Neumann KM 184 mt - zwart

The Neumann KM 184 mt is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. The microphone is known for its natural and accurate sound and is widely used for recording acoustic instruments, drums, percussion, and ensembles. This mt version features a black finish, making it less conspicuous on stage or during video and television productions.

Accurate reproduction of acoustic instruments
The KM 184 mt was developed for situations where the character of the instrument must be captured as faithfully as possible. The frequency range extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and the frequency response remains flat over a large portion of this range. There is a slight boost around 9 kHz, which ensures that overtones and details are clearly reproduced. This makes the KM 184 mt suitable for acoustic guitar, piano, violin, cello, double bass, woodwinds, brass, drums, and percussion, among other instruments. For a drum set, for example, it can be used as an overhead microphone, for the hi-hat, or for other applications where a fast response and clear reproduction of transients are desired.

Cardioid Polar Pattern The cardioid polar pattern is uniform across the frequency range and suppresses sound entering from behind the microphone. Sound recorded outside the central axis of the pickup pattern also largely retains its original timbre. This makes the KM 184 mt suitable for multi-microphone setups and for stereo recordings where a stable stereo image is important. It also helps minimize unwanted ambient noise in ensemble settings and other situations where various instruments are positioned close together.

Low self-noise and high maximum sound pressure
The self-noise is only 13 dB-A. This allows the KM 184 mt to capture even soft passages, reverberation, and subtle details without the noise floor becoming readily audible. At the same time, the microphone can handle a maximum sound pressure level of 138 dB SPL at 0.5% distortion. This makes it suitable not only for subtle acoustic sources but also for louder instruments such as drums and percussion. The dynamic range is 125 dB.

Transformerless Electronics
The KM 184 mt utilizes a transformerless amplifier circuit. This electronics design is intended to transmit the signal from the capsule as accurately as possible and contributes to the microphone’s fast response. The output impedance is 50 ohms. This allows the KM 184 mt to be used with long microphone cables without any significant loss of the audio signal. Neumann states that cable lengths of up to approximately 300 meters are possible.

Compact and unobtrusive
With a diameter of just 22 mm and a length of 107 mm, the KM 184 mt is easy to position around instruments and drum sets. The microphone weighs approximately 80 grams and therefore places virtually no strain on even lightweight microphone stands. The black mt finish is barely noticeable during live performances, theater productions, television recordings, and other situations where microphones need to be as inconspicuous as possible.

The KM 184 mt operates on 48-volt phantom power and connects via XLR. A Neumann WNS 100 windscreen and SG 21 bk stand mount are included.

Neumann KM 184 mt features:

• small-diaphragm condenser microphone
• cardioid polar pattern
• frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• suitable for acoustic instruments, piano, guitar, strings, woodwinds, drums, and percussion
• Suitable for mono, stereo, and ensemble recordings
• self-noise of 13 dB-A
• maximum sound pressure level of 138 dB SPL
• Dynamic range of 125 dB
• Sensitivity of 15 mV/Pa
• Output impedance of 50 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: 1 kOhm
• Signal-to-noise ratio of 81 dB (A-weighted)
• transformerless electronics
• 48-volt phantom power
• Current consumption of 3.2 mA
• XLR connector
• 22 mm diameter
• Length: 107 mm
• Weight of approximately 80 grams
• Black matte finish
• includes Neumann WNS 100 windshield + SG 21 BK tripod mount
• Neumann part number 008389

Fun fact: Neumann uses the suffix “mt” for the black version, referring to the microphone’s matte black finish.