Neumann KM 84 Cardioid Small Diaphragm Condensor Mic.
The Neumann KM-84 review
The Neumanns fit really well into my collection. Again, I have two and chose the older version over the newer KM 184, because it doesn’t have any top end boost, which makes it more versatile in music production in my opinion – just like my older AKG C414s. They feature the lower mids of a sound in a very warm way and have a solid transient response. Just different to the microscopic sound of the Schoeps CMC Colette.
I tend to mix up the Neumann and Schoeps in the same recoding situation, similar to using a varied choice of preamps. This provides all tones or shades of colouration that make the recording very flexible to work with during the mixdown. The KM 84 is great on snares and a killer on overheads – it takes 130dB!
The reason why the mic is so good on overheads is that it picks up exactly what you need from the position of your choice. The solidity of the mid range and the non-flattering high end is perfect material for mixing. No other pencil mic has that solidity and detail. I sometimes use only three mics on the Kit. Two of them are KM 84s. Other applications are acoustic guitars and even vocals. It is again a mic that I love working with in front of the instrument and achieve the sound I’m aiming for.
History of the Neumann KM
The KM 84 was the first microphone built for 48 V phantom power. The aim to build a very small microphone resulted in a size of only 21mm x 100mm, also known as pencil microphones. The 10dB attenuation switch allows the mic to be used close to sounds that produce a 130dB (that is jet engine loud).
Since its first production in 1966 the KM series have been used in countless recording situations. Often used in classical recording and film sound, Neumann continued the development of the Microphone, which resulted in the modular KM 180 Series. A boost around the 9k upper mid range is along the most notable features.
KM84 related websites
- Visit the homepage of the KM 84 here» or the KM 184 here»
- Download the KM 84 technical sheets here»
- Check out the review of the two Johns at recording-microphones.co.uk
Recommended books … Additional reading
Read related articles.
Share this post.
Posted in Equipment |If you liked this post, please share it. You can crosspost to Facebook and many other sites or email a friend by clicking on the icon of your choice below.
