Three New Digital Microphones and Converter from Neumann

Neumann has introduced four new digital products: the KMS 104 D and KMS 105 D vocal microphones, the KMR 81 D shotgun microphone and the portable DMI-2 digital converter. Building on their KMS 104 and KMS 105 dynamic vocal microphones, the KMS 104 D and KMS 105 D are the digital counterparts. Equipped with the core features of the existing models, the KMS 104 D, with its cardioid pattern, and the KMS 105 D, with its super-cardioid pattern, offer additional digital advantages such as an extended dynamic range and integrated peak limiters that prevent clipping. When used alongside either the DMI-2 or DMI-2 portable digital microphone interfaces and the Remote Control Software (RCS), pre-programmed settings can be stored inside the microphones. Features include 16 dB-A self-generated noise, 125 dB dynamic range, 141 dB SPL (159 dB SPL with 18 dB pre-attenuation/RCS), built-in high pass filter (-3 dB @ 80 Hz), and integrated peak limiter/compressor/de-esser to prevent overloads and/or clipping.

Neumann's new KMR 81 D digital shotgun microphone is designed for recordings for broadcasting/ENG, film, and video productions, long-distance recordings requiring high directivity (such as nature recordings and sports games) and medium-length shotgun spot mic applications in noisy surroundings. Compared to its non-digital counterpart -- the KMR 81i -- its digital advantages include an extended dynamic range, more robust operation and integrated peak limiters that prevent clipping. The settings for all functions can be recalled, set and stored in the microphone by using one of Neumann's digital microphone interfaces. Features include 9dB-A self-generated noise, 114 dB dynamic range, 123 dB SPL (141 dB SPL with 18 dB pre-attenuation/RCS), integrated peak limiter/compressor/de-esser to prevent overloads and/or clipping, 3.2oz. total weight, high lateral and back attenuation, and 90-degree recording angle (independent of frequency).

The DMI-2 portable is designed for ENG and other field recording applications such sport, film and documentary for journalists, camera operators, directors, and producers. It supports two digital microphones and allows adjustment of gain, pre-attenuation and low cut filter settings at the device. The front panel display shows the selected gain, current signal level and any gain reduction; microphone presets can be stored inside the DMI-2 portable and recalled for use in the field. Features include direct access to gain, pad, and low-cut microphone settings, storage of up to eight presets for all digital microphone parameters, power supplied via DC 10-18 V or AC/DC converter, integrated peak limiter to prevent overloads and/or clipping, two AES 42 inputs, one AES EBU output, word clock, and menu-driven control of the connected digital microphone via two push-switch rotary encoders with a data display (permitting the setting of microphone parameters like gain, pad and pre attenuation and the uploading of preset parameters).