Mic Archive

Neumann

Neumann KM 85

Small-diaphragm condenser, cardioid, with a built-in low-frequency roll-off (about 12 dB down at 50 Hz); the KM 84 with a bass cut, discontinued

Power Phantom P48, 48 V ± 4 V (DIN 45 596).

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−40.9 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
18 dB(A)
vs 104 end-address condensers

Quieter than 34% of 104 end-address condensers.

Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.

  • Among 258 condensers: quieter than 33%
  • Among 272 mics: quieter than 32%
Max SPL
120 dB SPL
vs 110 end-address condensers

Takes louder sound than 0% of 110 end-address condensers.

Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.

  • Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 3%
  • Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 3%
Rated range
40 – 20k Hz
Released
1966

Frequency response

Instruments sources recommend it for most
Angle

Distance

From the manual 1987, p. 16.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the manual 1987
14-15); this is the KM 85 i column. The table lists KM 83 i / KM 84 i / KM 85 i / KMS 84 i (pp.
Capsulepressure-gradient transducerp. 15
Sensitivity−40.9 dBV/Pa (9 mV/Pa)1 kHz. Not stated by the manufacturer: Stated as 9 mV/Pa; converted: 20·log10(0.009) = -40.9.
Self-noise18 dB(A)IEC 179.
Self-noiseCCIR 46829 dBCCIR 468-1 (1976).
Max SPL120 dB SPL0.5% THD at 1 kHz, without pre-attenuation; also 130 dB SPL, with pre-attenuation. In 1987 both German labels read "mit Vordämpfung"; the 1984 English table labels the rows "dB" and "with pre-attenuation dB", so the first is taken as without. THD of the amplifier at the capsule output for that SPL.
Signal-to-noise ratio69 dBDIN 45 590, re 1 Pa.
Output impedance200 ohmswitchable (by soldering) to 50 ohm.
Rated load impedance1000 ohmminimum; 250 ohm at the 50 ohm setting.
Rated frequency range40 Hz to 20 kHz
Poweringphantom P48, 48 V ± 4 V (DIN 45 596)
Current draw0.4 mA
Pad−10 dB"On the back of the amplifier housing of all microphones there is a 10 dB overload switch. This switch is recessed". Not shown in the graphs.p. 4
Weight80 gp. 15
Dimensions21 × 110 mmDiameter × length, version with Switchcraft (XLR) connector; 21 × 100 mm with a Binder connector (110 mm in the 1984 table).
Low-frequency roll-offBuilt in, reaching about 12 dB at 50 Hz in a plane sound field; less sensitive to low-frequency interference outdoors and in PA use, and compensates the proximity effect when close talkingp. 2
Capsule exchangeThe KM 83 i, KM 84 i and KM 85 i look the same and their capsules screw onto the same amplifier
ConnectorTwo versions: Switchcraft (XLR-3) or Binderp. 15
Battery supplyAt least 15 hours on a BS 945 i battery supply
From the Recording Hacks page
Released1966"The mic was released in 1966"; "built from around 1966 to 1990". Not from Neumann.
VersionsKM 85 (silver, 3-pin DIN connector for a Binder/Tuchel adapter), KM 85 mt (matte grey), KM 85 i (silver, XLR-3 male), KM 85 i mt (matte grey, XLR)

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Neumann, unchanged, with its original address.

Recording Hacks

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