The nickel SKM 183 NI Stereo Matched Microphone Pair from Neumann is a kit containing a stereo matched pair of the KM 183 microphones. The microphones feature omnidirectional, pressure-condenser elements intended for live-sound reinforcement and broadcast as well as recording applications. The KM 180-series microphones feature an output stage based on the KM 100. Transformerless circuitry and balanced output result in high-output gain with a very low noise floor and no coloration to the output signal. The KM 183 is powered via +48V phantom power.

The stereo pair are matched in sensitivity and frequency response and provide optimum results when capturing performances or ambiance. The 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response provides flexibility for use in a wide range of recording situations. The KM 183's omnidirectional polar pattern provides a generous pickup area, and is suitable for ambiance or spot miking instruments such as piano, wind instruments, organ, and choir. The KM 183 handles sound-pressure levels up to 140 dB, allowing close miking of instruments high in transient-level (peak) response.

Matched Pair with Custom Case    Mini Pressure-Condenser Microphone    Small Diaphragm    For Live-Sound Reinforcement & Broadcast    Omnidirectional Pattern    KM 100-Based Output Stage    Transformerless Circuitry    Uncolored, High-Gain Output Signals    Compact & Rugged    Nickel Finish

The KM 183's omnidirectional polar pattern offers a generous pickup area suitable for room ambiance capture as well as spot miking pianos, organs, wind instruments, and choir.

The KM 183 features the same output stage electronics as the KM 100. Transformer-less circuitry and quiet balanced-output design ensure a clean, high-gain output signal without any coloration. The KM 183 is powered via +48V phantom power, and its 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response provides flexibility for use in a wide range of recording situations. The KM 183 can handle sound-pressure levels up to 140 dB, allowing close miking of instruments.

The slim design and rugged construction allow easy microphone placement while remaining roadworthy.

The black matte finish makes the microphone less conspicuous, thus making it a suitable microphone for television broadcast.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is difference between this mike and the plain old U87? Which is better for voice over work (no instruments; no music; no singing)?

A: The U87 AI is the currently available version of the U87. According to Neumann The major difference occur in the electronics and effectively improve the sensitivity and signal to noise ratio. Tonally are very similar as the capsule has not changed.

Q: 2. So are these specifically for the Mixerface recorders? I wanted to get these for my Zoom F3 because they would be perfect for it, but I'm seeing other people saying they're proprietary.

A: The CEntrance PivotMic PM1 XY Stereo Condenser Recording Microphone will perform best when used with the CEntrance Mixerface. Presumably these could be used with other recorders such as the Zoom F3, however as others mention, the orientation of the XLR connections may present an issue when attempting to orient the capsules in a specific stereo pattern.

Q: 3. This is a 2 microphone package (stereo pair) for $159? or just one mic for that price?

A: Yes, this package comes with two mics (stereo pair) plus the shock mounts for both, along with a carrying case.

Q: 4. what means Mini Pressure Condenser Microphone ? could be used for drum Overheads miking?

A: Certainly. The KM 184 is suitable for X,Y style stereo capturing, percussion, wind instruments, piano, leslie speaker, and guitar amplifiers. The KM 184 can handle sound pressure levels up to 138 dB, allowing fairly close miking of instruments (including drums). Cardioid microphones, which make up the majority of models, are a 50:50 mixture of pressure and pressure gradient transducers. Pressure condenser microphones:This type is provided with a high-tuned diaphragm. The diaphragm mass(together with the vibrating air mass) is made small, the restoring forcelarge. Blind holes in the backplate, and sometimes an additional air pocketdiminish the stiffness of the air cushion sufficiently to bring the diaphragmresonance into the region of the microphones upper cut-off frequency. Inthe rising portion of the resonance curve (below the resonant frequency),the diaphragm velocity then increases with frequency and ensures the requiredconstant diaphragm excursion

Q: 5. Can these also accept capsules from SKM-185? In other words; are they interchangeable?

A: No. These are fixed capsules. The KM 100 series has interchangeable capsules.

Q: 6. Does ride ws 8 windscreen fits this microphone?

A: No, the Rode WS 8 windscreen fits microphones with a diameter of 20mm and the SE Electronics SE7 has a diameter of 12.7 mm.

Q: 7. What is the self-noise of these microphones?

A: According to the manufacturer, the CEntrance PivotMic PM1 XY Stereo Condenser Recording Microphone (Matched Pair) are rated at 20 dBA for self-noise. The standard SPL for measurements is 94 dBA and the signal-to-noise ratio rating is 74 dB.

Q: 8. Can you use it with out the shock mount

A: Yes, you can use the Neumann U 87 Ai MT Microphone without a shock mount. The shock mount is an optional accessory.

Q: 9. is the mic in ERP, DRP or other reference position?

A: The KU 100 is not in ERP or DRP. The KU 100 dummy head is a binaural stereo microphone. It resembles the human head and has two microphone capsules built into the ears. When listening through high-quality headphones it gives the illusion of being right at the scene of the acoustic events.

Q: 10. How much gain do we need to power the mic ?

A: It is a condenser microphone. It required phantom power.