Neumann KM 120 Miniature Figure-8 Condenser Microphone with AK 20 Capsule
Brand
NEUMANN
Introduce an audio engineering icon to your studio setup with the Neumann KM 120. As a standout gem from Neumann’s historic KM 100 modular series, this premium small-diaphragm miniature condenser utilizes a true side-address, single-diaphragm figure-8 design. Highly sought after by elite recording engineers and classical archivists, the KM 120 delivers absolute acoustic transparency, making it the industry-standard choice for Mid-Side (M-S) stereo arrays, Blumlein tracking, and complex acoustic instrument isolation.
Neumann KM 120 Miniature Figure-8 Condenser Microphone
The Neumann KM 120 is a professional miniature condenser microphone from the historic KM 100 modular microphone series. Designed for precision recording applications, the KM 120 combines the KM 100 output stage with the AK 20 figure-8 capsule, delivering the renowned Neumann sound quality in a compact and versatile microphone design. As part of Neumann's first modular small-diaphragm microphone system, the KM 120 provides exceptional flexibility for professional studio recording, broadcast, classical music production, and specialized microphone techniques.
Featuring a true figure-8 polar pattern, the KM 120 captures sound equally from the front and rear while rejecting sound from the sides. This makes it particularly suitable for Mid-Side (MS) stereo recording when combined with a compatible cardioid microphone, ambience capture, two-way interviews, and applications requiring precise control of directional sound.
Classic KM 100 Modular Microphone Design
The KM 120 was developed as part of the Neumann KM 100 modular microphone system, allowing different capsule heads and output stages to be combined according to the recording application. The microphone integrates the KM 100 output stage with the AK 20 miniature bidirectional capsule, providing professional performance in a compact form factor.
The modular architecture of the KM 100 series made it possible for engineers to adapt microphone characteristics by selecting different capsule configurations, making the system highly versatile for studio, broadcast, and location recording environments.
Figure-8 Polar Pattern for Advanced Recording Techniques
The AK 20 capsule provides a precise figure-8 pickup pattern with balanced sensitivity from the front and rear of the microphone. This directional characteristic enables advanced recording techniques such as Mid-Side stereo, where the figure-8 microphone captures the side information while a cardioid microphone captures the central signal.
The figure-8 pattern also makes the KM 120 suitable for recording two sound sources positioned on opposite sides of the microphone, while naturally reducing unwanted side reflections.
Key Features
- Professional miniature condenser microphone.
- Part of the historic Neumann KM 100 modular microphone system.
- Combines KM 100 output stage with AK 20 figure-8 capsule.
- True bidirectional figure-8 polar pattern.
- Suitable for Mid-Side stereo recording techniques.
- Compact design for discreet microphone placement.
- Transformerless circuitry for clean and detailed audio reproduction.
- Powered by standard 48 V phantom power.
- Designed for professional recording and broadcast applications.
Ideal Applications
- Mid-Side (MS) stereo recording
- Classical music recording
- Ambient and room recording
- Broadcast production
- Two-person interviews
- Acoustic instrument recording
- Studio microphone arrays
- Professional location recording
- Sound design applications
Technical Specifications
- Product Type: Miniature condenser microphone
- Series: Neumann KM 100 Modular System
- Capsule: AK 20 figure-8 capsule
- Acoustic Operating Principle: Pressure-gradient transducer
- Polar Pattern: Figure-8
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 12 mV/Pa
- Equivalent Noise Level: 17.5 dB-A
- Maximum SPL: 140 dB
- Rated Impedance: 50 Ω
- Rated Load Impedance: 1 kΩ
- Power Requirement: 48 V phantom power
- Output Connector: XLR 3-pin
- Length: Approximately 110 mm
- Diameter: Approximately 24 mm
- Weight: Approximately 102 g
Why Choose the Neumann KM 120?
The Neumann KM 120 remains an important model in Neumann's modular microphone history, offering the accuracy and reliability expected from professional miniature condenser microphones. With its precise figure-8 pickup pattern, compact design, and compatibility with advanced recording techniques such as Mid-Side stereo, the KM 120 is a valuable tool for engineers, broadcasters, and recording professionals who require detailed sound capture and flexible microphone placement.
| Brands | NEUMANN |
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