Neumann KM184D-48AES-BSTOCK

With the digital Solution-D microphone system, Neumann has now succeeded in bringing the dynamic range and signal fidelity of the best analog studio microphones into the digital realm. This means that, for the first time, the whole audio production signal chain is entirely digital.

With the digital models KM 183 D, KM 184 D and KM 185 D, three different directional characteristics are being offered initially; four more will follow shortly. The modular construction of the new microphones permits the KM D output stage to be combined with the various passive microphone capsules (omnidirectional, cardioid or hypercardioid).

The Solution-D digital microphone system is comprised of the following components: A digital microphone (e.g. the D-01 large-diaphragm microphone or a KM D small-diaphragm microphone), the DMI-2 digital microphone interface and the RCS remote control software, which operates and remotely controls the microphone. A PC or Mac can serve as the control computer, which of course can simultaneously be used to operate the actual recording system, for instance.

Instead of being used with the DMI-2, the KM D small-diaphragm microphones can alternatively be connected to the AES/EBU or S/PDIF interface of a recording system by means of a Connection Ki. However, if a Connection Kit is used, it is not possible to control the microphone functions remotely. Thus a control computer is not required. In this case, if it is necessary to synchronize several microphones, a sample rate converter must be used.

A Battery Pack is available as an option for use with the Connection Kit, thus permitting the small-diaphragm microphones to be used with portable recording equipment.

With the DMI-2 digital microphone interface, familiar microphone settings such as the directional characteristic, pre-attenuation and low-cut filter can be controlled remotely. Changing the settings of microphone parameters is greatly simplified, which facilitates rapid testing of different settings so as to optimize the sound quality. It is no longer necessary to make handwritten records of all of the settings.

Mixing console functions such as mute and phase reverse, which affect the microphone signal, are likewise integrated into the microphone. For the D-01, even commands such as "On Air" (red light) are executed by means of remotely controlled microphone LEDs. A particularly significant feature is the transient limiter function. For the first time, this function can be applied at the most effective point, at the signal source, in order to reduce harmful transients. In the case of analog microphones, in the subsequent signal path a great deal of headroom must be provided for such signals, which are very short but which have a large amplitude.

The Connection Kits serve to supply power to digital Neumann microphones which are in accordance with the AES 42 standard but beyond that are capable of working with lower phantom voltage. The audio microphone signal is made available at the output of the connection kit in S/PDIF format or AES/EBU format, depending upon the product model.

Connection Kit S/PDIF (AES/EBU) Specifications

Connector: input XLR3F, output Cinch (XLR3M)

Weight: approx. 96 g (S/PDIF), approx. 130 g (AES/EBU)

Width: 32 mm, Height: 26 mm, Length: 105 mm

Power supply: 90-240 V, 50/60 Hz

For remote controlling functions you have to use the DMI-2