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Neumann KM 185 MT Microphone (Matte Black)

BH #NEKM185MT • MFR #KM 185 MT
7 reviews
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Neumann KM 185 MT Microphone (Matte Black)
Key Features
  • Dialog Boompole Microphone
  • Small Diaphragm
  • Hypercardioid Pattern
  • KM 100 Based Output Stage
The matte black KM 185 MT Microphone from Neumann is a hypercardioid pattern, pressure gradient condenser microphone intended for live sound reinforcement and broadcast, as well as recording applications.
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Neumann KM 185 D Overview

The matte black KM 185 MT Microphone from Neumann is a hypercardioid pattern, pressure gradient condenser microphone intended for live sound reinforcement and broadcast, as well as recording applications.

The KM 180 series microphones feature an output stage based on the KM 100. Transformerless circuitry and balanced output result in high output gain with a very low noise floor and no coloration to the output signal.

The KM 185 MT is powered via +48V phantom power. Its 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response provides flexibility for use in a wide range of recording situations. The KM 185 provides attenuation at the off-axis sections of the mic, and is suitable for X,Y and ORTF stereo miking, announcer's mic for broadcast, spot capturing of drum overheads, strings, wind instruments, percussion, piano, and amp cabinets. The KM 185 handles sound pressure levels up to 142 dB allowing close miking of instruments high in transient (peak) level response.

Hypercardioid Polar Pattern
The hypercardioid polar pattern offers greater attenuation at the off-axis sections of the microphone, resulting in a tighter pattern with even less noise caused by ambiance.
KM 100 Based Output Stage
The KM 185 features the same output stage electronics as the KM 100. Transformerless circuitry and quiet balanced output design ensure a clean, high-gain output signal without any coloration. The KM 185 is powered via +48V phantom power, and its 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response provides flexibility for use in a wide range of recording situations. The KM 185 can handle sound pressure levels up to 142 dB, allowing fairly close miking of instruments.
Compact Rugged Construction
The slim design and rugged construction allow easy microphone placement while remaining road worthy.
UPC: 615104084414

Neumann KM 185 D Specs

Key Specs
Microphone Type
Small Diaphragm
Polar Pattern
Hypercardioid
Element Type
Condenser
Controls
No
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
142 dB
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Microphone
Microphone Type
Small Diaphragm
Polar Pattern
Hypercardioid
Element Type
Condenser
Sound Field
Mono
Orientation
End Address
Controls
No
Circuitry
Solid-State
Performance
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
142 dB
Sensitivity
10 mV/Pa (at 1 kHz into 1 Kilohms)
Equivalent Noise Level
24 dB (CCIR)
15 dB (A-Weighted)
Connectivity
Analog Output Connector
1x XLR 3-Pin
Power
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Operating Voltage
48 V
Physical
Color
Black
Dimensions
ø: 0.87 x L: 4.21" / ø: 22 x L: 107 mm
Weight
2.82 oz / 80 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.545 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.85 x 3.25 x 2.4"

Neumann KM 185 D Reviews

Supernatural

By Sebastian
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-10-06

Loved the mic, sounds very natural and crisp, it has good reach for use on film sets for dialogue.

Great mic for recording HQ sound.

By Kirill Belousov
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-01-08

This is the last mic so far I've bought last year. I've being looking forward to it for a while now. My previous model was KM-185, which is same small diaphragm condenser microphone based on Neumann 184 series, but in Hyper-Cardioid polar pattern. What is that means? Hyper-Cardioid polar patter has quite a lot more reach in the front of the mic and quite much tighter pickup angle than a regular Cardioid mic, such as 184 version. I've used this incredible mic indoors most of the times as well as outdoors with the Rycote Modular System to protect it from the high strength wind. Reason I've used Rycote, is mainly because it's a small size wind shield (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1026517-REG/rycote_086067_modular_windshield_ws_1.html) Anyways. Usually you'd use a shotgun pattern mic outside, which sometimes referred as a Super-Cardioid. But I've noticed some shotguns might loose som bass response when you get closer than 1-2 feet from the source, where Hyper-Cardioid sounds much thicker sounding bass response, less coloration compare to some other mics I've used before. Pros: 1) Compact and Light weight - Very compact size and weight feels good on a boom pole or a mic stand. 2) Many years of experience - Neumann's high end technology of the diaphragm and long term experience will provide amazing results for people who are trying to achieve them. You will achieve it with this mic. 3) Very Versatile - Good for XY, AB, ORTF, Spaced Matched Pair tracking of music instruments, vocals, VO, onset dialogues and sound effects and sound design elements. 4) Can be used indoors or outdoor (with protective wind shield of course). I've done multiple successful recordings indoors and outdoors. This mic has more tighter polar patter compare to KM-184 model, thus it's more useful in higher noise floor, if you don't own a good shotgun mic for that or can't use in that specific situation. 5) Better for recording in echoey rooms - In my opinion and experience this mic sounds more natural in rooms or locations which have hig reflective surfaces and lots corners. It's less susceptible to Comb Filtering effect that sometimes shotgun mics can get more. That's just a very specific thought. 6) High SPL/ Very Low Total Harmonic Distortion - KM-185 can handle very high Max SPL level of 142 dBSPL with THD of <0.5% , which is very impressive for the size of the diaphragm. 7) Standard P48 - KM-185 uses standard P48 Phantom Power for mic to work. 8) Great Frequency Response - KM-185 Has a 20Hz-20kHz high quality frequency response, for high accuracy of representation of the incoming in to the diaphragm audio signal. Cons: 1) Quite pricey - Yes this mic is pricey, but it's worth it and there other mics which are same size but sounds worse and cost few hundreds to thousands more. 2) Might be slightly High Humidity sensitive - Just might be. I've experienced higher sensitivity to humidity with most of the condenser mics, with most of brands. 3) Slightly sensitive to a low rumble and handling noise - great sounding low end, creates a higher sensitivity to handling noise as well as winds and etc. So just be more careful with this guy then with other mics.

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