Neumann KM 131 Miniature Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone
Brand
NEUMANN
Capture the acoustic absolute. The Neumann KM 131 is a legendary, historically significant small-diaphragm condenser microphone revered by classical music engineers, acoustic purists, and high-end archives worldwide. Part of Neumann’s elite heritage of modular small-diaphragm systems, the KM 131 features a pressure-transducer design that delivers a completely flat, ruler-straight frequency response in the free field. This makes it an incomparable tool for capturing the organic, uncolored reality of grand pianos, orchestral ensembles, and delicate room ambiances.
Neumann KM 131 Miniature Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone
The Neumann KM 131 is a professional miniature condenser microphone from the Neumann KM 100 modular microphone system, designed for highly accurate sound capture in studio recording, classical music, broadcast, film, theatre, and live performance applications. Featuring an omnidirectional pressure transducer capsule, compact construction, transformerless circuitry, and exceptional acoustic precision, the KM 131 delivers natural and transparent sound reproduction for demanding professional recording environments.
The KM 131 is part of Neumann’s modular miniature microphone family, allowing users to combine precision capsules, output stages, and accessories to create flexible microphone solutions for a wide range of applications. Its compact design makes it suitable for discreet placement on stage, in front of cameras, suspended in concert halls, or positioned where minimal microphone visibility is required.
Omnidirectional Sound Capture with Natural Accuracy
The Neumann KM 131 uses an omnidirectional pressure transducer capsule designed to provide exceptionally linear sound reproduction. Its free-field equalized response delivers accurate capture of acoustic sources with excellent detail, making it particularly suitable for natural recordings where realistic spatial information and balanced frequency response are essential.
The omnidirectional pickup pattern captures sound evenly from all directions, making the microphone ideal for room recording, ambience capture, classical music applications, and stereo recording techniques where a natural acoustic image is required.
KM 100 Modular Microphone System
The KM 131 is based on Neumann’s KM 100 modular microphone concept, consisting of interchangeable active capsules and an output stage. This modular design allows engineers to adapt the microphone system according to different recording requirements by selecting different capsules, mounts, cables, and accessories.
- Modular miniature microphone system.
- Interchangeable active capsule design.
- Compatible with KM 100 system accessories.
- Suitable for discreet professional microphone placement.
- Flexible configuration options for studio and live applications.
Compact Design for Professional Recording Applications
With its slim 22 mm diameter body and lightweight construction, the KM 131 can be positioned in locations where conventional microphones may be impractical. Its compact form makes it suitable for film and television production, concert halls, theatre applications, and unobtrusive recording setups.
The active capsule design allows the microphone capsule and output stage to be separated using compatible accessories, providing additional placement flexibility while maintaining high-quality audio performance.
Transformerless Electronics for Clean Signal Transmission
The Neumann KM 131 features transformerless output circuitry that provides high output capability, very low self-noise, and transparent signal transmission. The balanced output design ensures excellent interference rejection and reliable performance in professional recording environments.
- Transformerless output circuitry.
- Low self-noise performance.
- High output capability.
- Excellent common-mode rejection.
- Professional balanced XLR output.
High SPL Capability and Reliable Performance
The KM 131 is capable of handling high sound pressure levels while maintaining accurate and distortion-free audio reproduction. With switchable pre-attenuation, the microphone can accommodate louder sound sources without compromising clarity or detail.
- Maximum SPL up to 140 dB.
- Maximum SPL up to 150 dB with pre-attenuation.
- Suitable for demanding recording environments.
Professional Applications
- Classical music recording.
- Orchestral recording.
- Room and ambience recording.
- Stereo A-B microphone techniques.
- Broadcast production.
- Film and television recording.
- Theatre and stage applications.
- Concert hall recordings.
- Acoustic instrument recording.
- Professional location recording.
Key Features
- Professional miniature condenser microphone.
- Omnidirectional free-field equalized capsule.
- Part of the Neumann KM 100 modular microphone system.
- Pressure transducer operating principle.
- Natural and transparent sound reproduction.
- Compact 22 mm diameter design.
- Transformerless output electronics.
- Very low self-noise.
- High SPL handling capability.
- 48 V phantom power operation.
- Professional 3-pin XLR connection.
Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Neumann KM 131 |
| Microphone Type | Miniature Condenser Microphone |
| Acoustic Principle | Pressure Transducer |
| Directional Pattern | Omnidirectional (Free-Field Equalized) |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 12 mV/Pa |
| Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted) | 16 dB-A |
| Equivalent Noise Level (CCIR) | 25 dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted) | 78 dB |
| Maximum SPL | 140 dB SPL |
| Maximum SPL with Pre-Attenuation | 150 dB SPL |
| Rated Impedance | 50 Ω |
| Rated Load Impedance | 1000 Ω |
| Power Requirement | 48 V Phantom Power (P48) |
| Current Consumption | 2 mA |
| Connector | 3-pin XLR |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Length | 92 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 80 g |
Why Choose the Neumann KM 131?
The Neumann KM 131 provides professional-grade omnidirectional recording performance in an exceptionally compact microphone design. With its natural frequency response, modular KM 100 system compatibility, low-noise transformerless electronics, and discreet placement capability, the KM 131 is an excellent choice for engineers who require accurate acoustic capture for classical recording, broadcast, film, theatre, and professional location recording applications.
| Brands | NEUMANN |
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