Neumann KMR 81 i mt Supercardioid/Lobar Shotgun Condenser Microphone – Matte Black

Neumann KMR 81 i mt Shotgun Condenser Microphone – Matte Black

The Neumann KMR 81 i mt is a professional shotgun condenser microphone engineered for medium-distance sound pickup in film, television, broadcast, ENG (Electronic News Gathering), and location recording. Finished in a discreet matte black coating (Cat. No. 006962), this version combines Neumann's renowned condenser capsule technology with a precision interference tube to achieve outstanding directivity while maintaining exceptionally natural sound reproduction. Designed to keep dialogue clear and focused even when the microphone remains outside the camera frame, the KMR 81 i mt has become a trusted choice for production sound mixers, boom operators, and broadcast professionals worldwide.

Unlike many conventional shotgun microphones, the KMR 81 i mt features a frequency-independent supercardioid/lobar pickup pattern that minimizes off-axis coloration. Sound arriving from outside the pickup angle is attenuated without unnatural tonal changes, allowing dialogue to remain consistent even if performers move slightly during recording. This significantly reduces corrective equalization during post-production while preserving the natural character of voices and acoustic environments.

Engineered for Broadcast and Film Dialogue

The KMR 81 i mt combines a pressure-gradient condenser capsule with a medium-length interference tube, creating a narrow acceptance angle of approximately 90°. This design provides excellent rejection of surrounding noise while maintaining a realistic and transparent sound image. Its highly linear frequency response up to 2 kHz, combined with a carefully tuned high-frequency boost, compensates for treble loss encountered when recording from greater distances, resulting in articulate, intelligible dialogue with outstanding clarity.

Optimized for Location Recording

Weighing only 145 g, the KMR 81 i mt is exceptionally lightweight and well-balanced, making it comfortable for extended boom operation. Its low current consumption allows efficient operation with portable field mixers and battery-powered recorders, while its excellent resistance to wind and handling noise makes it highly suitable for outdoor production work, documentaries, television dramas, and electronic news gathering.

Integrated Pad and Low-Cut Filter

The microphone includes two practical switches for adapting to different recording situations. A switchable 10 dB pre-attenuation pad increases the maximum SPL handling from 128 dB to 138 dB for recording louder sound sources. A switchable 200 Hz high-pass filter helps reduce low-frequency rumble, wind noise, and handling vibrations while compensating for proximity effect during close microphone placement.

Key Features

• Professional shotgun condenser microphone for film, television, and broadcast.
• Matte black (mt) finish for discreet on-camera and studio use.
• Pressure-gradient condenser capsule with precision interference tube.
• Frequency-independent supercardioid/lobar pickup pattern.
• Approximately 90° acceptance angle for focused sound capture.
• Minimal off-axis coloration for natural dialogue reproduction.
• Switchable 10 dB attenuation pad.
• Switchable 200 Hz high-pass filter.
• Extremely low self-noise of 12 dB-A.
• Lightweight construction for extended boom operation.
• Standard 48 V phantom power operation.

Ideal Applications

• Film dialogue recording
• Television production
• Electronic News Gathering (ENG)
• Broadcast production
• Documentary filmmaking
• Boom microphone operation
• Outdoor location recording
• Professional interviews
• Theatre production
• Capturing soloists in orchestral performances

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Shotgun condenser microphone
• Model: KMR 81 i mt
• Manufacturer Part Number: 006962
• Acoustical Operating Principle: Pressure-gradient interference transducer
• Polar Pattern: Supercardioid/Lobar
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 18 mV/Pa ±1 dB
• Equivalent Noise Level (A-weighted): 12 dB-A
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 82 dB
• Maximum SPL: 128 dB
• Maximum SPL with Pad: 138 dB
• Maximum Output Voltage: 1.3 dBu
• Rated Impedance: 150 Ω
• Rated Load Impedance: 1 kΩ
• Power Requirement: 48 V Phantom Power (P48)
• Current Consumption: 0.8 mA
• Output Connector: 3-pin XLR
• Diameter: 21 mm
• Length: 213 mm
• Weight: 145 g
• Finish: Matte Black

Package Contents

• Neumann KMR 81 i mt Shotgun Condenser Microphone
• Neumann WS 81 Foam Windscreen

Why Choose the Neumann KMR 81 i mt?

The Neumann KMR 81 i mt is a benchmark shotgun microphone for professionals who require natural dialogue capture with exceptional directional accuracy. Its frequency-independent lobar pickup pattern, low self-noise, lightweight design, integrated high-pass filter and pad, and legendary Neumann condenser technology make it an outstanding solution for film production, television broadcasting, documentaries, ENG, and professional location recording. The matte black finish also provides a discreet appearance for on-camera work while delivering the sonic precision trusted by audio professionals worldwide.