What is the primary polar pattern of the Neumann KM 185 MT?

The KM 185 MT features a super-cardioid polar pattern. This provides a more focused pickup area and higher rejection of off-axis sound compared to standard cardioid microphones.

What does the 'MT' in the product name stand for?

'MT' stands for 'Matte', referring to the non-reflective black finish of the microphone. This finish is specifically designed to be unobtrusive in broadcast and stage environments.

Can the KM 185 MT handle loud sound sources?

Yes, the microphone is designed to handle sound pressure levels (SPL) of up to 138dB. This makes it suitable for close-micing loud instruments like brass, drums, and high-volume amplifiers without clipping.

Is this microphone suitable for recording in rooms with poor acoustics?

Yes, the KM 185 is often chosen for acoustically inadequate environments. Its super-cardioid pattern provides excellent rejection of room ambience and unwanted noise, focusing strictly on the source.

What type of connector does the KM 185 MT use?

The KM 185 MT utilizes a standard 3-pin XLR connector. It requires 48V phantom power to operate, as is typical for professional condenser microphones.

How does the KM 185 differ from the KM 184?

The KM 185 has a super-cardioid pattern, whereas the KM 184 has a cardioid pattern. The KM 185 offers more side rejection and a tighter focus, but it has a small pickup lobe directly at the rear.

What instruments is the KM 185 best suited for?

It is highly versatile and excels at capturing acoustic guitars, pianos, brass, woodwinds, and drums. It is also an effective choice for choirs due to its focused pickup.

Does the KM 185 MT require a separate power supply?

No, it does not require a dedicated external power supply unit. It operates on standard +48V phantom power provided by a mixing desk or audio interface.

What is the typical price for a Neumann KM 185 MT?

The typical price for this microphone is approximately £709. This places it in the professional tier of small-diaphragm condenser microphones.

Is the KM 185 MT a large or small diaphragm microphone?

The KM 185 MT is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone. Small-diaphragm mics are generally preferred for their accurate transient response and consistent polar patterns across frequencies.

Can this microphone be used for live performances?

Yes, it is a popular 'go-to' choice for pro-level engineers in stage applications. Its compact size and high off-axis rejection help manage stage bleed and feedback.

Does the KM 185 MT have a transformer in its circuitry?

The KM 185 uses a transformerless circuit design. This helps to ensure a clean, transparent signal and contributes to its high SPL handling capabilities.

Gear article

Neumann KM 185 MT Super-Cardioid Compact Condenser Microphone

The Neumann KM 185 MT is a professional small-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for both studio and stage applications. It features a super-cardioid polar pattern that provides high off-axis rejection and is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138dB.

Neumann KM 185 MT Super-Cardioid Compact Condenser Mic Black

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Background and Design

The Neumann KM 185 MT is part of the 'Series 180', a range of compact microphones designed to meet the demands of the modern recording industry. While maintaining the high-quality standards associated with the Neumann brand, the KM 185 is housed in a diminutive chassis, making it an unobtrusive choice for television, film, and live stage work where visual presence must be minimised.

Technical Capabilities

The core of the KM 185 MT is its super-cardioid capsule, which offers a narrower pickup angle than a standard cardioid microphone. This design is particularly effective at isolating a specific sound source while rejecting noise from the sides and rear.

Key technical features include: * High SPL Handling: It can manage up to 138dB SPL, allowing for the close-micing of loud instruments such as percussion or brass without distortion. * Transient Response: The small-diaphragm design ensures an exceptionally fast and accurate response to sudden acoustic peaks. * Low Self-Noise: The transformerless circuitry helps maintain a clean signal path, suitable for high-resolution digital recording.

Neumann TLM 103 Studio Set Microphone Nickel

Sound Character

The KM 185 MT is known for its ability to reproduce audio with 'absolute conviction.' It provides a focused, transparent sound that does not artificially colour the source. Because of its super-cardioid pattern, it captures less of the room's natural reverberation compared to the KM 184, resulting in a drier, more detailed direct sound. This makes it a preferred tool for recording in acoustically inadequate environments where room reflections need to be suppressed.

Applications

The microphone is highly versatile and is frequently used for: * Acoustic Instruments: Guitars, pianos, and woodwinds benefit from its detailed top-end. * Percussion: Its high SPL capability makes it ideal for overheads or snare micing. * Ensembles: It is effective for choirs and brass sections where isolation between performers is required. * Live Sound: The tight pickup pattern helps prevent feedback on loud stages.

Comparison with Alternatives

Compared to the Neumann TLM 102 or TLM 103, which are large-diaphragm condensers designed primarily for vocals and general studio duties, the KM 185 is more specialised for instrument capture and isolation. While dynamic microphones like the Shure SM7B are often used for broadcasts and vocals to provide a warmer, darker tone, the KM 185 offers the superior frequency extension and transient detail typical of a high-end condenser. For users seeking a broader pickup area, the KM 184 (cardioid) serves as the primary alternative within the same Neumann series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary polar pattern of the Neumann KM 185 MT?: The KM 185 MT features a super-cardioid polar pattern. This provides a more focused pickup area and higher rejection of off-axis sound compared to standard cardioid microphones.
What does the 'MT' in the product name stand for?: 'MT' stands for 'Matte', referring to the non-reflective black finish of the microphone. This finish is specifically designed to be unobtrusive in broadcast and stage environments.
Can the KM 185 MT handle loud sound sources?: Yes, the microphone is designed to handle sound pressure levels (SPL) of up to 138dB. This makes it suitable for close-micing loud instruments like brass, drums, and high-volume amplifiers without clipping.
Is this microphone suitable for recording in rooms with poor acoustics?: Yes, the KM 185 is often chosen for acoustically inadequate environments. Its super-cardioid pattern provides excellent rejection of room ambience and unwanted noise, focusing strictly on the source.
What type of connector does the KM 185 MT use?: The KM 185 MT utilizes a standard 3-pin XLR connector. It requires 48V phantom power to operate, as is typical for professional condenser microphones.
How does the KM 185 differ from the KM 184?: The KM 185 has a super-cardioid pattern, whereas the KM 184 has a cardioid pattern. The KM 185 offers more side rejection and a tighter focus, but it has a small pickup lobe directly at the rear.
What instruments is the KM 185 best suited for?: It is highly versatile and excels at capturing acoustic guitars, pianos, brass, woodwinds, and drums. It is also an effective choice for choirs due to its focused pickup.
Does the KM 185 MT require a separate power supply?: No, it does not require a dedicated external power supply unit. It operates on standard +48V phantom power provided by a mixing desk or audio interface.
What is the typical price for a Neumann KM 185 MT?: The typical price for this microphone is approximately £709. This places it in the professional tier of small-diaphragm condenser microphones.
Is the KM 185 MT a large or small diaphragm microphone?: The KM 185 MT is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone. Small-diaphragm mics are generally preferred for their accurate transient response and consistent polar patterns across frequencies.
Can this microphone be used for live performances?: Yes, it is a popular 'go-to' choice for pro-level engineers in stage applications. Its compact size and high off-axis rejection help manage stage bleed and feedback.
Does the KM 185 MT have a transformer in its circuitry?: The KM 185 uses a transformerless circuit design. This helps to ensure a clean, transparent signal and contributes to its high SPL handling capabilities.