Neumann KU 100 Binaural Dummy Head Condenser Microphone

The KU 100 is a dummy head microphone for a truly immersive binaural listening experience with headphones. Although it uses only two channels, its spatial depiction appears three dimensional and shockingly realistic. Typical applications range from classical recordings and radio drama productions to experimental pop and ambient recordings. In addition, the Neumann KU 100 is also often used for industrial applications, e.g. documenting and examining noise in automobiles or work places..

Conventional recording techniques attempt to transfer an acoustic event into the listener’s environment. The result is often dissatisfactory because the original room is put into a second room. Dummy head recordings are a much more immediate experience, because they transfer the listener into the environment the acoustic event originally took place. Moreover, head related stereo recordings are truly immersive, creating a 3D sonic image surrounding the listener.

The KU 100 dummy head is a binaural stereo microphone. Two omnidirectional condenser capsules are built into artificial ears mounted on an enclosure resembling a human head. KU 100 recordings played back over high quality headphones give the listeners an experience almost identical to what they would have heard at the recording position. Stunning lateral and vertical localization and a breathtaking sense of space and a room decay surrounds the listener. Immersive sound has never been easier: simply place the KU 100 at the optimal listening position! The KU 100 is compatible with loudspeaker playback, too, creating a stereo image similar to conventional microphones with a superior sense of space and depth.

Thanks to its state-of-the-art transformerless circuitry, the KU 100 has very low self-noise and can handle high sound pressure levels of up to 135 dB without audible distortion and up to 145 dB with the –10 dB preattenuation switch activated. A second switch offers three low cut options, 150 Hz, 40 Hz, and linear. Both switches affect both channels. The KU 100 has a balanced XLR 5 stereo output and unbalanced BNC outputs. Three powering options are available: P48 phantom power, internal battery, and external PSU (included). The KU 100 is mounted to standard microphone stands at the top or the bottom side, with a 5/8"-27 female thread, plus thread adapters to connect to 1/2"- and 3/8" studs.

Neumann KU 100 Features

• Dummy head microphone for immersive sound experience with headphones
• Headphone playback optimized, loudspeaker compatible
• Natural sound with flat diffuse field response
• Transformerless circuitry for low noise and distortion
• 145 dB maximum SPL
• 78 dB S/N ratio
• 20 mV/Pa sensitivity
• Switchable pad and dual stage low cut
• Battery, external PSU, or phantom powering

• KU 100 Binaural Dummy Head Condenser Microphone1

• Acoustical operating principlePressure transducer
• Directional Pattern Ear
• Frequency Range 20 Hz ... 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm 20 mV/Pa
• Rated Impedance 50 ohms balanced, 200 ohms unbalanced
• Rated load impedance 1 kohms
• Equivalent noise level, CCIR [1] 29 dB (23 dB lt. BA)
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted [2] 16 dB-A
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% [3] 135 dB
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% with preattenuation [4] 145 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (re. 94 dB SPL) [5] 65 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (re. 94 dB SPL) [6] 78 dB
• Maximum output voltage 8 dBu
• Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938) 48 V ± 4 V / 6 x 1.5 V
• Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938) 2 x 3.5 mA
• Battery supply 6 x 1.5 V (AA) “round cell”
• External power supply unit (supplied) 9 V
• Matching connector XLR 3 F / XLR 5 F
• Weight KU 100 without batteries approx. 3500 g
• Weight with carrying case approx. 9500 g
• Height 280 mm / 360 mm (case)
• Width180 mm / 390 mm (case)
• Depth 220 mm / 260 mm (case)
• Notes
  • 1) according to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting acccording to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS
  • 2) according to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting acccording to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS
  • 3) measured as equivalent el. input signal
  • 4) measured as equivalent el. input signal
  • 5) according to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting acccording to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS
  • 6) according to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting acccording to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS