-Noise
    • Max SPL
    • Impedance
    • Phantom Power Requirement
  5. On-Axis and Off-Axis Rejection
  6. Plosive and Wind Protection
  7. Sound Samples and Comparisons
  8. Pros and Cons
  9. Applications
    • Electric Guitar
    • Acoustic Guitar
    • Singing
    • Spoken Word
  10. Recommendation

Neumann KM184: An Industry Standard Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The Neumann KM184 is a highly acclaimed small diaphragm condenser microphone that has become an industry standard for professional audio recording. With a price tag of around $850, the KM184 offers exceptional audio quality and versatility that caters to various recording applications.

Build Quality

The KM184 is built with a robust all-metal chassis and features a finely crafted metal mesh grille on the front. The microphone exudes a Sense of durability and reliability, making it suitable for both Studio and live recordings. It comes with a foam windscreen and a firm microphone mount, ensuring easy setup and protection against wind interference.

Specifications

The KM184 boasts impressive specifications that contribute to its exceptional sound reproduction. It features a cardioid polar pattern, offering focused sound capture and excellent off-axis rejection. With a frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the KM184 accurately captures a wide range of frequencies. The microphone has a sensitivity of approximately -36.5 dB, ensuring optimal signal capture.

One notable aspect of the KM184 is its remarkably low self-noise, measuring only 13 dBA weighted. This makes it ideal for capturing subtle nuances in recordings without introducing unwanted background noise. The microphone can handle high sound pressure levels, with a maximum SPL of 138 dB, making it suitable for capturing loud instruments or vocals.

The KM184 has an impedance of only 50 ohms and requires +48 volts of phantom power for operation. It ensures compatibility with various audio interfaces and preamps, making it a versatile choice for recording setups.

On-Axis and Off-Axis Rejection

The KM184 exhibits excellent off-axis rejection, allowing for cleaner recordings in environments with multiple sound sources. The microphone captures sound primarily from the front while minimizing audio from the sides and rear. This ensures that the recordings remain focused and free from unwanted ambient noise or reflections.

Plosive and Wind Protection

While the KM184 excels in many areas, it does have limitations when it comes to plosive and wind protection. Without a pop filter, the microphone is sensitive to plosive sounds, such as "p" and "b" sounds, which can result in distorted recordings. Additionally, the microphone's foam windscreen, while providing some protection against wind interference, attenuates the top end and may not offer complete transparency.

Sound Samples and Comparisons

To evaluate the KM184's performance in different scenarios, various sound samples were taken. The microphone proved to be versatile and excelled in different applications. For electric guitar recordings, the KM184 provided a relatively neutral sound signature but lacked some excitement and aggression. However, it performed exceptionally well for acoustic guitar recordings, capturing a natural and detailed sound while maintaining balance across the frequency range.

The KM184's suitability for vocals, both singing and spoken word, was evident in the sound samples. It delivered a realistic and detailed sound without being overbearing or harsh. The microphone's neutral and smooth sound signature made it an excellent choice for capturing the human voice accurately. While it performed well for overhead booming and spoken word applications, it is worth considering additional wind and plosive protection.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Low self-noise for a small diaphragm condenser microphone
  • Excellent off-axis rejection
  • Neutral and detailed sound signature
  • Versatile for various recording applications
  • Robust build quality

Cons:

  • Foam windscreen attenuates the top end
  • Sensitive to plosives and wind without additional protection

Applications

The KM184 demonstrated its versatility across different recording applications. It is a workable option for electric guitar recordings, offering a relatively neutral sound, although not the most exciting choice. For acoustic guitar recordings, it delivered exceptional results, capturing the instrument's natural tone and preserving Detail.

The microphone's performance in vocal applications was highly commendable, whether for singing or spoken word. It provided a realistic and balanced sound, making it suitable for multiple genres and styles.

Recommendation

Considering the outstanding sound quality and versatility of the Neumann KM184, it is highly recommended for professional audio recording. It offers excellent performance across various applications and reliably captures the subtleties of sound. However, users should be aware of its sensitivity to plosives and wind and consider additional protection when recording in challenging environments.

Highlights

  • The Neumann KM184 is an industry standard small diaphragm condenser microphone known for its exceptional audio quality.
  • The microphone boasts a Durable all-metal chassis and a finely crafted metal mesh grille.
  • With a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the KM184 provides accurate and focused sound capture.
  • The microphone exhibits excellent off-axis rejection, minimizing unwanted ambient noise.
  • While the KM184 performs well in various applications, additional wind and plosive protection may be necessary for optimal results.
  • The microphone's sound samples and comparisons showcase its versatility and neutral sound signature.
  • The KM184's low self-noise, robust build quality, and versatile performance make it a recommended choice for professional audio recording.

FAQ

Q: What is the price of the Neumann KM184? A: The Neumann KM184 is priced around $850.

Q: Does the KM184 come with a foam windscreen? A: Yes, the KM184 includes a foam windscreen for basic wind protection.

Q: Is the KM184 suitable for vocal recordings? A: Yes, the KM184 performs exceptionally well for vocals, delivering a realistic and detailed sound.

Q: Does the KM184 require phantom power? A: Yes, the KM184 requires +48 volts of phantom power for operation.

Q: Can the KM184 handle high sound pressure levels? A: Yes, the KM184 has a maximum SPL of 138 dB, making it suitable for capturing loud instruments or vocals.

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