recordinghacks

Neumann KM 185

Hypercardioid Pencil Condenser Microphone

The KM 185 is a hypercardioid FET pencil condenser. It is the newest addition to the “Series 180” microphones, which includes the well-known KM 184 cardioid and KM 183 omni microphones.

Note that the capsules in the Series 180 mics are not interchangeable.

The capsule in the KM 185 is Neumann’s model K 50, developed in 1988. Is a pressure-gradient transducer with a gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm. Internally, the K 50 capsule is identical to Neumann’s AK 50 capsule. The AK 50 is a detachable hypercardioid capsule that is part of the KM 100 Series of microphones.

The KM185 is available in matte black (model KM 185 mt, p/n 008441) or satin nickel (p/n 008440) finishes. The mic ships with a foam windscreen (p/n WNS 100) and a black swivel mic clip (p/n SG 21 bk). Matched stereo pairs are also available, in either color.

MIX, 2000

The KM 185 hypercardioid worked wonderfully on the hi-hat… Because of its pattern, I could put the mic a little farther away… which sounds better than putting the mic extra close to minimize leakage.

The Neumann KM 185 is also known as: KM185.

The mic was released in 1999.

Specifications

Frequency Response - HypercardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Hypercardioid (10 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diameter n/a	50 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 142 dB Self-noise: 15.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
80g (2.82oz)	107mm (4.21'')	22mm (0.87'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48 ± 4v

Did we get anything wrong on this page? Please let us know!