Neumann KM 185 Stereo Set Black

The 180 Series: Neumann DNA in a Compact and Versatile Format

Designed to meet situations where a microphone is expected to add nothing and take nothing away, the KM 185 embodies the philosophy of the Neumann 180 Series: offering a very neutral signature, impeccable build quality, and top-tier performance, while remaining accessible and easy to integrate both in the studio and on stage. Whereas some microphones are designed to "color" the sound, the KM 185 aims instead for faithful reproduction of the acoustic event, with a precision that has helped make it a recording standard, from classical to more aggressive contexts.

Its strength lies in its frequency-independent hypercardioid polar pattern. In practice, this means stable capture across the entire spectrum, excellent control of bleed including in the low frequencies, and a soundstage that remains coherent when using multiple microphones. The result: more confident placements, easier phase management, and a clearer stereo or surround image.

Who Benefits from the KM 185 and in Which Situations Does It Make a Difference?

The Neumann KM 185 is a preferred tool for sound engineers, demanding home studio users, and live technicians seeking a discreet instrument microphone that is robust in use and capable of handling high levels without losing its finesse. Thanks to its transparent rendering, it excels on acoustic instruments (piano, acoustic guitar, double bass, violin, cello), on woodwinds and brass, as well as on drums and percussion.

Its hypercardioid pattern is particularly relevant in complex situations: for example, capturing a snare drum while limiting hi-hat bleed, or isolating a source on a busy stage. And because the microphone remains clean off-axis, residual bleed sounds more natural, often resulting in an easier and more credible mix.

Although not specifically optimized for spoken or sung vocals, the KM 185 is frequently chosen for classical singing and all applications where authenticity is paramount. Its compact format also makes it very suitable for TV and radio, where visual discretion is as important as audio quality.

Transparency, Dynamics, and Control: A Design Made for the Field

The KM 185 combines a small-diaphragm capsule with modern electronics to preserve signal integrity. Its frequency response is specified from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with an overall linear curve and a slight lift around 10 kHz: enough to add air and definition without harshness, useful for revealing the attack of a guitar, the detail of a piano, or the clarity of an overhead.

Stable Hypercardioid Polar Pattern and Controlled Rear Rejection

The "frequency-independent" characteristic results in a consistent polar pattern from low to high frequencies. The 120-degree rear rejection is excellent and, importantly, remains usable without altering the tonal quality of off-axis sounds. This is a decisive advantage in stereo recording, multi-mic setups (orchestra, drums, ensembles), and whenever one must deal with lively acoustics or close sources.

Transformerless Electronics: Wide Dynamics and Long Cable Runs

The transformerless head amplifier is designed to offer a large dynamic range (up to 127 dB) while maintaining very low noise. With only 15 dB-A equivalent noise, the KM 185 remains relevant on delicate and nuanced sources. At the other end, it can handle up to 142 dB SPL (0.5% THD), an asset for percussion, close brass, or certain live recordings. Finally, its low-impedance output stage facilitates the use of long cables (up to 300 meters) without transmission losses, a real plus for stages and large setups.

Technical specifications

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

Polar pattern	hypercardioid	Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted	79 dB
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	Maximum output voltage	10 dBu
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm	10 mV/Pa +/- 1 dB	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 F
Equivalent noise level, CCIR	24 dB	Diameter	22 mm
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted	15 dB-A	Length	107 mm
Max SPL for 0.5% THD	142 dB	Weight	80 g
Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR	70 dB