Topic: The New Neumann KM-A mics w/ KK caps

[OOK]

Has anyone tried the new Neumann KM-A mics.  I see there is a fully digital version (KM-D).  They look like a cross between the km100 series and the km-184 series.  Maybe something like the older KM84 mics.  The price seems reasonable too.

Preamp body:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838463-REG/Neumann_KM_A_NX_KM_A_Output_Stage.html

Omni Cap:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/485130-REG/Neumann_KK_183_NX_KK183_Omnidirectional_Capsule.html

Wide Card:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/540322-REG/Neumann_KK_143_NX_KK143_Wide_Cardioid_Miniature.html

Card:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/485127-REG/Neumann_KK_184_NX_KK184_Cardioid_Capsule.html

Hyper:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/485139-REG/Neumann_KK_185_NX_KK185_Supercardioid_Capsule.html

Fig 8:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838440-REG/Neumann_KK_120_NX_KK_120_Figure_8.html

Looks like a super Omni:  This one costs some coin....
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838443-REG/Neumann_KK_133_NX_KK_133_Omnidirectional_Diffuse.html

[DSatz]

These should sound exactly the same as the corresponding KM 100- or KM 180-series mikes. But the capsules are somewhat less expensive than the "active capsules" of the KM 100 series, because the Schoeps patent has run out, so Neumann (and parent company Sennheiser) are now free to build active accessories without having to put FET circuitry in the capsules any more to work around the patent.

There is no special resemblance to the older fet 80 microphones such as the KM 84--that's a total misimpression there, I'm afraid.

--best regards

[John Willett]

The KM-A (and KM-D) capsules are basically the same as the KM180 and KM 100 series.

The circuitry is the latest design and is a bit better than the others.

I have several of the KM-D series omni heads and find them excellent.

Though if you want the sound of the old KM 84 you will need to get the Gefell M300 

[OOK]

Thanks......for all the info.  They certainly look temping.

Already knew that about the gefell m300 .

[jazzgtrl4]

Or just pic up a pair of these, like mine and keep them in a schoeps box

[H₂O]

http://www.neumann.com/?lang=en&id=current_microphones&cid=km_a_description

Are they going to be coming out with active cables for this series?  With the number of contacts on the body at the capsule end it definitely looks like it.

When did Schoeps' patent run out?

[H₂O]

http://www.neumann.com/?lang=en&id=current_accessories&cid=db_current_accessories&dbid=174

Found the active cable

[Fried Chicken Boy]

So, will this KM-A system be replacing the KM-100 series mics?

[OOK]

Or just pic up a pair of these, like mine and keep them in a schoeps box

those look like Km84..not the KM-a with KK cap?

[jazzgtrl4]

Or just pic up a pair of these, like mine and keep them in a schoeps box

those look like Km84..not the KM-a with KK cap?

Yes They are a pair of consecutive serial number km84's

[silentmark]

Or just pic up a pair of these, like mine and keep them in a schoeps box

+T 

[John Willett]

Or just pic up a pair of these, like mine and keep them in a schoeps box

Why not use a Neumann box?

[OOK]

I would highly recomend a pelican 1040 case with the 1042 pick and pluck foam.  Not sure where your located.  I am in PA and use B+H for most things.... I have no affiliation with B+H....I just find there site very easy to use, cheap, fast shipping to my area.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/257874-REG/Pelican_1040_025_100_1040_Micro_Case_Clear.html

[John Willett]

I would highly recomend a pelican 1040 case with the 1042 pick and pluck foam.  Not sure where your located.  I am in PA and use B+H for most things.... I have no affiliation with B+H....I just find there site very easy to use, cheap, fast shipping to my area.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/257874-REG/Pelican_1040_025_100_1040_Micro_Case_Clear.html

Peli - yes / pick and pluck foam - no !

I take my Peli cases to a local flight case company and get them custom foamed - much much better.

[jazzgtrl4]

Ya well, i found that schoeps case for $20.00. I know i should get something better but i dont take these km84's out in the field, i want to, actually never have. That might change this summer.