Neumann KM184

Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Polar pattern: cardioid
Pressure gradient transducer
Successor of KM 84
Very smooth frequency responses not only for the 0° axis, but also for lateral (off-axis) sound incidence.
Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
Nominal Impedance: 50 Ohm
Rated load impedance: 1000 ohms
Max. output voltage 2540 mV
Weight: 80 g
Diameter: 22 mm
Length: 107 mm
Includes windscreen and SG 21 stand mount swivel

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Item number 120310
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Battery Powered No
Directional Microphone No
Stereo Pair No
switchable lowcut No
switchable pad No
characteristic cardoid

9.999 kr

All prices incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

The classic condenser microphone

The Neumann KM 184 is a dependable, transparent-sounding small-diaphragm condenser microphone. Thanks to its non-modular design, the microphone is available at an attractive price without sacrificing any of Neumann's renowned engineering, and its combination of a frequency-independent cardioid polar pattern and a smooth linear frequency response provides effective protection against feedback. With genuine 28-bit resolution and an impressive impulse response, the KM 184 is an excellent choice for a wide range of applications in both studios and on stage. The slight treble boost of approximately 3dB between 5 and 15kHz makes the recorded signal sound fresh and easier to integrate into the mix. The only difference between the KM 184 mt model and this classic nickel-finish KM 184 is the mt's matte black finish.

The figures don't lie

As the successor to the legendary KM 84, the Neumann KM 184 features the same capsule design as the earlier classic. Unlike its predecessor, however, the KM 184 benefits from a slight treble lift around 9kHz for added brightness. In the low end, the frequency response of the microphone exhibits a slight roll-off, which starts at 100Hz and reaches an attenuation of 3dB at around 80Hz; at 20Hz the attenuation reaches 10dB. However, as the KM 184 is a pressure gradient receiver, artists can take advantage of the proximity effect by moving the microphone closer to the sound source to boost the bass. The low impedance of the output stage (50 ohms!) allows long cable runs of up to 300 metres without any loss in sound quality. With a peak level of 138dB (0.5% distortion), the KM 184 is extremely level-resistant, and the field leakage transmission factor is only 15mV/Pa.

The KM 184 can do it all

The transparent sound of the KM 184 is particularly suitable for miking acoustic instruments, from concert grand pianos, strings, and woodwinds to acoustic guitars, drumkits, and other percussion instruments. Although the KM 184 is not specifically optimised for the human voice, it is often used for Classical vocals and whenever sonic authenticity is paramount. Thanks to the mic's frequency-independent cardioid polar pattern, multiple devices are especially effective in creating stereo or surround sound recordings with precise spatial imaging, for example using AB, XY, or ORTF configurations. However, the KM 184 is also a faithful companion as a support microphone for individual instruments or sections of an orchestra.

About Neumann

Georg Neumann GmbH was founded in Berlin in 1928 - and is certainly one of the most famous brands of microphones in the world. However, this is not the company's only sphere of activity. For many years, the versatile inventor and pioneer Georg Neumann was also involved with vinyl record cutting machines and the development of rechargeable batteries. The technology he developed is still the basis for this now crucial and rapidly expanding market. What is more, for many years the company built highly personalised sound control systems for broadcast studios/theatres and concert halls, and for several years also studio monitors. In 1991, Neumann became part of the Sennheiser group of companies, and in 1999 was the first German company to receive the Technical Grammy for their overall technical achievements.

A focus on quality without the frills

The Neumann KM 184 dispenses with the frills associated with more expensive microphones – such as changeable polar patterns, pad switches, and low-cut filters. Instead, by focusing on the essentials, Neumann is able to offer a musicians and engineers a mic unrivalled in terms of sound quality at this price point. This philosophy extends to the included accessories, as the mic ships with Neumann's proprietary windscreen and mic clamp. Wherever it's used, whatever it's used for, the KM 184's finely detailed and realistic sound reproduction makes it the perfect microphone for making recordings where no technical sound colouration is required or desired.

In the spotlight

Frequency-independent polar pattern

The directional characteristic of a microphone refers to the way a microphone "listens" as well as how well it rejects sound from other directions. Depending on the type of microphone, these characteristics can change depending on the frequency. For example, in large-diaphragm condenser microphones with a cardioid polar pattern, the pickup pattern typically becomes more focused at higher frequencies. However, a unique feature of Neumann's KM 184 is that its cardioid pattern remains consistent across all frequencies. This is highly beneficial when recording multiple instruments in a group, as the sound remains consistent without incurring distortion from different directions – only the volume varies due to the cardioid pattern's on-axis bias.

This is what customers who viewed this product bought

13%

bought

Neumann KM184 mt Stereo Set

SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set

5.177 kr

22 Customer ratings

5 19 Customers 4 3 Customers 3 0 Customers 2 0 Customers 1 0 Customers

4.9 / 5

features

sound

quality

Review guidelines

16 Reviews

Brilliant value & sound

Kit W. 25.05.2014

Beautiful mic at this price - not sure if you'd find a better. Top end spacious, low end well represented. Beautiful body and presentation, too, and nice and small. Off-axis colouration very minimal.
Would be nice to have switchable capsules, but at this price you can't complain.

Report

Do you believe this rating to be inaccurate or unacceptable for some reason? Please give us the reason for your assessment in the following text box and – if possible – your e-mail address for further questions.

Brilliant sounding microphone

Birdy 20.04.2023

The Neumann KM184 is a classic mic for a reason.
It sounds great, very natural, the high end is very detailed and clean but not hyped or boosted.
The beauty of this microphone is that the off-axis coloration is very minimal, so any reflections or sounds coming from the side of the mic don't hurt the source too much, and you get a very neutral image.
It also has a lot of body and low end, so even if you record from a distance it doesn't sound thin or weak.
If you like to record close to the source you might have to cut out a bit of lows or low-mids, but you'll be left with a beautiful direct sound, this mic takes EQ very well.

The mic is well built and pretty quiet.
One thing to note is it's extremely sensitive to wind/plosives.
So if you're using it on acoustic guitar don't let the air from the sound hole hit the mic, and also make sure the player doesn't breathe towards it.
If you're using it on vocals, make sure to use a good pop filter or even two.
The included windscreen is extra thick at the front, and I assume that's the reason for it, but it does darken the sound a little bit, which could also be because it's covering the side slits.

The included clip feels nice but it's very tight so it's hard to get the mic on and off, it can also scratch it.
I'm using my KM184 with a compatible spider shock mount from Thomann brand which works great.

One little thing is I do wish the microphone came in a wooden box instead of just a cardboard packaging box.

Highly recommended if you're in the market for an SDC.

Report

Show translation

Show original

Unfortunately there was an error. Please try again later.

Klarer und unverfälschter Klang.

Ganvai 14.01.2014

Neumann ist für gute Mikrofone bekannt, dass KM184 ist da keine Ausnahme, obwohl im vergleich zu anderen Vertretern der Firma Neumann im unteren Preissegment angesiedelt ist macht das Mikrofon dem Firmennamen alle Ehre und empfiehlt sich klar für jede Art von Studioarbeit.

Richtig glänzen konnte es bei mir im Studio gerade bei akustischen Instrumenten, wie Flöten, Gitarren, Streichern oder Blasinstrumenten mit Rohrblatt.

Der Klang ist immer sehr klar, sehr brillant und ehrlich.

Für kleinere Trommeln mit Naturfellen eignet es sich ebenfalls. Bei naher Abnahme ist es durchaus in der Lage ordentlich Druck mitzunehmen und damit den Instrumenten den nötigen Bauch zu verleihen.

In Kombination mit Röhren- oder einfachem Class-A Preamp, es bietet immer einen sehr ehrlichen Klang mit dem es in jedem Umfeld bestehen kann, egal ob Profi oder Projektstudio.

Report

Show translation

Show original

Unfortunately there was an error. Please try again later.

Pureza!

Luis Fernando Q. 29.07.2014

Excelente micro ,y excelente compra,,, me dejó mas que satisfecho este micrófono ,para usos de percusión ,guitarras acústicas de metal , segundas voces,,pero mas en el tema de instrumentos acústicos,,,increíble!! un 10 total,,por algo es un micrófono galardonado como uno de los mejores de membrana pequeña,,,, Recomendable 100 por ciento!

Report

Read all reviews

Neumann KM184

Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone