Neumann KMR 81 i Supercardioid/Lobar Shotgun Condenser Microphone – Nickel

Neumann KMR 81 i Shotgun Condenser Microphone

The Neumann KMR 81 i is a professional shotgun condenser microphone engineered for medium-distance sound capture in demanding film, television, broadcast, and electronic news gathering (ENG) applications. Combining a pressure-gradient condenser capsule with a precision interference tube, the KMR 81 i delivers a highly focused pickup pattern with excellent rejection of unwanted ambient sound while preserving the natural tonal balance of off-axis sources. This unique design allows dialogue to remain clear and consistent even when actors move slightly off-axis, making it an industry-standard microphone for location sound and studio dialogue recording.

Unlike many conventional shotgun microphones that introduce significant off-axis coloration, the KMR 81 i maintains a frequency-independent lobar pickup characteristic. This results in natural, transparent audio reproduction that simplifies post-production and reduces the need for corrective equalization. With exceptionally low self-noise, high sensitivity, lightweight construction, and low power consumption, the KMR 81 i is designed for extended use on boom poles and in mobile production environments.

Designed for Professional Film and Broadcast Production

The KMR 81 i excels in applications where the microphone must remain outside the camera frame while capturing clear, intelligible dialogue. Its medium-length interference tube creates a narrow acceptance angle of approximately 90°, providing excellent side rejection without compromising the natural character of voices and ambient sounds. This makes it an ideal solution for film production, television broadcasting, documentaries, ENG, interviews, and outdoor recording.

Its linear frequency response up to approximately 2 kHz is complemented by a carefully engineered high-frequency boost that compensates for the natural loss of treble detail encountered when recording at greater distances. The result is crisp, articulate dialogue with exceptional intelligibility.

Integrated Low-Cut Filter and Pad Switch

The KMR 81 i incorporates two practical switches for adapting the microphone to different recording environments. A switchable 10 dB pre-attenuation pad increases the maximum SPL handling from 128 dB to 138 dB, making the microphone suitable for louder sound sources. A second switch activates a 200 Hz low-cut filter that helps compensate for proximity effect during close placement while reducing unwanted low-frequency rumble, wind noise, and handling vibrations.

Optimized for Location Recording

Weighing only 145 grams, the KMR 81 i is exceptionally lightweight and well-balanced, reducing operator fatigue during long boom sessions. Its low power consumption makes it highly efficient for portable field recorders and battery-powered production systems. Combined with excellent resistance to wind and handling noise, the microphone performs reliably in challenging outdoor recording environments.

Key Features

• Professional shotgun condenser microphone for film and broadcast.
• Pressure-gradient condenser capsule with medium-length interference tube.
• Supercardioid/lobar polar pattern with approximately 90° acceptance angle.
• Excellent rejection of unwanted off-axis sound.
• Frequency-independent directivity minimizes off-axis coloration.
• Natural dialogue reproduction with outstanding speech intelligibility.
• Switchable 10 dB attenuation pad.
• Switchable 200 Hz low-cut filter.
• Very low self-noise of only 12 dB-A.
• Lightweight design for comfortable boom operation.
• Powered by standard 48 V phantom power.

Ideal Applications

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

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Shotgun condenser microphone
• Acoustical Operating Principle: Pressure-gradient interference transducer
• Polar Pattern: Supercardioid/Lobar
• Acceptance Angle: Approximately 90°
• 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
• Available Finishes: Nickel (Cat. No. 006961) and Matte Black (Cat. No. 006962)

Package Contents

• Neumann KMR 81 i Shotgun Microphone
• Neumann WS 81 Windscreen

Why Choose the Neumann KMR 81 i?

The Neumann KMR 81 i is a benchmark shotgun microphone trusted by professional sound engineers worldwide for its natural dialogue reproduction, outstanding directional accuracy, and minimal off-axis coloration. Its combination of high sensitivity, ultra-low self-noise, lightweight construction, and switchable pad and low-cut filter makes it an exceptionally versatile tool for film production, television broadcasting, ENG, documentary work, and professional location recording. Whether capturing dialogue on set or isolating distant sound sources, the KMR 81 i delivers the precision, reliability, and legendary Neumann sound quality demanded by modern audio professionals.