KM 85

Common name: Neumann KM 85

Production Status: Discontinued / Vintage

KM is the acronym for “kleinmikrophon” meaning “little microphone”. Georg Neumann GmbH  first introduced this type of microphone in 1953 with the KM 53. The KM 85 belongs to the “fet 80” series. The KM 85 is a cardioid microphone designed for close field pickup. Its cardioid capsule features a built-in low-cut filter to compensate for the proximity effect affecting pressure gradient transducers. The microphone amplifier incorporates a switchable -10 dB pre-attenuator. It was manufactured from 1966 to 1990 and was available with standard 3-pin Tuchel connector or XLR-3 (“i” version) in nickel or dark matt finish.

Electrical Characteristics

Frequency Response
40Hz - 16 kHz
Output Sensitivity
0.5 mV/Pa
Max SPL
123.5
Max SPL, THD:
0.5
Self Noise (CCIR)
dB
Self Noise (DIN/IEC)
25 dB-A
Output Impedance
50 or 200Ω
Recommended Load
1kΩ
Powering
Phantom 48 only
Supply Current
0.4 mA
Alternative Powering

Switchable Options

Pad
10 dB
Filter/EQ

Physical Characteristics

Connector
DIN 3 (MAS 30), XLR-3M
Connector notes
Available Colours
Dark matte. Silver nickel
Weight
80 g
Length
101 mm
Min diameter width
Max diameter
21 mm
Depth

Accessories

Included
KV 22 swivel microphone clip. WNS 21 foam windshield.
Optional
Microphone case. EA 21 elastic suspension. N 45 power supply. BS 45 battery supply.