Miniature Microphone Application Guide

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KM 100 KM 140AK 40
KM 100 FAK ...
LC 3 KA
AK ...
KM 100 (F)
KVF ... KA
SMK ... KA
SG-AK
MF-AK
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INTRODUCTION
Foreword
The KM 100 miniature microphone
system debuted in 1988; down through
the years, it has been expanded with ac-
cessories, turning it into a universal,
modular system that adapts well to in-
dividual requirements. This “Applica-
tion Guide”, which is intended as a
supplement to the KM 100 product
catalog, explains the modular construc-
tion of these microphones and numer-
ous sample applications.
This brochure lays no claim to exhaus-
tiveness – the possibilities inherent in
this modular system are simply too var-
ied for that.
Many combinations have been devel-
oped by our customers themselves in
practical settings. Some of these ideas
have since found their way “into series”
and are presented in this brochure.
Think of it as a source of inspiration for
your own approach to using the KM 100
system creatively.
As a supplement to the standard acces-
sories available, Neumann can also man-
ufacture variants and special parts
according to customer request, thus
additionally expanding the range of ap-
plications for this system.
The Foundations of the Modular System
The most important prerequisite for the modularity of this miniature
microphone system is the ability to separate the microphone capsule
from the so-called output stage. Electronics built right into the micro-
phone – placed right after the capsule – ensure optimum decoupling of
all subsequent accessories or cables, so that they have no influence on
audio signal quality.
Because of the electronics that they contain, these capsules are known
as active capsules (AK). There are seven different active capsules with
varying directional characteristics: AK 20, AK 30, AK 31, AK 40, AK 43,
AK 45 and AK 50.
Active Capsules
The required level of miniaturization was achieved through the use of
highly advanced hybrid components that permit a very high packaging
density.
The flexibility of the KM 100 system is
due especially to numerous electrically
passive accessories that can be connect-
ed between the capsule and the output
stage, and an extensive range of mechani-
cal accessories for mounting and position-
ing.
For the most part, Neumann accessories
are freely combinable, since they are pro-
vided with both a 5/8” internal thread (US
standard) and 3/8” and 1/2” internal
threads (EU). This adaptation is made us-
ing a reversible adaptor that screws into the
5/8” threads. (Exception: The SGE 100
has only a 3/8” thread and an M6 bolt re-
spectively).
First, however, let us consider the various
electrical connection possibilities available.
Section of Capsule with
Hybrid Module Visible
Electrical Connection Possibilities of the Microphone
In the simplest case, an active capsule is connected directly to the out-
put stage of the KM 100. This results in a compact miniature micro-
phone that measures 92 mm in length – for example, the KM 140:
In many situations, especially for spoken voice applications, it is advis-
able to filter out low-frequency noise electrically. This is done with the
help of the KM 100 F filter output stage, which can be used instead of
the normal KM 100 output stage and has a slide switch permitting se-
lection of an 80 Hz or 120 Hz cutoff frequency.
Numerous strictly passive, mechanical accessories can be inserted be-
tween the capsule and the output stage.
There are also various ways of connecting the microphone to the mixing
console.