KM 66

Common name: Neumann KM 66

Production Status: Discontinued / Vintage

KM is the acronym for “kleinmikrophon” meaning “little microphone”. The original KM family ( KM 53 – KM 54 – KM 56) was born in the 50’s as a result of the professional market request for high quality, but very small, microphones, ideal for TV productions. After ten years Georg Neumann GmbH launched a new KM tube series. The same Telefunken AC 701 k tube was used to design the new pre-amplifier and the new 21 mm capsules employed MCF made diaphragms. The new series was compatible with most of the old KM 5x series accessories, as cables, holders and PSU’s. The tube cathode coupling derived coming from the last “c” version yields lower noise figures. The KM 66 was designed to replace the KM 56 as a miniature multi-pattern condenser microphone for professional purposes. The KM 66 employs two cardioid KK 64 capsules installed back to back inside an head grille larger than the 21 mm diameter body. It is switchable between omnidirectional, cardioid and bidirectional polar patterns. The KK 64 frequency response is virtually the same for sound sources within +- 135° (between 100 Hz  and 18 kHz). Sound sources located in a 135° circle around the microphone can be recorded with loudness variation but no changes in timbre. It is a relatively rare microphone compared to more common fet-80 series version KM 86. The KM 66 was manufactured from 1966 to 1969.