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CardioidNeumann KM-84

  discontinued Cardioid Pencil Condenser Microphone

Neumann KM-84

Description

The KM-84 was the world’s first phantom-powered microphone. It was built to run on 48v DC, and designed to be as small as possible; the model name ‘KM’ stands for “Kleine Mikrofon” (small microphone).

The model number indicates the powering mechanism (8 = phantom power) and polar pattern (4 = cardioid).

Although discontinued in 1992 (and in some sense replaced by the KM-184), the KM-84 remains a favorite of vintage mic enthusiasts for drum overheads and hi-hat applications.

The mic is known for having an exceptionally flat frequency response and its ability to maintain its cardioid pickup pattern across the frequency spectrum.

Neumann

The resulting frequency response at an angle of ±135° is almost parallel to the 0° on-axis curve. Attenuation at 135° is about 14dB between 100Hz and 18kHz. As a result, a sound source impinging on the microphone anywhere within a 3/4 arc arounnd it will have identical sound quality, even though at different levels.

The mic shipped with a “wind and pop screen,” Neumann p/n WNS 21.

The capsule, Neumann model KK 64 and later designated KK 84, utilizes an innovative backplate design developed by Neumann in 1964. Whereas most condenser microphone backplates rely on a pattern of through-holes to provide access to the front diaphragm to soundwaves entering from the rear, the so-called “crossed-slit” design incorporates a series of eight intersecting grooves. The grooves allow the sound from the through-holes to be more evenly distributed across the diaphragm. The result is an improvement in polar pattern control and in off-axis frequency response. This “crossed-slit” design is retained in the current Series 180 microphones (including the KM 184).

(Capsule photo credit: Klaus Heyne / GermanMasterworks.com)

The Neumann KM-84 is also known as: KM84, KM84i.

The mic was released in 1966.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (10 mV/Pa; 40 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -10dB (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 20mm
 200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 130 dB
Self-noise: 17.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
80g (2.82oz) 110mm (4.33'') 21mm (0.83'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48 ± 4v

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