Topic: Neumann mic advise

[SClassical]

I'm thinking of adding another pair of omnis to my collection (this time I want to try out Neumann mics) the only problem is I need them as compact as possible for stealthing. I know Neumann does not have the compact mics similar to DPAs or Schoeps so I thought of getting these:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KM183Pair/specs/#anchor

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/264889.html

I'll put the capsule on one end of the cable the the body on the other end.

This will make a compact microphone which is stealthable on one end similar to my DPA 4052 and Schoeps CCM2S.

Has anyone in the group ever tried stealthing with this sort of combo?

And is it worth the money and time in getting this combo just to try and play around and see if I like the sound compare to my current brands? Anyone recorded classical music (especially instrumental) with these mics before and have samples to post or email me so I can hear the quality?

[Brian Skalinder]

The KM18x series doesn't allow for remote capsules via the LC3 cables.  You'd need the AK30 or AK31 caps + LC3 cables + KM100 bodies to run the caps remotely from the bodies.

[DSatz]

That's just not a possible combination of hardware. The capsule end of the KM 183 wouldn't attach to the cable, and the other end of the cable wouldn't attach to the KM 180-series amplifier.

The KM 180 series is their (relatively) low cost, non-modular series while the KM 100 series is modular. The extension cable is from the KM 100 series. You would need an active capsule from the KM 100 series--either the AK 30 (which has the same characteristics as the capsule of the KM 183) or the AK 31 (which has flat response on axis, and is designed for use close to the sound source, where the main sound energy is direct).

--best regards

[boojum]

I am not the brightest bear in the woods so what I would do is call Neumann, tell them what you want to do, and get their recommendations.  If you want Neumann, and don't we all, why not ask the folks who know: the manufacturer and their reps.  It is a valid point of view they would give you to weigh with the experience of folks who are using these mics.

Cheers     

[SClassical]

Thanks! I'll email them and ask them for advise 

[noahbickart]

Go ahead a call them if you want to, but Brian and Dsatz are correct:

the 18x series doesn't allow for remote mounting of the caps. The capsules on thr 183 (omni), 184 (card), and 185(hyper) are fixed. The only way to get them off is to break the microphone.

If you want a small diaphram active Neumann onmi, the 143 with the cable you linked to is your only option.

Hope this helps!

-Noah

[kskreider]

If you want a small diaphram active Neumann onmi, the 143 with the cable you linked to is your only option.

Hope this helps!

-Noah

Nope, that doesn't.  What you are referring to at a "143" typically represents this: AK 43 mic capsule > LC3KA active cable > KM100 mic body.

The AK43 capsule is actually a wide cardiod and NOT an omni.  Neumann's modular omni capsules are the AK 30 (diffuse) and AK31 (direct)

So his only modular Neumann solution would be more like AK 30, or AK31 mic capsule > LC3KA active cable > KM100 mic body.

[SClassical]

Oh thanks!
So anyone here/or you know anyone who go for this setup? So I guess each item is purchased separately...

AK 30, or AK31 mic capsule > LC3KA active cable > KM100 mic body

[kskreider]

Nah, you could buy a km130 or km 131 kit and then just add a pair of active cables.

It is an expensive way to go since it would most likely just be bodies, capsule and cables with no other accessories, but those would probably run you around $2000. (guessing)

Edit: find out if those Full Compass prices are per mic or for a pair.

[Shawn]

those are per mic prices.

[kskreider]

those are per mic prices.

Holy shit.

[Shawn]

those are per mic prices.

Holy shit.

yeah the skm140 stereo set is going for $3k now..

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/252052.html

[kskreider]

yeah the skm140 stereo set is going for $3k now..
http://www.fullcompass.com/product/252052.html

Well, it looks like that makes me a successful investor then.   

He could buy skm kit on fleabay for $2600  Sell Andrew the ak40 caps for around a $1000, and then go and buy a pair of ak30 or ak31 capsules too.

[Todd R]

I've never bought from them, but when I was checking about new Neumanns awhile back, avalive.com seemed to have better prices than I found elsewhere.  For instance, you could get a pair of the km130 omni mic sets and then get the lc3ka active cables separately:

http://www.avalive.biz/Neumann-USA-/7051/31440/productDetail.php

[Steve J]

I've gotten very good deals from Jack's Music Store on Neumann gear. When I had to replace one of my active cables, they had the best price hands down.