Neumann KM 183 Omni Condenser Microphone

The KM 183 is a state-of-the-art small diaphragm condenser microphone with a frequency-independent omnidirectional polar pattern. Its very natural, transparent sound with very low self-noise and high SPL capability have made the KM 183 a worldwide studio standard for many applications ranging from classical piano to heavy metal drums. This microphone is available in black or nickel finish.

The Neumann Series 180 microphones do not add or remove anything from the original acoustic event. The KM 183's omnidirectional pattern is uniform and largely frequency-independent. In practical usage, there is no sound coloration over a wide pickup angle, which is crucial in multi-microphone setups and for precise stereo/surround imaging. The KM 183’s pressure transducer capsule is equalized for a flat frequency response in the diffuse field. In the free field (i.e. close to the sound source), it has a treble boost of approximately 7 dB at 10 kHz. Its innovative transformerless head amplifier offers a wide dynamic range of 127 dB and is carefully designed to maintain the capsule’s sonic integrity. The KM 183 has a very low self-noise of only 13 dB-A and can handle high sound pressure levels of up to 140 dB free from distortion. Due to its low impedance output stage, the KM 183 can drive long cable runs of up to 300 meters (1000 feet) without transmission losses.

The KM 183 is a universal microphone for studio applications. Its transparent sound makes the KM 183 a superb microphone for acoustic instruments, such as piano, percussion, drums, acoustic guitar, strings, woodwinds, brass, choir, and wherever sonic authenticity is paramount. As a pressure transducer, the KM 183’s low frequency response is limitless, which makes it an excellent choice for orchestra and church organ recordings. Thanks to its superior off-axis behavior, the KM 183 works extremely well in stereo and surround setups. Due to its small size, the KM 183 is visually unobtrusive and well suited to TV and radio applications.

Neumann KM 183 Features

• Omnidirectional polar pattern with excellent off-axis behavior
• Diffuse-field equalized
• Pressure transducer with unlimited bass response
• Very low self-noise (13 dB-A)
• Transformerless circuitry
• Compact size, visually unobtrusive
• High SPL capability

• KM 183 omnidirectional condenser microphone1
• Windscreen1
• Stand mount swivel1

• Transducer TypeCondenser
• Polar PatternOmnidirectional
• Frequency Range20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Rated Output Impedance50 ohms
• Sensitivity at 1kHz into 1 kΩ12 mV/Pa ± 1 dB
• Equivalent Noise Level, CCIR24 dB
• Equivalent Noise Level, A-Weighted13 dB-A
• Max. SPL for THD 0.5%140 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio, CCIR (re. 94 dB SPL)70 dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio, A-Weighted (re. 94 dB SPL)81 dB
• Max. Output Voltage10 dBu
• Supply Voltage (P48, IEC 61938)48 V ± 4 V
• Current Consumption (P48, IEC 61938)3.2 mA
• Matching ConnectorXLR 3 F
• Weight2.82 oz
• Dimensions0.87" diameter x 4.21" length