Neumann KU 100 Microphone

The Neumann KU 100 is a dummy head microphone for a binaural stereo listening experience. It resembles a human head and has a microphone capsule mounted in each ear of the head. It is designed to produce a three-dimensional and realistic sound reproduction. Its spatial depiction delivers the illusion of the original acoustic event and is suitable for audio drama productions.

Neumann KU 100 Microphone Key Features:

• Delivers an immersive sound experience with headphones
• Resembles a human head with one microphone capsule mounted in each ear
• Creates a binaural, three-dimensional sound experience
• Used for sounds design, feature films, concerts, and audio drama productions
• Features a balanced 5-pin XLR output connector and 2 unbalanced BNC output connectors
• The high-pass filter has three frequency positions to tailor the frequency response
• Uses +48 V phantom power or is battery-powered by six AA batteries
• Uses +48 V phantom power or is battery-powered by six AA batteries
• Consists of a transformer-less circuitry for transient response and low self-noise
• Prevents RF interference and ensures good common-mode rejection
• Easy to install or suspend from microphone stands or booms
• The built-in 5/8”-27 thread ensures easy mounting options
• The condenser capsule is diffuse-field equalised
• Creates a sense of depth in the resulting sound
• Features an omnidirectional pickup pattern

Expanded Neumann KU 100 Microphone Key Features:

Binaural 3D Sound Reproduction

This KU 100 is a binaural stereo microphone with two omnidirectional condenser capsules mounted in each artificial ear. The omnidirectional pickup pattern captures sound from all directions and creates an immersive, spatial sound experience. This dummy head microphone uses two channels to create a three-dimensional sonic image surrounding the listener. When listened to using a headphone, it creates an illusion of being right at the scene of the acoustic event where it was recorded. The recording is not only limited to left and right but also adds a sense of depth and distance to the sound reproduction.

Wide Range of Applications

It produces a transparent and clear sound which suits well for all kinds of head-related recordings. It yields great results for feature films, audio drama productions, concerts, sound design. The KU 100 has vast applications ranging from classical recordings, radio drama productions to pop and ambient recordings. Its high SPL capability and low self-noise enable additional use in industrial applications such as documenting and examining noise in automobiles or workplaces.

Electrical Features

This microphone uses transformer-less circuitry for a high output capability, transient frequency response, and extremely low self-noise. It is capable of withstanding high sound pressure levels of up to 135 dB without any audible distortion and up to 145 dB when the -10 dB pre-attenuation switch is activated. There is a second switch in the dummy head that offers three low cut options of 150 Hz, 40 Hz, and linear. Both these switches affect both the channels and allow you to tailor the 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. It controls and minimises the rumble and excessive low frequencies.

Easy Mounting Options

The vast range of applications of this dummy head is made possible with the 5/8”-27 female thread and thread adapters to attach it to 1/2”- and 3/8” studs. It can be mounted to standard microphone stands or booms at the top or the bottom side. It is playback optimised and is compatible with a loudspeaker. It can be easily integrated into larger multi-track recordings and setups.

Output

The output of the microphone includes one balanced XLR 5-pin connector and two unbalanced BNC jacks. There is an additional XLR 5-pin to dual XLR 3-pin adapter for the balanced output. Three powering options are available for the microphone: P48 phantom power, an external PSU, and an internal battery. When using the phantom power, it should be applied to each channel and for the battery power, it uses six AA batteries.

What's in the box?

• 1 x Neumann KU 100 Dummy Head Microphone
• 1 x External Power Supply
• 1 x XLR 5-Pin Cable
• 1 x XLR 5-Pin to Dual XLR 3-Pin Adapter Cable
• 3 x Adapters for 3/8” and 1/2” Threads
• 1 x Aluminium Carrying Case
• Limited 2-Year Warranty

FAQs:

Which all accessories are compatible with the microphone?

Various Neumann accessories are compatible with the KU 100 microphone such as microphone cables, a pistonphone adapter, a windscreen, a stand extension, and a floor stand. The pistonphone adapter is used to attach a calibration tool for any 1” measuring microphone to each ear channel stud.

How can the dummy head be opened?

The dummy head is to be only opened when installing or replacing the batteries, for operating the high-pass filters, or for the attenuation switch. Simply unlock the two 90-degree lock fasteners at the back of the head and it can then be pulled off.

What power sources are used for the KU 100?

It takes up to 10 seconds for the operation of the dummy head after it is powered up. It uses three different power sources: battery operation by six AA batteries, an external power supply unit, and a P48 phantom power.

How much does it weigh?

The KU 100 weighs approximately 3500 grams without batteries, and it weighs up to 9500 grams with the included carrying case.

What is the microphone’s rated impedance?

It has a rated impedance of 50 ohms for balanced and 200 ohms for unbalanced.