Topic: Microphone Problem - Neumann KM184

[John Willett]

The XLR connectors inside my Microtech Gefell M300's rattle when there is no cord attached. When I sent them to Germany for service I mentioned it and the told me it's they way they are supposed to be. None of my other mics do that, but I tend to believe that the folks at Gefell know what they are doing. 

I have seen others do this as well - certainly I have seen it on some Neumann mics. - a loose connector in the mic. means that it mates properly with any make of cable connector and that the pins are less likely to get bent and damaged.

Once plugged together, it does not rattle and is a good tight connection.

[wvmaine]

"There is nothing printed on it."


Any idea on the neumann question? Why would mine have the serial # printed inside the connector on what seems to be a rubber ring around the pins? Thanks

[John Willett]

"There is nothing printed on it."


Any idea on the neumann question? Why would mine have the serial # printed inside the connector on what seems to be a rubber ring around the pins? Thanks

Neumann serial numbers are engraved into the microphone - sometimes on the bottom outside edge of the XLR.

Some Sennheiser microphones had the serial number printed on a plastic disk that sits at the bottom of the XLR - this is a thin white plastic disk with three holes for the XLR pins - it is *not* a "rubber ring".  I do not know if Neumann also started using this method recently.

The rubber ring we have been talking about in the Neumann mics was wavy and not a smooth circle.  It was to prevent rattling when Switchcraft connectors were used.

[wvmaine]

I do not know if Neumann also started using this method recently.

Thanks again John for your reply. I bought my km184 set a couple of years ago (new out of the box). That's how they look with the serial numbers printed in white with the model name: km 184 on a little black disk that surrounds the three pins. I think it might be wise to just leave them be, considering the xlr fit is a minor inconvenience. Just makes the breakdown at the end of the evening a little frustrating, when up on a ladder! Let me know if you run across any new info.

[John Willett]

I do not know if Neumann also started using this method recently.

Thanks again John for your reply. I bought my km184 set a couple of years ago (new out of the box). That's how they look with the serial numbers printed in white with the model name: km 184 on a little black disk that surrounds the three pins. I think it might be wise to just leave them be, considering the xlr fit is a minor inconvenience. Just makes the breakdown at the end of the evening a little frustrating, when up on a ladder! Let me know if you run across any new info.

This disk is NOT the rubber ring we are taking about and it has no bearing on the XLR fit.

The rubber ring we are talking about is a wavy rubber ring that goes round the outside edge deep inside the XLR on the mic.  If it's there it will be on top of the plastic serial number disk.

[KenH]

I always thought my Neutrik -> KM184 connection was pretty tight.  Checked and I had the washers in there.  Removed them, and the XLRs connect and click much easier.   Great info!!!

Interesting to note that 1 Neutrik XLR connector is still pretty tight for each mic, wouldn't expect that kind of variation in the Neutriks...

Here are couple of pictures of the washer*.  Comes right out.  Under that there's no "white ring", just a black rubber looking labeled KM184 and the S/N at the base.

* pending figuring out how to post an image again...

[wvmaine]

Thanks...mine didn't come with those for some reason. Neutrik xlr fit is still tight. This thread has helped though.

[KenH]

Interesting to note that 1 Neutrik XLR connector is still pretty tight for each mic, wouldn't expect that kind of variation in the Neutriks...

At the base of the XLR where it meets the mic is another rubber washer.  Reseating this washer solved this issue.   Loving the crisp click of a solid connection being made... 

[Chuck]

Loving the crisp click of a solid connection being made... 

Me too!