KM 143

Common name: Neumann KM 143

Production Status: Discontinued / Vintage

In 1988 Georg Neumann GmbH developed an innovative modular microphone system, taking advantage of the brand’s expertise in professional microphone requirements. The KM 100 modular system consists of seven high-specialized small diaphragm capsules coupled to an output stage. The system is designed with every kind of electrical and mechanical accessories, to cover all necessities, not just for broadcasting, TV productions or recording, but also for all applications in which one or more microphones are needed. The high versatility of the system is also budget-saving. It is not necessary to purchase a new complete microphone for any arising necessity, as the system can be expanded with new capsules or accessories. The capsules are active and can be coupled to the transformer-less output stage with long cables without quality degradation.

The KM 100 output stage has a tubular shape with the same diameter and size as an XLR connector so that it can be plugged directly into a mixing console providing phantom powering (the cable has a length of 60 mm). If needed it can also be powered through a dedicated phantom PSU.  The KM 100 F version features a special filtered output stage with a fixed always active 80 Hz 6 dB/octave slope and a switchable 120 Hz 12 dB/octave slope setting (cable length is 126 mm). Each active capsule coupled to the standard output stage is specifically named, so they can be ordered to form a complete microphone ready to be used. The KM 143 consists of the bidirectional AK 43 capsule with the KM 100 output stage. The AK 43 is a wide cardioid transducer suitable for pick-up of large instruments ensembles, A-B pair in rooms with poor acoustics and neutral close pick-up of bass instruments like double bass, bass and guitar amplifiers.

The main accessories for the KM 100 series modular systems include: SBK 130 Sound Diffraction Sphere – KVF 118 KA capsule extension with 300 mm gooseneck  – KVF 158 KA capsule extension with 700 mm gooseneck – KVF 148 KA capsule extension with double 300 mm gooseneck – SG 100 swivel mount for KVF – MNV 100 auditorium hanger with clamp for AK capsules – DS 21 parallel double mount – DS 110 cross adjustable double mount – EA 2124 A elastic suspension – SMK 100 KA 160 mm gooseneck with cable – SMK 100-2 KA double 160 mm gooseneck with cable – STH 100 stereo mount for AK capsules – DA-AK elastic suspension for two AK capsules – LC 3 KA 5m cable for AK capsule output stage coupling – LC 3 KA 10m cable for the AK capsule output stage coupling.

The KM 100 system was discontinued in 2015.