Recording - October 2020 - 21

Sonically Speaking

The Neumann KM 184 is an excellent
blend of clarity and realism, tempered
with a smooth neutral tonality. While the
KM 84 was technically more neutral, the
KM 184 is the perfect reminder that our
perception of realism is tied to top end
clarity. The KM 184 has a very neutral
off-axis rejection, and its proximity effect
is only noticeable right up on the mic.

University. We spent the evening comparing the KM 184, the Schoeps MK4, and
the RØDE TF5 (reviewed October 2019)
pencil condensers in various stereo configurations on strings, flute, piano and
tenor vocals. While there were slight differences in tonality source to source, the
Neumann KM 184 held its own with the
bunch and was the favored pick of the
class on more than one occasion.

In Use

The KM 84 / KM 184 Debate

In the studio, I experienced great results with the KM 184 on acoustic guitars, where it does well to temper any
low muddy buildup, while at the same
time highlighting the strings' jangle. I
also liked it on hand percussion and the
front of a cajón, capturing the snare sizzle and woody slap. The KM 184 is also
a great drum overhead mic, offering a
natural, unadorned capture of the kit.
Where these mics genuinely shine is
on orchestral instruments. I was fortunate to attend a session with Grammy
Award-nominated classical engineer
Mary Mazurek (interviewed October
2019) and her recording class at DePaul

be the better choice. On acoustic guitar,
it's a matter of need and taste. On classical instruments, the KM 84 can present itself as dull, especially since when
used as a stereo pair on quiet or distant
sources, the KM 84 can be a noisy little
bugger compared to the clearer, quieter
KM 184. I personally think the KM debate suffers from vintage favoritism, and
if the KM 184 was released as a different model, even from a different manufacturer, we might not be having this
debate-they'd be perceived as what
they are-two mics with varied tonality,
that do their jobs amazingly.

I've been using a pair of KM 84i mics
for over fifteen years, especially when a
session involves an acoustic stringed instrument, most often guitar. I also reach
for them as overheads when a song
Conclusion 
calls for a focused 1970s drum vibe.
There are two things to know about
For years, I've heard opinions of how
the Neumann KM 184. First, its clean,
the KM 84 kills the KM 184-the KM
realistic capture reveals why it's a
184 is too bright. Yes, the KM 184 does
high-fidelity industry standard small dihave a more dimensional, open top end
aphragm condenser. Second, while it's
than the smoother KM 84; however, we
available as a single mic, you might not
are talking only 2.5dB at 10 kHz. To my
be 100% satisfied with just one-the
ears, there's nothing peaky, spiky, spitty
KM 184 lives for stereo.
or harsh in a KM 184. That said,
Price: $799 (single); $1500 (matched pair)
if I were using one or the other on
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hi-hat or snare, the KM 84 might

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Recording - October 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - October 2020
