Product Overview

The KM 185 is the high-precision specialist of the "Series 180." While its siblings cover omni and cardioid patterns, the KM 185 utilizes a hypercardioid characteristic to provide maximum attenuation of sound from the sides and rear. This results in a highly focused, transparent, and natural sound. Like all microphones in this series, it features transformerless circuitry, ensuring a clean signal path with extremely low self-noise and high output gain.

Product Description

Faithful Sound Reproduction:

While many modern microphones are designed to add their own sonic "imprint," the Series 180 is built for applications that require a faithful reproduction of the original acoustic event. Without adding or removing any tonal characteristics, the KM 185 ensures sonic authenticity. Because these microphones are non-modular, they are a more cost-effective alternative to the modular Series KM A and KM D, offering world-class Neumann engineering at a more attractive price point.

Precision Hypercardioid Isolation:

The KM 185 is engineered for maximum separation. Its hypercardioid pattern is remarkably frequency-independent, providing excellent rejection of sound from the rear ($120^{\circ}$) even at low frequencies. In practical usage, there is no sound coloration over a wide pickup angle, which is crucial for precise stereo and surround imaging. A subtle treble lift around 10 kHz adds a touch of "brilliance" and detail to acoustic instruments.

Advanced Technical Engineering:

The internal electronics feature an innovative transformerless head amplifier that maintains the capsule's sonic integrity while offering a wide dynamic range of 127 dB. With a self-noise floor of only 15 dB-A and the ability to handle massive Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) up to 142 dB, the KM 185 captures everything from a delicate solo violin to high-impact percussion without distortion.

Compact and Visually Unobtrusive:

Measuring just 107 mm in length and weighing only 80 g, the KM 185 is remarkably discreet. This makes it a favorite for television, broadcast, and film sets where high-quality audio is required without the microphone obstructing the camera's view. Its low-impedance output stage allows it to drive long cable runs of up to 300 meters without transmission losses.

Key Features

• Uniform Hypercardioid Pattern: Maximum isolation without off-axis coloration.

• High Suppression: Excellent rejection of unwanted lateral and rearward sound.

• Linear Frequency Response: Smooth reproduction with a slight $10\text{ kHz}$ boost for added brilliance.

• Ultra-Low Self-Noise: Pristine signal path at only 15 dB-A.

• High SPL Handling: Distortion-free recording up to 142 dB.

• Transformerless Electronics: Ensures high gain and total sonic integrity.

• Compact Design: Visually unobtrusive and road-worthy construction.

   

Applications

• Acoustic Instruments: A superb choice for piano, acoustic guitar, upright bass, and wind instruments.

• Drums & Percussion: The perfect problem solver for recording snare drums while suppressing hi-hat spill.

• Classical Vocals: Often selected when sonic authenticity and a natural voice are paramount.

• Broadcast & TV: Ideal for interviews and announcer roles due to its small size and tight pattern.

Technical Specifications