NEUMANN KK 120
MRP - Rs. 1,39,900
NEUMANN KK 120 figure-8 capsule head for the modular KM A/D system: 15 dB-A self-noise, 140 dB max. SPL with KM A. Available in India from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
VISUAL GUIDE — See Every Photo, Spec & Setup Step (PDF)
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Acoustics (capsule with KM A output stage)
| Acoustical operating principle | Pressure gradient transducer |
| Directional pattern | Figure‑8, side‑fire |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kΩ | 12 mV/Pa |
| Equivalent noise level, CCIR | 25 dB |
| Equivalent noise level, A‑weighted | 15 dB‑A |
| Signal‑to‑noise ratio, CCIR (re. 94 dB SPL) | 69 dB |
| Signal‑to‑noise ratio, A‑weighted (re. 94 dB SPL) | 79 dB |
| Maximum SPL for THD 0.5 % | 140 dB |
| Maximum SPL for THD 0.5 % with pre‑attenuation | 150 dB |
Electrical (KM A output stage)
| Rated impedance | 50 Ω |
| Rated load impedance | 1000 Ω |
| Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938) | 48 V |
| Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938) | Max. 3.5 mA |
| Matching connector | XLR 3 F |
Mechanical
| Weight (capsule only) | 37 g |
| Weight (output stage) | 70 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Length (capsule only) | 40 mm |
| Length (microphone) | 130 mm |
| Finishes | Nickel (008589); Nextel black, nx (008590) |
Notes
| Noise and S/N | According to IEC 60268‑1; CCIR weighting according to CCIR 468‑3, quasi peak; A‑weighting according to IEC 61672‑1, RMS |
| Maximum SPL | Measured as equivalent electrical input signal |
Product overview
The NEUMANN KK 120 is a figure-8 small-diaphragm capsule head for the modular NEUMANN KM A/D microphone system: combined with the KM A output stage it becomes a complete small-diaphragm condenser microphone.
The KK 120 is a pressure gradient transducer with figure-8 characteristic, side-addressed. The figure-8 pattern is realised with a single 16 mm diaphragm. Thus, all sound field components reach the diaphragm directly. As a result, the frequency response curves and sensitivities for 0° and 180° are identical. The KK 120 capsule may be combined with other capsules or microphones for MS stereo recording. The KK 120 is available in nickel (KK 120) and Nextel black (KK 120 nx), each delivered in a wooden box.
| Equivalent noise level, A‑weighted (with KM A) | 15 dB‑A |
| Maximum SPL for 0.5 % THD | 140 dB |
| With -10 dB pre‑attenuation (KM A) | 150 dB |
| Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kΩ | 12 mV/Pa |
Key features
- Figure-8 characteristic, side-addressed (side-fire)
- Single 16 mm diaphragm: identical frequency response and sensitivity for 0° and 180°
- For MS stereo recording together with other capsules or microphones
- Part of the modular KM A/D system: eight capsules for the KM A output stage
- Passive, very small capsule with low self-noise and very high electromagnetic immunity
- Capsule may be detached and used up to 100 m from the output stage
- Nickel or Nextel black (nx) finish, delivered in a wooden box
The KK 120 capsule
The KK 120 is a pressure gradient transducer with figure-8 characteristic, side-addressed. The figure-8 pattern is realised with a single 16 mm diaphragm. Thus, all sound field components reach the diaphragm directly. As a result, the frequency response curves and sensitivities for 0° and 180° are identical. The published data and diagrams refer to the capsule combined with the KM A output stage.
The modular KM A/D system
The NEUMANN KM A/D system is a modular small-diaphragm microphone system for even the most demanding applications. Eight different capsules (KK 120 … KK 185) may be combined with the analog output stage KM A. The analog, transformerless KM A operates with P48 phantom power; a switchable -10 dB pre-attenuation allows sound pressure levels of up to 152 dB (depending on capsule type) without distortion artefacts. All components are available in nickel or Nextel black (nx).
Detached capsule and flexible set-ups
The capsule can be detached and used at a distance from the output stage of up to 100 m, connected via a special cable; for usual applications the LC 4 cable is available in 5 m or 10 m. KVG capsule extensions, SG 110 nx swivel joints and swivel stand mounts allow flexible, unobtrusive set-ups, and the output stages have identical dimensions (22 mm x 93 mm), so all accessory parts fit both.
Stereo and mounting accessories
NEUMANN offers a comprehensive range of accessories for the system: the DS 120 double mount, STH 100 and STH 120 stereo mounts (XY, AB, ORTF, Blumlein and MS set-ups), SG 21 bk swivel mount, MF 2 and MF 3 table stands, EA 2124 A mt and Z 26 mt shock mounts, WNS 100 and WS 100 windscreens and MNV auditorium hangers.
In the box
- KK 120 capsule head (or KK 120 nx)
- Wooden box
Available versions
- KK 120: nickel, Cat. No. 008589
- KK 120 nx: Nextel black, Cat. No. 008590
NEUMANN KK 120: frequently asked questions
Is the KK 120 a complete microphone?
The KK 120 is the capsule head of the KM A/D system. It needs an output stage: with the analog KM A (P48 phantom power) it forms a complete small-diaphragm condenser microphone with an XLR 3 output. The output stage is offered separately.
What directional pattern does the KK 120 have?
Figure-8, side-fire. The KK 120 is a pressure gradient transducer with figure-8 characteristic, side-addressed.
Can the KK 120 be used away from the output stage?
Yes. The capsule can be detached and used up to 100 m from the output stage, connected via a special cable such as the LC 4 (5 m or 10 m), or mounted on KVG capsule extensions and SG 110 nx swivel joints.
What is the difference between the KK 120 and the KK 120 nx?
Only the finish: the KK 120 (Cat. No. 008589) is nickel and the KK 120 nx (Cat. No. 008590) is Nextel black. Both are delivered in a wooden box.
Where can I buy the NEUMANN KK 120 in India?
The NEUMANN KK 120 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.
Workflow 1: Complete microphone on a stand
Recording with the capsule on the KM A output stage.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| KK 120 on KM A output stage | SG 21 bk swivel mount on a stand |
| XLR 3 microphone cable | Preamp or audio interface input (P48) |
Setup
- Screw the KK 120 onto the KM A (or KM A nx) output stage.
- Fit the microphone in the SG 21 bk swivel mount.
- Connect a balanced XLR cable and switch on 48 V phantom power.
- Aim the capsule at the source and set the gain.
Tip: Use the KM A's switchable -10 dB pre-attenuation for very loud sources.
Workflow 2: MS stereo with the STH 120
Mid-side stereo recording with two detached capsules.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| KK 120 (side) and a mid capsule | STH 120 stereo mount |
| Two LC 4 cables | Two KM A output stages |
Setup
- Fit both detached capsules in the STH 120, one above the other.
- Orient the KK 120 sideways (side-fire).
- Connect each capsule via LC 4 to a KM A.
- Record both channels and decode MS to stereo.
Tip: The KK 120's single 16 mm diaphragm gives identical response for 0° and 180°.
Workflow 3: Detached capsule on the LC 4 cable
Unobtrusive set-ups with the output stage out of sight.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| KK 120 | LC 4 cable (5 m or 10 m) |
| LC 4 | KM A output stage |
| KM A | Preamp input (P48) |
Setup
- Remove the KK 120 from the output stage.
- Connect it to the KM A via the LC 4 cable.
- Place the capsule with an SGE 100 swivel mount or an MNV 100 hanger.
- Connect the KM A to the preamp and switch on P48.
Tip: Detached capsules can be used up to 100 m from the output stage.
Workflow 4: Capsule extension or swivel joint
Table, lectern and angled set-ups.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| KK 120 | KVG capsule extension or SG 110 nx swivel joint |
| Extension or joint | KM A output stage |
Setup
- Mount the capsule on a KVG capsule extension or an SG 110 nx swivel joint.
- Connect the other end to the KM A.
- Set the capsule angle (± 110°).
- Place the assembly on an MF 3 table stand or a swivel mount.
Tip: KVG capsule extensions are available in 300, 600 and 1200 mm.
Workflow 5: Suspended microphone
Recording from above with an auditorium hanger.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| KM A/D microphone or detached capsule | MNV 21 mt, MNV 87 mt or MNV 100 auditorium hanger |
Setup
- Suspend the microphone by its cable from the hanger.
- Adjust the tilting angle towards the source.
- Connect the cable to the preamp input.
- Switch on P48 and set the level.
Tip: The MNV 100 holds a detached capsule on cables of 3 - 3.5 mm diameter.
Workflow 6: Wind and structure-borne noise
Set-ups exposed to wind, breath or stand noise.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| WNS 100 or WS 100 windscreen | Over the capsule |
| Z 26 mt or EA 2124 A mt shock mount | Between stand and microphone |
Setup
- Fit a WNS 100 or WS 100 foam windscreen.
- Insert a Z 26 mt rubber shock mount between stand and swivel mount, or use the EA 2124 A mt.
- Place the stand on a stable surface.
- Check the signal for handling noise.
Tip: The MF 2 and MF 3 table stands have non-slip rubber bottoms.
