NEUMANN KM A 185 (KM A + KK 185)
NEUMANN KM A 185 (KM A + KK 185)
Neumann KM A Preamp + KK 185 Capsule
Neumann KM A Preamp + KK 185 Capsule
Neumann KM A Preamp + KK 185 Capsule
Neumann KM A Preamp + KK 185 Capsule
NEUMANN KM A 185 (KM A + KK 185) Frequency Response
NEUMANN KM A 185 (KM A + KK 185) Frequency Response
NEUMANN KM A 185 (KM A + KK 185) Polar Pattern
NEUMANN KM A 185 (KM A + KK 185) Polar Pattern
In a nutshell

The new modular Neumann KM A with KK capsules series are the proud heir of the legacy KM 100 with AK capsules series.

The main difference is that the KK capsules are no more active like the old two-part built AK were. This probably explains the little diameter variation (22.1 mm vs 21.8 mm) and the modification of the thread pitch that forbids to use old KM 100 passive accessories. The whole microphone is 16 mm longer (108 vs 92 mm).

So, old passive accessories like the LC 3 KA cable or the SG-AK swivel are no more compatible! They are replaced respectively by the LC 4 cable and the SG 110 swivel. Nevertheless a special adapter allows to use old AK capsules on the new KM A (or the digital KM D) body.

KK 185 acoustic specifications are quite similar to the AK 50 ones, frequency response, polar pattern. But the preamp stage body needs more power, 3.5 mA against 2 mA for the KM 100 body, while overall dynamic is 2 dB over and signal/noise ratio is 3 dB less.

Our recommendations

KK 185 hypercardioid capsule, which has a less extended bass response than KK 184 cardioid capsule, provides a more balanced sound on medium shots, and more possibilities (or drawbacks!) thanks to back lobe. This capsule is nevertheless fast movement sensitive and requires windscreen even indoors, like the foam ball Schoeps W 5 if not the Cinela Cosi. The lack of low-cut filter can be compensated by the use of a rigid polyester basket-type windscreen W 20 (without the B 20) which acoustically filters low frequencies. Windscreen is fitted to microphone body by our technicians and can be mounted only by the XLR base because of the capsule prominence.

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Technical specifications
Type & Power

Statique à condensateur, alim. 48 V.Ph., conso. 3.5 mA.

Sensibility

10 mV/Pa ; niveau max. 142 dB pour THD<0.5%. Attén. -10 dB.

Directivity & Bandwidth

Gradient de pression ; hypercardioïde, BP : 20 - 20 kHz, ± 3 dB.
Dynamique : 142/152 dB ; rapport signal/bruit 69 dB ; bruit de fond CCIR 24 dB, 15 dB(A).

Connectors & Dimensions

Dimensions 10.8 cm x 2.2 cm (diam.), masse 0.09 kg. Conn. XLR3M.

Manufacturer's documents