Neumann KM 184 Black

A staple of the 180 Series: Neumann's approach to neutrality

The KM 184 belongs to the Neumann 180 Series, designed to offer the brand's essential expertise in a compact and accessible format, without compromising on fundamentals: precision, stability, and manufacturing consistency. While many microphones deliberately aim to "color" the sound, the KM 184 targets a rigorous reproduction of the acoustic event, which explains its widespread use in studios and live stages alike. In this spirit, the design emphasizes uniform cardioid directivity, a smooth frequency response, and modern wide-dynamic electronics to preserve capsule integrity and clarity of the recording.

Who it's for and typical uses: instrument recording, stereo, overheads, and demanding captures

The Neumann KM 184 is a reference choice for recording acoustic instruments and sources requiring realistic imaging: piano, acoustic guitar, strings (violin, cello, double bass), woodwinds, brass, percussion, and drums. On a drum kit, it excels as overheads, hi-hat, or room mics depending on the desired aesthetic, thanks to its ability to handle high levels without distortion. In the studio, its particularly controlled off-axis behavior facilitates stereo placements (XY, ORTF, AB) and multi-mic setups by limiting coloration that often complicates phase and tonal coherence.

On stage, its small size remains visually discreet, an asset for TV and radio, while its effective rear rejection helps isolate a source in a busy environment. Although not specifically "tailored" for modern pop vocals, it is regularly chosen for classical singing and all situations where authenticity and transparency take precedence over coloration.

What makes the difference: stable directivity, controlled brightness, and transformerless electronics

A consistent cardioid for more reliable stereo imaging

One of the KM 184's strengths is its frequency-independent cardioid directivity. Practically, the capture remains homogeneous and rear rejection stays strong, including in the low frequencies. The result: fewer tonal surprises when the source moves, better coherence between microphones in ensemble recordings, and a more stable and easier-to-mix stereo/surround image.

A smooth response with subtle presence

Its frequency response is designed to remain linear and musical, with a slight boost in the highs around 9 kHz. This touch of brilliance adds definition to attacks, air, and detail (strings, cymbals, guitar harmonics, woodwind articulation), while maintaining a very natural overall sound when properly positioned.

Wide dynamic range, low noise, and handling of high acoustic pressures

The KM 184 features an innovative transformerless microphone amplifier designed to provide a wide dynamic range (125 dB) and clean reproduction, even on powerful sources. With a self-noise of 13 dB-A, it remains relevant on subtle passages and distant recordings, while its maximum SPL of 138 dB (at 0.5% THD) allows close placement on percussive instruments or very dynamic amplifiers without unwanted saturation.

Connectivity and cable lengths: built for real-world demands

Thanks to its low-impedance output stage, the KM 184 supports long cable runs (up to 300 m) without significant transmission loss, securing live, broadcast, and studio installations with patch bays and multicore cables. Power is supplied via 48 V phantom (P48), standard on professional consoles and audio interfaces.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	20 Hz	Directivity	cardioid
Frequency response - end	20 kHz	Connection	XLR
Category	studio microphone	Color	Black

Type	small-diaphragm condenser microphone	Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (ref. 94 dB SPL)	81 dB
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	Maximum output voltage	10 dBu
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm	15 mV/Pa +/- 1 dB	Power supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938)	48 V +/- 4 V
Nominal impedance	50 ohms	Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938)	3.2 mA
Nominal load impedance	1 kohm	Connector type	XLR 3-pin female
Equivalent noise level, CCIR	22 dB	Included	1x microphone clip, 1x windscreen
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted	13 dB-A	Diameter	22 mm
Maximum SPL for 0.5% THD	138 dB	Length	107 mm
Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (ref. 94 dB SPL)	72 dB	Weight	80 g