Neumann KM 184 stereo set. I purchased these for a project that never materialized, and they are still new in the box, unused.(Neumann description)The KM 184 (cardioid) in particular has become the classic high-quality miniature microphone. Now also available in attractive stereo sets.The "Series 180" consists of three compact miniature microphones with patterns that satisfy the demands of all common studio applications. Because of its optimized mechanical construction and conscious omission of modularity, which is unnecessary in many cases, the "Series 180" is predestined for economy-minded production and home recording studios. ApplicationsTheir slender shapes and the transmission characteristics described below make the "Series 180" especially suitable for a very wide range of tasks in the radio and television sector.Acoustic featuresThe KM 183 and KM 184 microphones are the successors of the well proven KM 83 and KM 84, which have been used since the seventies worldwide with great success.The pressure gradient transducers KM 184 and KM 185 feature very smooth frequency responses not only for the 0° axis, but also for lateral (off-axis) sound incidence. In typical usage, there is no coloration of sound over a wide pickup angle. Although the KM 184 has the same capsule as the KM 84, the microphone differs slightly on the 0° frequency response: The KM 184 has a gentle rise at about 9 kHz, a characteristic that was introduced very successfully with the KM 140. The result is a tonal balance that is fresher and livelier when compared to the KM 84 with its flat frequency response in that band. This difference was achieved with just a slight change of the capsule’s rear opening, and is not due to resonances. Electrical featuresThe "Series 180" microphones have the same transformerless circuitry as is used in the KM 100 system, resulting in excellent technical specifications: Compared to the KM 84 the dynamic range of the KM 184 increased by 24 dB mainly through the reduction of self-noise level to only 22 dB (CCIR) and an increased sound pressure handlingcapability of up to 138 dB. The microphones operate without any problems, even if the input of following equipment happens to be unbalanced, for example as in some DAT recorders. The output of the "Series 180", as in all Neumann microphones, is balanced and phantom (48V) powered.The "Series 180" is a good choice for all users who look for a high-quality miniature microphone, but do not need the complex, modular KM 100 system, which continues to be part of the Neumann product range. The mechanical construction was simplified, for example, capsule and output stage cannot be separated from each other. For this reason the "Series 180" is an economical alternative without giving up the electroacoustic features the users expect from Neumann microphones.Three different miniature microphones for all typical studio applicationsSuccessor of the worldwide successful KM 83/84Transformerless circuitryKM 183 / 184 / 185Acoustical operating principlePressure/Pressure gradient transducerDirectional patternomnidirectional/cardioid/hypercardioidFrequency range20 Hz ... 20 kHzSensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm12/15/10 mV/PaRated impedance50 ohmsRated load impedance1 kohmsEquivalent noise level, CCIR1)24/22/24 dBEquivalent noise level, A-weighted1)13/13/15 dB-ASignal-to-noise ratio, CCIR1) (rel. 94 dB SPL)70/72/70 dBSignal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted1) (rel. 94 dB SPL)81/81/79 dBMaximum SPL for THD 0.5%2)140/138/142 dBMaximum output voltage10 dBuSupply voltage (P48, IEC 61938)48 V ± 4 VCurrent consumption (P48, IEC 61938)3.2 mAMatching connectorsXLR 3FWeightapprox. 80 gDiameter22 mmLength107 mm____________________________________1) according to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting according to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS2) measured as equivalent el. input signal