Neumann KM 185 MT Stereo Set Hypercardioid Condenser Matched Pair Black

Neumann KM 185 mt Stereo Set: Matched Hypercardioids in Matte Black

The Neumann KM 185 mt Stereo Set is a factory-matched pair of Series 180 hypercardioid small-diaphragm condenser microphones in matte black, built for stereo capture that demands both isolation and visual discretion. When a stereo array must reject heavy spill, or when the microphones have to stay invisible under theater lighting, two matched hypercardioids are the right tool. Each mic uses the same transformerless Series 180 electronics as the single KM 185 mt, with capsules selected to behave identically. Bought together, they are a turnkey directional stereo rig.

Directivity That Stays Matched

Matching is what makes a hypercardioid pair usable for stereo: because each pattern is frequency-independent, rejection stays strong and uncolored at every frequency, and shared sensitivity keeps the image centered rather than pulling to one side. Two randomly bought singles would drift in tone and level, which is fatal to a tight stereo picture. Neumann selects the pair at the factory so both channels track together. The result is directional imaging that holds solidly in the center.

Near-Coincident Arrays Against Spill

The pair suits near-coincident arrays on sources surrounded by spill, where a cardioid or omni would let too much bleed into the picture. Theater and stage stereo, broadcast stereo, and discreet pickups in busy productions all benefit from the tight 120-degree rejection working on both channels. On a crowded stage the pair pulls its target forward while suppressing everything around it. Its matte finish keeps both microphones off camera under lighting.

Open Top End, Invisible on Camera

A slight presence lift keeps the top end open and detailed on both channels, so isolated sources still sound airy rather than closed-in. Beneath that the response stays neutral, preserving the honest Series 180 tone across the stereo field. The non-reflective matte finish is chosen precisely so the microphones vanish under theater and television lighting. Focus and discretion are the two things this set is engineered to deliver at once.

Quiet Floor, High Headroom

Per capsule, the set delivers 15 dB-A of self-noise, a 142 dB maximum SPL, a 127 dB dynamic range, and 10 mV/Pa sensitivity, with a 79 dB signal-to-noise ratio. That headroom and quiet floor let the pair hold low-level detail while controlling bleed in loud, crowded settings. A frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz spans the full audible band across both channels. Each mic runs on 48V phantom power over a balanced XLR 3-pin output at 50 ohms.

In the Box and Who It's For

The set ships with two KM 185 mt microphones, two WNS 100 windscreens, and two SG 21 bk swivel mounts, ready for a near-coincident bar. It is built for the theater, broadcast, and live-sound engineer who needs directional stereo that rejects spill and stays out of sight. Where cardioids or omnis let too much room in, the matched hypercardioid pair tightens the picture. For discreet, high-rejection stereo at the Neumann standard, this is the pair to choose.