AudioFu

Best Neumann Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones 2025

Premium Neumann small diaphragm condenser microphones - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Acoustic Instruments For Overhead For Piano For Strings For Classical For Field Recording
BRANDS: Schoeps Rode DPA Sennheiser Neumann Shure the t.bone SE Electronics Audio-Technica Sontronics Sanken Microtech Gefell AKG
Neumann KK183 nx - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Neumann KK183 nx

by Neumann
Field Recording Classical Strings
Key Feature:
• Extended high-frequency response
✓ PROS
  • • Extended high-frequency response
  • • Professional recording standard
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive per channel for stereo
  • • Can emphasize room acoustics

Neumann KK183 nxMicrophone Capsule HeadSuitable for Neumann KM A or KM D output stagePolar pattern:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 590382
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KM184mt - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Neumann KM184mt

by Neumann
Strings Overhead Piano
Key Feature:
• Great for acoustic instruments
✓ PROS
  • • Extended high-frequency response
  • • Minimal coloration of sound
✗ CONS
  • • Less forgiving than large diaphragm
  • • More expensive per channel for stereo

Neumann KM184mtSmall diaphragm condenser microphoneCardioidPressure gradient transducerSuccessor of KM 84Very smooth...

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 196569
$802
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KK184 nx - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Neumann KK184 nx

by Neumann
Overhead Classical Field Recording
Key Feature:
• Extended high-frequency response
✓ PROS
  • • Minimal coloration of sound
  • • Professional recording standard
✗ CONS
  • • Less forgiving than large diaphragm
  • • Can emphasize room acoustics

Neumann KK184 nxMicrophone Capsule HeadSuitable for Neumann KM A or KM D output stagePolar pattern: CardioidFrequency...

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 405222
$659
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KM184 mt Stereo Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Neumann KM184 mt Stereo Set

by Neumann
Piano Acoustic Instruments Field Recording
Key Feature:
• Great for acoustic instruments
✓ PROS
  • • Professional recording standard
  • • Extended high-frequency response
✗ CONS
  • • May sound harsh on some sources
  • • More expensive per channel for stereo

Neumann KM184 mt Stereo SetMicrophone Stereo Set2x Smal condenser microphones KM 184 (with continual serial...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 158648
$1,464
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KK143 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Neumann KK143

by Neumann
Acoustic Instruments Classical Strings
Key Feature:
• Minimal coloration of sound
✓ PROS
  • • Accurate transient response
  • • Minimal coloration of sound
✗ CONS
  • • Less forgiving than large diaphragm
  • • May sound harsh on some sources

Neumann KK143, Capsule head for KM A or KM D, Condensor, Polar pattern: Wide cardioid, System connector, Colour: Nickel

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 388924
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KM183 mt - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Neumann KM183 mt

by Neumann
Classical Overhead Piano
Key Feature:
• Accurate transient response
✓ PROS
  • • Minimal coloration of sound
  • • Great for acoustic instruments
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive per channel for stereo
  • • Can emphasize room acoustics

Neumann KM183 mt, Compact Condenser Microphone, Omnidirectional, Colour: Black

⭐ 5.0/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 211877
$901
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KM183 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Neumann KM183

by Neumann
Piano Overhead Strings
Key Feature:
• Extended high-frequency response
✓ PROS
  • • Great for acoustic instruments
  • • Excellent for stereo recording
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive per channel for stereo
  • • May sound harsh on some sources

Neumann KM183, Condenser Microphone, Characteristics: Omnidirectional, Length: 107 mm, Weight: 80 g, Colour: Nickel

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 135497
$901
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KM184 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Neumann KM184

by Neumann
Strings Field Recording Overhead
Key Feature:
• Excellent for stereo recording
✓ PROS
  • • Minimal coloration of sound
  • • Professional recording standard
✗ CONS
  • • Less forgiving than large diaphragm
  • • Requires careful positioning

Neumann KM184Small Diaphragm Condenser MicrophonePolar pattern: cardioidPressure gradient transducerSuccessor of KM...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 120310
$802
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KM184 Stereo Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Neumann KM184 Stereo Set

by Neumann
Field Recording Classical Strings
Key Feature:
• Great for acoustic instruments
✓ PROS
  • • Extended high-frequency response
  • • Excellent for stereo recording
✗ CONS
  • • Requires careful positioning
  • • May sound harsh on some sources

Neumann KM184 Stereo Set, Microphone Stereo Set, 2x KM 184 condenser miniature microphones (with continual serial...

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 153692
$1,513
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KMR 81 I - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Neumann KMR 81 I

by Neumann
Classical Overhead Strings
Key Feature:
• Professional recording standard
✓ PROS
  • • Great for acoustic instruments
  • • Excellent for stereo recording
✗ CONS
  • • Can emphasize room acoustics
  • • Requires careful positioning

Neumann KMR 81 ICondenser Directional MicrophonePolar pattern: supercardioid/ lobarFrequency range: 20 Hz - 20...

⭐ 4.4/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 245709
$1,869
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KM185 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Neumann KM185

by Neumann
Field Recording Piano Classical
Key Feature:
• Professional recording standard
✓ PROS
  • • Minimal coloration of sound
  • • Accurate transient response
✗ CONS
  • • Can emphasize room acoustics
  • • May sound harsh on some sources

Neumann KM185Compact Condenser MicrophoneCharacteristics: Hyper-CardioidAcoustic operation: Pressure/Pressure gradient...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 143625
$780
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KK185 nx - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Neumann KK185 nx

by Neumann
Overhead Acoustic Instruments Classical
Key Feature:
• Excellent for stereo recording
✓ PROS
  • • Minimal coloration of sound
  • • Extended high-frequency response
✗ CONS
  • • May sound harsh on some sources
  • • Less forgiving than large diaphragm

Neumann KK185 nxMicrophone Capsule HeadSuitable for Neumann KM A or KM D output stagePolar pattern:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 590385
$791
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KMR 81 I mt - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Neumann KMR 81 I mt

by Neumann
Acoustic Instruments Strings Field Recording
Key Feature:
• Extended high-frequency response
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for stereo recording
  • • Professional recording standard
✗ CONS
  • • Less forgiving than large diaphragm
  • • More expensive per channel for stereo

Neumann KMR 81 I mtCondenser Directional MicrophoneCharacteristics: Super-cardioid / lobarAcoustic operation:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 130029
$1,869
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann KMR 82 I mt - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Neumann KMR 82 I mt

by Neumann
Field Recording Overhead Piano
Key Feature:
• Great for acoustic instruments
✓ PROS
  • • Great for acoustic instruments
  • • Excellent for stereo recording
✗ CONS
  • • Requires careful positioning
  • • May sound harsh on some sources

Neumann KMR 82 I mtCondenser Directional MicrophonePolar pattern: Supercardioid / LobarFrequency response: 20 Hz - 20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 245710
$2,195
Buy at Thomann View Details
Neumann MCM KK 14 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Neumann MCM KK 14

by Neumann
Strings Overhead Piano
Key Feature:
• Excellent for stereo recording
✓ PROS
  • • Professional recording standard
  • • Great for acoustic instruments
✗ CONS
  • • Requires careful positioning
  • • More expensive per channel for stereo

Neumann MCM KK 14Capsule Head Of The Miniature Clip Microphone System MCMElectret technologyPolar pattern: cardioidMax....

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 533984
$296
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced small diaphragm condenser microphones typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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