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Neumann KU 100 Dummy Head Binaural Stereo Microphone

BH #NEDHMS • MFR #007130
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Neumann KU 100 Dummy Head Binaural Stereo Microphone
Key Features
  • Ideal for Stereo Recording & Measurement
  • Realistic Stereo Imaging
  • Low-Noise Transformerless Circuitry
  • 20 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
The Neumann KU 100 is a dummy head binaural stereo microphone designed to provide an accurate reproduction of sound as heard by a human for musicians and audio engineers in music recording sessions, measurement and analysis, and film, television, and sound effects production. With low-noise transformless circuitry and a microphone capsule mounted in each ear of its head, the KU 100 produces accurate and realistic stereo imaging.

A selectable high-pass filter with three positions—flat, 40 Hz, or 150 Hz—allows you to tailor the 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response to control rumble and excessive low frequencies. Activate the -10 dB pad to prevent distortion when capturing loud sources. Outputs include two unbalanced BNC jacks and a balanced XLR 5-pin connector.

The KU 100 can be operated via battery power, phantom power, or the supplied external power supply. It includes an XLR 5-pin cable, an XLR 5-pin to dual XLR 3-pin adapter, and a sturdy aluminum carrying case.

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Neumann KU 100 Overview

The Neumann KU 100 is a dummy head binaural stereo microphone designed to provide an accurate reproduction of sound as heard by a human for musicians and audio engineers in music recording sessions, measurement and analysis, and film, television, and sound effects production. With low-noise transformless circuitry and a microphone capsule mounted in each ear of its head, the KU 100 produces accurate and realistic stereo imaging.

A selectable high-pass filter with three positions—flat, 40 Hz, or 150 Hz—allows you to tailor the 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response to control rumble and excessive low frequencies. Activate the -10 dB pad to prevent distortion when capturing loud sources. Outputs include two unbalanced BNC jacks and a balanced XLR 5-pin connector.

The KU 100 can be operated via battery power, phantom power, or the supplied external power supply. It includes an XLR 5-pin cable, an XLR 5-pin to dual XLR 3-pin adapter, and a sturdy aluminum carrying case.

Binaural Realism
The KU 100 dummy head is a replica of the human head with a microphone built into each ear. This configuration communicates a sound image almost identical to the one at the recording location of the dummy head, making it ideal for any application where you want to capture sound as you hear it.
Low-Noise Circuitry
The KU 100 uses transformerless circuitry with the advantage of high-output capability, fast transient response, and extremely low self-noise. The usual output transformers are replaced by electronic circuits. As with traditional transformers, this technique ensures good common mode rejection and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signals.
Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs
One XLR 5-pin connector and two BNC jacks provide balanced and unbalanced connectivity. For the balanced output, an XLR 5-pin cable and XLR 5-pin to dual XLR 3-pin adapter are provided.
Multiple Powering Options
The KU 100 can be powered in three different modes— from an external phantom power supply, with six AA batteries (available separately), or from the included external power supply. When using external phantom power, 48V phantom power should be applied to each channel.
Easy Mounting
The dummy head can be installed on or suspended from microphone stands or booms. For this purpose, the head is provided with 5/8"-27 threaded hole at its top and bottom. Reducing nuts for 3/8" and 1/2" threads are supplied with the system.
UPC: 615104071308

Neumann KU 100 Specs

Key Specs
Polar Pattern
Omnidirectional
Element Type
Condenser
Controls
Pad, Low Cut/HPF
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
135 dB (without Pad)
Analog Output
1x XLR 5-Pin
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Microphone
Polar Pattern
Omnidirectional
Element Type
Condenser
Sound Field
Stereo / Immersive
Orientation
N/A to Surround/Binaural Mics
Controls
Pad, Low Cut/HPF
Pad
-10 dB
Filter & EQ
Low-Cut Filter: 40 Hz / 150 Hz
Circuitry
Solid-State
Performance
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
135 dB (without Pad)
Sensitivity
20 mV/Pa (at 1 Hz)
Equivalent Noise Level
29 dB (CCIR)
16 dB (A-Weighted)
Connectivity
Analog Output
1x XLR 5-Pin
Power
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Operating Voltage
48 V
Battery Type
6x AAA (Not Included)
Physical
Color
Gray
Mounting Thread Size
5/8"-27 Female (3/8"-16 Female, 1/2" Female with Included Adapter)
Dimensions
ø: 7.09 x L: 11.02" / ø: 180 x L: 280 mm
Weight
7.72 lb / 3.5 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
22.005 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
16.9 x 16 x 12.5"

Neumann KU 100 Reviews

Fritz's Beautiful Results

By Kev D.
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-11-29

I had to purchase ASAP as I was told Neumann will be raising their prices on all their products by Dec '16 or Jan '17. The microphones sound great, they're very quiet, and the binaural image sound amazing on headphones as well as loudspeakers, Neumann made sure of this for the KU 100 unlike the previous Fritz versions. The head is a bit on the heavy side but it is nicely built... very solid. I've been a fan of binaural recording for years, and my recent discover of Gordon Hempton reinforced the KU-100 as my main nature and city ambience stereo mic. He is the master of binaural nature recordings which have inspired me to travel and get to more remote, quieter areas. I know this is ridiculously expensive but as they say, you get what you pay for. This absolutely applies to the Neumann KU-100 So far I've had amazing recordings from the KU-100 with: Freight Trains City Ambience Beach/Ocean sounds Bird Song Car passbys Public ambience Recording live shows

8/8 would buy $ head shaped mic again

By 8_8 m8
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2015-10-21

8/8 would buy $ head shaped mic again

See any errors on this page?

question

How do I get the audio on my computer
Asked by: Anonymous
An adapter cable and an audio USB interface would be required: Neumann AC-20 5-Pin XLR Female to 2 3-Pin XLR Male Adapter Y-Cable - 3.3' B&H # NEAC20 Universal Audio Apollo Twin USB Desktop Interface with Realtime UAD Processing for Windows B&H # UNAPTWDUSB
Answered by: Mark S.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

What type of microphone is recommended for Neumann KU 100?
Asked by: Anonymous
The KU 100 dummy head ships complete with a microphone built into each ear for binaural recording. The unit ships with a 5 pin to dual 3 pin XLR output cable and can be powered via its included AC adapter, AA batteries or phantom power.
Answered by: Jeff P.
Date published: 2019-01-13

question

is the mic in ERP, DRP or other reference position?
Asked by: Ricardo B.
The KU 100 is not in ERP or DRP. The KU 100 dummy head is a binaural stereo microphone. It resembles the human head and has two microphone capsules built into the ears. When listening through high-quality headphones it gives the illusion of being right at the scene of the acoustic events.
Answered by: John P.
Date published: 2019-01-13
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