Neumann KM 184 & SKM 184 Review
Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Neumann KM 184 & SKM 184. For example, 100% of 9 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Neumann KM 184 & SKM 184 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 42 Reviews
Records Acoustic Nicely
Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Dennis B. on Reverb
As an at home hobbyist I've recorded with a bunch of junk mics and a few good ones. I never was happy recording my Taylor 510 though. I bought a U87ai and it recorded my acoustic better than any mic before (plus I had an better chain, BAE DMP, WA2A), but it sounded sterile. So I decided to try the KM 184. It really brought the guitar to life and made it sound special. You can get all sorts of different tones depending on where you point it, so that's a personal thing. But it clearly was meant for acoustic. That said, I decided on this over the classic 84 because you never know what you'll get in an old mic. And you might have to have the old one serviced, which triples the price of this mic. It's a precision tool, but well worth it in my small mic locker! I've had a bunch of hobby mics, from AKG C1000S to Rode NT5 stereo pair. It was always hit or miss because of room acoustics, mic placement, etc. In the end, I think you have to be sure of your whole chain (good preamp, good compressors) and certainly treat your room acoustically to be worth any more expensive mic's time. The order I would go in in terms of good gear would be: 1) Treat Room 2) Good Preamp 3) Good Compressor &or Limiter 4) Good Mic. Otherwise the lack of the first 3 makes any mic sound like junk. ... More
Wonderful Microphone
Neumann KM 184 MT Microphone (Matte Black)
Reviewed by Mark, Director of production on B&H Photo Video
We've had this microphone for years and use it almost exclusively for VO in a sound booth environment. It receives it's phantom power from a mixer and it's all ultimately used in a HD video production/non-linear post production facility. The microphone is quiet, very responsive and picks up the most subtle nuances of whatever or whoever we're recording. It's capacity to handle high pressure sound levels is also impressive. I highly recommend it.
Oh, so that's what I was missing...
Neumann SKM 184 MT Stereo Matched Microphone Pair (Matte Black)
Reviewed by Octavian on B&H Photo Video
Well, these Neumann mics are just the very best I have ever used for acoustic guitar. I've tried everything, all the way up to the highest quality ribbon mic, and these small diaghram Neumann mics are just what's needed. I have not compared them with competing quality small diaghram mics, but this is a great stereo pair for what I need - recording classical guitar and steel string acoustic guitar. I'm looking no further.
Nice
Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Alan on Guitar Center
I needed a small diaphragm mic for acoustic guitar and also strings. This Neumann is a really nice addition to my studio. I usually combine it with a U67 on acoustic. This mic picks up the high-end nuances of the acoustic beautifully. I do think that the price is a bit high for small diaphragm, but I'm only using it in a home studio.
Superb live concert piano mic
Neumann SKM 184 MT Stereo Matched Microphone Pair (Matte Black)
Reviewed by Larry on B&H Photo Video
I bought the KM 184s to do slight reinforcement of a solo piano concert in a small concert hall, if needed. So glad I did! I went with the KM 184 because it was a favorite of the professional pianist, for both recording and live. Used just one, positioned at the crook of the lid on high stick. With very minor amplification, it rounded out the sound perfectly. Without doing an A/B test you probably wouldn't even notice it, but it improved the performance perfectly and unobtrusively. Looking forward to putting these to more use!
Ads
A fine high-quality microphone
Neumann KM 184 MT Microphone (Matte Black)
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I collect and test mics as a hobby. I'm a professor, former TV executive and audio studio owner. I was at the Neumann/Sennheiser factory in Germany and saw the mic being made. I observed it in regular use by the Berlin Philharmonic. My use is for voice--exceptional.@
Great small diaphragm mics.
Neumann SKM 184 MT Stereo Matched Microphone Pair (Matte Black)
Reviewed by Michael on B&H Photo Video
Just getting started with this stereo pair of small diaphragm condensers. Use them to record mainly strings and piano in a classical setting. Can't believe what a big step up I've taken with them: such smooth, clean sound. Very pleased so far.
A modern take on a studio classic
Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Sean Sullivan on Guitar Center
The Neumann KM84 is a studio stable, a popular choice for any acoustic source. Long discontinued skyrocketing in price, the KM184 is the best alternative on the market. A slightly brighter, more modern sound than the KM84, the KM184 is at home in front of a guitar or over a drum set. Get a pair!
High quality
Neumann SKM 184 MT Stereo Matched Microphone Pair (Matte Black)
Reviewed by Steven on B&H Photo Video
I'm a professional classical guitarist and these mics (like the other km 184 mics I have used) are top quality with excellent sound reproduction. As classical guitarists will tell you, recording a good classical guitar sound is difficult. These mics are an important part of the recording chain (the others being excellent cables, good preamps and ad da converters).
Nice Microphones!
Neumann SKM 184 MT Stereo Matched Microphone Pair (Matte Black)
Reviewed by Joseph on B&H Photo Video
Very natural open sound...smooth.. So far have only used them to record acoustic guitar and tambourine but I was really pleased with the results. I have been using AKG P170s and have made nice recording with those mics but these mics are in a different league. The difference I hear is not subtle...excited about using them for other applications...
Great Mic, I buy used to save money.
Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Matt B. on Reverb
This is a great mic that I purchased used as an upgrade for recording my acoustic guitar parts. My duo "Adela & Jude" have recorded a lot, and I have a gold record for work with the band "Boston", so I know a little about recording and gear. So, first of all - It's a Neumann, a name known for high quality (and expensive) gear. I chose to look for a used one and saved a bundle. It's a great microphone and I use it a lot on guitars, percussion and such. recommended highly.
KM184s did the trick
Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Phil L. on Reverb
I bought the KM184s because I wasn't happy with the acoustic guitar sound I was getting from my Lewitt LCT 340s. The Lewitts are certainly not bad SDCs for the price, in fact they are amazingly accurate, but acoustic guitars recorded with them were sounding a little "metallic." KM184s did the trick. They have that sweet top end that makes ac gui recordings sparkle and sit really well in the mix without much EQ. I'm also getting good results with them on cymbals. Worth the $$.
KM 184 - WOW!
Neumann KM 184 MT Microphone (Matte Black)
Reviewed by NoOne on B&H Photo Video
LA Guitar Quartet brought these for their show. I was amazed at how easy it was to get their sound through the PA( Allen&Heath GL2400 mixer, QSC amps, JBL speakers). The sound can best be described as the LA Guitar Quartet only louder. Whish I had some for my own studio.
Good sound quality & good soundstage
Neumann SKM 184 MT Stereo Matched Microphone Pair (Matte Black)
Reviewed by Isaac on B&H Photo Video
On top of the fantastic sound quality, with the stereo setup you can easily hear where and how far the source of the sound is - easy to choose how much close details to pick up vs more natural sound from a bit of a distance.
Indispensable
Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Andrew B. on Reverb
I use at least one KM 184 in every session. It's my go-to on fiddle and drum overheads, and use it more often than not on acoustic guitars and pianos. Truly an indispensable tool that adds an incredible shimmer to acoustic instruments. No, it doesn't have the warmth of the KM 84, but forget that and celebrate what this mic is on its own.
Outstanding performance!
Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Patrick M. on Reverb
I'm in love with my KM 84's. I've already used them on various projects and they work excellent. I couldn't be happier!!!
Amazing!
Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone Matched Stereo Pair
Reviewed by Adrian F. on Reverb
These mic’s are so good that I had to buy another pair! And it won’t be the last!! You will not regret having km184s in your studio as they are an extremely versatile mic, sound great and, made very well.
Working great
Neumann KM 184 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone Matched Stereo Pair
Reviewed by Russell R. on Reverb
Ordered mics from this site and they arrived well packaged and well within the schedule time. I used one mic already and sounds great. One thing, I never did get a confirmation of sale from seller, nevertheless, I received the tracking number for the delivery within three days. All good.
Wow
Neumann KM 184 MT Microphone (Matte Black)
Reviewed by KS Pete on B&H Photo Video
I am using this to Mic an upright piano and this is the richest microphone I've ever heard that didn't use tubes. Only bad thing is that the provided stand adapter immediately scratched the surface.
Great Quality
Neumann KM 184 MT Microphone (Matte Black)
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I am using this mic for a home recording studio, for live trumpet. The sound is great, and the mic isolates well from the rest of the room and can handle the directional decibels of the instrument. Solid construction and super sound.
