Neumann KU 100 Dummy Head

• Binaural stereo microphone for three-dimensional sound
• Optimized for headphone playback, speaker compatible
• Natural sound image with flat diffuse field frequency response
• Transformerless circuitry, very low noise and distortion
• Switchable pre-attenuation and bass cut.
• Power supply via battery, mains adapter or phantom powering

Features of the KU 100

The KU 100 microphone is a so-called "binaural head". Two omnidirectional condenser capsules are built into artificial ears; the housing is modeled on the human head. This arrangement makes it possible to make sound recordings that, when played back through headphones, give the listener the feeling of being directly in the recording environment. Such recordings are particularly immersive and are often used in virtual reality applications, ASMR or other 3D audio projects.

All it takes is to place the KU 100 in the optimal listening position! Unlike older artificial head microphones, the KU 100 is also compatible with loudspeaker reproduction; here, the stereo image sounds similar to that recorded with conventional microphones, but with a more differentiated representation of spatial depth.

Thanks to its sophisticated transformerless circuitry, the Neumann KU 100 offers very low self-noise and can handle sound pressure levels of up to 135 dB without audible distortion, respectively even 145 dB with 10 dB pre-attenuation switched on. If required, a bass cut can be activated (150 Hz, 40 Hz, linear). Both switches affect both channels. The microphone has a balanced 5-pin XLR stereo output and unbalanced BNC outputs.

There are three options for power supply: Phantom power once, an internal battery supply, or power from an external power supply (included). The KU 100's microphone stand threaded connections on the top and bottom of the head have 5/8"-27-thread, with adapters for 1/2" and 3/8" stands.

Technical data

• Acoustic mode of operation: Pressure receiver
• Polar pattern: Ear
• Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Field transmission factor at 1 kHz at 1 kOhm: 20 mV/Pa
• Nominal impedance: 50 Ohm balanced 200 Ohm unbalanced
• Nominal load impedance: 1 kOhm
• Equivalent noise level, CCIR: 29 dB (23 dB according to BA)
• equivalent noise level, A-weighted: 16 dB-A
• Limiting sound pressure level for k < 0.5%: 135 dB
• Limiting sound pressure level for k < 0.5% with pre-attenuation: 145 dB
• Noise level separation, CCIR (rel. 94 dB SPL): 65 dB
• Noise level separation, A-weighted (rel. 94 dB SPL): 78 dB
• Maximum output voltage: 8 dBu
• Power supply (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V ± 4 V / 6 x 1.5 V
• Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938: )2 x 3.5 mA
• Battery supply: 6 x 1.5 V (AA)
• External power supply (supplied): 9 V
• Required connector: XLR 3 F / XLR 5 F
• Weight KU 100 without batteries: approx. 3500 g
• Weight with case: approx. 9500 g
• Height: 280 mm / 360 mm (case)
• Width: 180 mm / 390 mm (case)
• Depth: 220 mm / 260 mm (case)