Neumann KMi 84 Microphone Sequential Pair w/ Phantom Power Supply and Cases (USED)

Our Notes: This microphone pair comes to us from a customer who is downsizing their recording gear. Overall, the pair is in Very Good condition. Sequential serial numbers: 31424 and 31425. Microphone 31424 has a finish stain that starts halfway up the microphone shaft and continues through and past the side grille. Green oxidation is present on the stained area of the side grille. According to the customer, a microphone wind cover that was in the case with the mic dissolved and left this stain. Staining on the interior foam liner of the mic case displays a similar shape and color. Microphone 31425 is clean and free of stains. It is missing the blue diamond Neumann badge. Both microphones have been tested and function 100%. Included with the pair are one replacement microphone head, two cases and a Vintage Neumann N80, Phantom Power Supply 48v. We cannot confirm that the Phantom Power Supply works.

The KMi-84 is a small-diaphragm FET condenser with a fixed Cardioid pickup pattern. It was the world's first phantom-powered microphone, built to run on 48v DC. Its design goal was to be as small as possible; the model name "KM" stands for Kleine Mikrofon ("small microphone"). The "i" in the name denotes that it was designed for XLR compatibility for the US market, as opposed to the din-type Tuchel connector used in Germany; hence the "i" for "international." The model number also indicates the powering mechanism (8 = phantom power) and polar pattern (4 = cardioid).

Manufactured between 1966 and 1992, the KMi-84 remains a favorite of vintage mic enthusiasts, especially for drum overheads and hi-hat applications. The mic is known for having an exceptionally flat frequency response and its ability to maintain its cardioid pickup pattern across the frequency spectrum.

This particular pair of KMi-84s is unique in that the two microphones' serial numbers are consecutive, suggesting that the microphones were manufactured around the same time. Some instances of consecutive serial numbers indicate a "matching pair," or microphones that were engineered to duplicate each other's sonic properties. We have not yet been able to verify whether this pair is of the famed matching variety, but it is still quite special to find two vintage microphones so close in age (likely the mid-70s, based on what serial number history we could find).

These microphones come with individual carrying cases and a phantom power supply.