KMS 84

Common name: Neumann KMS 84

Production Status: Discontinued / Vintage

KM is the acronym for “kleinmikrophon” meaning “little microphone”. In 1953 Georg Neumann GmbH introduced the “KM” family with the KM 53. The KMS 84 is the second vocalist microphone manufactured by Neumann. It replaced the KMS 85 and was manufactured from 1977 to 1991. For a period of time, both microphones were available (from 1977 to 1985). The KMS 84 shape is similar to that of a common moving coil microphone in sharp contrast with that of the KMS 85. It had a removable head grille, switchable -10 dB attenuation pad and high pass filter. The on-stage microphone performance was greatly improved compared to its predecessor, especially regarding handling sensitivity, feedback rejection and anti-pop performance. The KMS 84 is equipped with a K 84 capsule. It was used extensively on stage by important performers and bands worldwide, while it was used less than the KMS 85 for TV broadcasting where wireless technology had replaced wired microphones. Today it is still a quality microphone for general-purpose studio applications.