The Neumann KU 100 is a dummy head binaural stereo microphone designed to provide an accurate reproduction of sound as heard by a human for musicians and audio engineers in music recording sessions, measurement and analysis, and film, television, and sound effects production. With low-noise transformless circuitry and a microphone capsule mounted in each ear of its head, the KU 100 produces accurate and realistic stereo imaging.

A selectable high-pass filter with three positions—flat, 40 Hz, or 150 Hz—allows you to tailor the 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response to control rumble and excessive low frequencies. Activate the -10 dB pad to prevent distortion when capturing loud sources. Outputs include two unbalanced BNC jacks and a balanced XLR 5-pin connector.

The KU 100 can be operated via battery power, phantom power, or the supplied external power supply. It includes an XLR 5-pin cable, an XLR 5-pin to dual XLR 3-pin adapter, and a sturdy aluminum carrying case.

Ideal for Stereo Recording & Measurement    Realistic Stereo Imaging    Low-Noise Transformerless Circuitry    20 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response    Switchable -10 dB Pad    Selectable High-Pass Filter    Multiple Powering Options    XLR 5-Pin and BNC Outputs    Includes XLR 5-Pin and Adapter Cables    Includes Aluminum Carrying Case

The KU 100 dummy head is a replica of the human head with a microphone built into each ear. This configuration communicates a sound image almost identical to the one at the recording location of the dummy head, making it ideal for any application where you want to capture sound as you hear it.

The KU 100 uses transformerless circuitry with the advantage of high-output capability, fast transient response, and extremely low self-noise. The usual output transformers are replaced by electronic circuits. As with traditional transformers, this technique ensures good common mode rejection and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signals.

One XLR 5-pin connector and two BNC jacks provide balanced and unbalanced connectivity. For the balanced output, an XLR 5-pin cable and XLR 5-pin to dual XLR 3-pin adapter are provided.

The KU 100 can be powered in three different modes— from an external phantom power supply, with six AA batteries (available separately), or from the included external power supply. When using external phantom power, 48V phantom power should be applied to each channel.

The dummy head can be installed on or suspended from microphone stands or booms. For this purpose, the head is provided with 5/8"-27 threaded hole at its top and bottom. Reducing nuts for 3/8" and 1/2" threads are supplied with the system.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How do I turn off phantom power?

A: Instructions for turning the Zoom F3's phantom power on or off can be found on page 33 of the manual here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/lit_files/817196.pdf

Q: 2. How do I get the audio on my computer

A: An adapter cable and an audio USB interface would be required: Neumann AC-20 5-Pin XLR Female to 2 3-Pin XLR Male Adapter Y-Cable - 3.3' B&H # NEAC20 Universal Audio Apollo Twin USB Desktop Interface with Realtime UAD Processing for Windows B&H # UNAPTWDUSB

Q: 3. How much handling noise (breathing, swallowing, wind, etc) is there with these?Also, what kind of gain boost do they require in a pre-amp, and how noisy do they get?

A: The human head in itself is a resonance chamber, and due to the mounting position of the BSM-8, users may be vulnerable to unwanted noises produced by heavy breathing, swallowing, etc. The degree of pickup varies among individuals, and how noticeable it is in the recording is highly dependent on the noise floor. Microphone Madness does make the MM-EBM-1 power/filter unit. This inline battery module provides a 7-position bass roll-off switch, allowing you to filter various degrees of bass content (i.e. wind noise) from the sound to be recorded. The module also provides a little over 9 VDC enabling the microphone to handle higher SPL (sound pressure levels), thereby increasing dynamic range to ensure superior performance.

Q: 4. At which level perceptuall these mikes affect ones hearing ability?

A: Microphone Madness designed the BSM-8 in a way that doesn't affect one's hearing (unless it's literally being shoved down the ear canal). The BSM-8 ear tips are made of a soft silicone like material and can be worn for hours at a time.

Q: 5. what are the case dimensions?

A: The microphone: 8.04 x 2.8 (201 x 70mm) LxD The case dimensions are not published but they are smaller than: (LxWxH) 16.0 x 14.0 x 6.5 Neumann has not provided the carrying case dimensions.

Q: 6. can I use these on my D5100 ?

A: The Microphone Madness BSM-8 is compatible with the Nikon D5100. The BSM-8 features a stereo 3.5mm jack for direct connection to the camera.

Q: 7. What's the difference between those and the BSM-9 of the same brand. I'm looking to do binaural recording with Silicone Ears. I've the Roland CS-10EM, would that compare? I'm trying to find the best around this price range. Cheers.

A: The BSM-7 and BSM-9 are similar aside from the capsules used. The BSM-7 uses a Panasonic 61 series capsule. The specs and size differ slightly from the BSM-9. BSM-7 capsules are smaller in size and offer better specs in dynamic range and signal to noise ratio. Both are comparable to the Roland CS-10EM with similar listed specs.

Q: 8. What type of microphone is recommended for Neumann KU 100?

A: The KU 100 dummy head ships complete with a microphone built into each ear for binaural recording. The unit ships with a 5 pin to dual 3 pin XLR output cable and can be powered via its included AC adapter, AA batteries or phantom power.

Q: 9. I'd like to use these for frequency response measurements. Can you provide a calibration file for the binaural elements?

A: I use these for frequency response measurements and they work fantastically well without any calibration file. I was mostly worried about imbalance between the channels but I did my best to measure the differences between the two and the tolerances were tight enough not to make any impact to my measurements.

Q: 10. Will this adapter allow you to put a KK105 Cap on a Shure ADX2FH Handheld?

A: Thank you for your question. This adapter cap will allow you to connect a Neumann/sennheiser wireless capsule to the Shure ADX2FH handheld.