Neumann KM 183 Black

The Series 180: A Neumann Reference Focused on Fidelity

The KM 183 is part of the Neumann Series 180, designed to offer a "studio standard" approach: capturing accurately without adding excessive character. At a time when many microphones are deliberately colored, the KM 183 meets the opposite demand, very common in studio and classical recording: preserving the natural balance of the source, spatial coherence, and sense of depth. Within this range, it occupies the position of the omnidirectional model, particularly appreciated whenever a realistic, stable off-axis response and easy multi-mic integration are sought.

For Whom and For What: Acoustic Instruments, Ensembles, and High-End Ambience Recordings

Thanks to its very transparent rendering, the KM 183 excels on acoustic instruments (piano, acoustic guitar, strings, woodwinds, brass), percussion, and choirs. Its omnidirectional behavior, without marked coloration when the source moves or when capturing an ensemble, also makes it an excellent choice for orchestral recordings, organ recordings, and any situation where preserving the room, air, and perspective is desired.

In stereo or surround configurations, its particularly clean off-axis response facilitates a wide and credible image with homogeneous timbres between center and sides. Its compact size also makes it very discreet for TV/radio capture, on stage or on set, when visual impact must remain minimal.

Transparency, Dynamics, and Coherence: Key Features of the KM 183

Omnidirectional Capsule and "Diffuse Field" Equalization

The KM 183 uses a pressure transducer type capsule, optimized for a flat frequency response in diffuse field. Practically, this helps achieve a natural balance when the microphone captures both the source and the room acoustics. In free field, i.e., close miking, there is a slight high-frequency boost of about 7 dB at 10 kHz, useful to maintain definition and attack without needing to force equalization.

Transformerless Electronics: Wide Dynamic Range, Low Noise

The "transformerless" head amplifier is designed to preserve capsule integrity, with a dynamic range of 127 dB. The result is twofold: a very low self-noise (13 dB-A) for delicate recordings, and the ability to handle high levels (up to 140 dB SPL at 0.5 percent THD) for powerful sources, without harshness or early saturation.

Low Impedance Output: Reliable Over Long Distances and in Multi-Mic Setups

The KM 183 features a low impedance output stage, practical in real-life situations: distant racks, multi-pair cables, studios, control rooms, or fixed installations. This design helps limit losses over long cable runs (up to 300 m) and maintain a clean signal, particularly appreciated when aligning multiple microphones in the same session (piano, overheads, main pair, spot mics, ambience).

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	20 Hz	Connection	XLR
Frequency response - end	20 kHz	Color	Black
Category	studio microphone	Nominal mode power consumption (Wh)	0 W
Directivity	omnidirectional

Type	Small diaphragm condenser microphone	Max SPL for 0.5% THD	140 dB
Polar pattern	Omnidirectional	Maximum output voltage	10 dBu
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938)	48 V +/- 4 V
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm	12 mV/Pa +/- 1 dB	Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938)	3.2 mA
Nominal impedance	50 ohms	Connector type	XLR 3 F
Nominal load impedance	1 kohm	Included	1x microphone clip and 1x windscreen
Equivalent noise level, CCIR	24 dB	Diameter	22 mm
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted	13 dB-A	Length	107 mm
Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (ref. 94 dB SPL)	70 dB	Weight	80 g
Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (ref. 94 dB SPL)	81 dB