Neumann KM184

The Neumann KM 184 is a professional small-diaphragm condenser microphone featuring a cardioid polar pattern, transformerless circuitry, and exceptional off-axis consistency. Renowned for its natural, detailed sound and versatile performance, the KM 184 has become a worldwide standard among recording engineers for studio, broadcast, and live recording applications. Ideal for stereo techniques, acoustic instruments, overheads, and broadcast production, it delivers the legendary Neumann sound in a compact and reliable design.

The Neumann KM 184 is one of the most respected and widely used small-diaphragm condenser microphones in the professional audio industry. Part of Neumann’s acclaimed Series 180 range, the KM 184 has earned its reputation as a reference microphone for recording engineers, broadcasters, and musicians worldwide.

Built around a precision-engineered pressure-gradient transducer with a cardioid polar pattern, the KM 184 provides outstanding clarity, detail, and accuracy. Its carefully balanced frequency response remains remarkably consistent both on-axis and off-axis, ensuring natural sound reproduction without unwanted coloration, even when capturing sources at wider pickup angles.

The KM 184 is the successor to the legendary KM 84, sharing its proven capsule design while incorporating subtle acoustic refinements. A slight presence boost around 9 kHz enhances detail and openness, resulting in a fresh, lively sound character that has made the microphone a favorite for a wide variety of recording applications.

Thanks to its slim profile and excellent sonic performance, the KM 184 excels in stereo recording techniques such as XY and ORTF, as well as spot miking, drum overheads, piano, strings, woodwinds, brass instruments, acoustic guitars, percussion, and broadcast production. Its compact size also allows for discreet microphone placement in television and radio environments.

The microphone features Neumann’s transformerless output circuitry, derived from the highly regarded KM 100 series. This design provides exceptionally low noise, high signal integrity, and reliable operation, even when connected to unbalanced recording devices such as portable recorders and field recording systems.

Powered by standard 48 V phantom power, the KM 184 combines professional performance with operational simplicity. Available in matte nickel and matte black finishes, it remains one of the most versatile and trusted microphones in modern recording.

Key Features

• Professional small-diaphragm condenser microphone
• Cardioid polar pattern
• Natural and detailed sound reproduction
• Excellent off-axis response with minimal coloration
• Successor to the legendary KM 84
• Presence boost around 9 kHz for added clarity and openness
• Transformerless output circuitry
• Suitable for XY and ORTF stereo techniques
• Ideal for overheads, piano, strings, winds, percussion, and acoustic instruments
• Reliable operation with balanced and unbalanced inputs
• Compact and lightweight design
• 48 V phantom powered
• Available in matte nickel and matte black finishes