NEUMANN KK 185
MRP - Rs. 77,900
NEUMANN KK 185 hypercardioid capsule head for the modular KM A/D system: 15 dB-A self-noise, 142 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 | Hypercardioid |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kΩ | 10 mV/Pa |
| Equivalent noise level, CCIR | 24 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) | 78 dB |
| Maximum SPL for THD 0.5 % | 142 dB |
| Maximum SPL for THD 0.5 % with pre‑attenuation | 152 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) | 19 g |
| Weight (output stage) | 70 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Length (capsule only) | 18 mm |
| Length (microphone) | 108 mm |
| Finishes | Nickel (008570); Nextel black, nx (008571) |
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 185 is a hypercardioid 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 185 is a pressure gradient transducer with a hypercardioid characteristic. Attenuation of sound incidence from the side or rear is approximately 10 dB. Minimum sensitivity occurs at an angle of about 120°. The KK 185 is available in nickel (KK 185) and Nextel black (KK 185 nx), each delivered in a wooden box.
| Equivalent noise level, A‑weighted (with KM A) | 15 dB‑A |
| Maximum SPL for 0.5 % THD | 142 dB |
| With -10 dB pre‑attenuation (KM A) | 152 dB |
| Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kΩ | 10 mV/Pa |
Key features
- Hypercardioid characteristic
- Approx. 10 dB attenuation of sound from the side or rear
- Minimum sensitivity at about 120°
- Maximum SPL of 142 dB, 152 dB with pre-attenuation
- 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 185 capsule
The KK 185 is a pressure gradient transducer with a hypercardioid characteristic. Attenuation of sound incidence from the side or rear is approximately 10 dB. 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 185 capsule head (or KK 185 nx)
- Wooden box
Available versions
- KK 185: nickel, Cat. No. 008570
- KK 185 nx: Nextel black, Cat. No. 008571
NEUMANN KK 185: frequently asked questions
Is the KK 185 a complete microphone?
The KK 185 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 185 have?
Hypercardioid. The KK 185 is a pressure gradient transducer with a hypercardioid characteristic.
Can the KK 185 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 185 and the KK 185 nx?
Only the finish: the KK 185 (Cat. No. 008570) is nickel and the KK 185 nx (Cat. No. 008571) is Nextel black. Both are delivered in a wooden box.
Where can I buy the NEUMANN KK 185 in India?
The NEUMANN KK 185 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 185 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 185 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: Stereo pair on the DS 120
XY, AB or Blumlein stereo recording with two microphones.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| Two KM A/D microphones in SG 21 bk mounts | DS 120 double mount |
| Two XLR cables | Two preamp inputs (P48) |
Setup
- Attach both microphones in their SG 21 bk mounts to the DS 120.
- Set spacing and angle for the chosen technique.
- Connect both outputs and switch on phantom power.
- Match the gain on both channels.
Tip: The DS 120's two movable studs allow any spacing or angle between the microphones.
Workflow 3: Detached capsule on the LC 4 cable
Unobtrusive set-ups with the output stage out of sight.
Connections
| Connect | To |
|---|---|
| KK 185 | LC 4 cable (5 m or 10 m) |
| LC 4 | KM A output stage |
| KM A | Preamp input (P48) |
Setup
- Remove the KK 185 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 185 | 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.
