U 64

Common name: Neumann KM 64

Production Status: Discontinued / Vintage

KM is the acronym of “kleinmikrophon” meaning “little microphone”. The U 64 is a special version of the KM 64. It uses a removable Nuvistor instead of the standard soldered AC 701 K. It was designed for U.S. export and features an XLR connector instead of the standard small Touchel. It is not compatible with the standard KM series PSU and cables. 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 U 64 features the KK 64 capsule (also used in the KM 64 – KM 66 KM 84 and KM 86. This capsule uses MCF diaphragms and has a constant frequency response for off-axis sounds. The 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. The U 64 was manufactured from 1964 to 1971.