The Neumann KU 100 Binaural Stereo Microphoneis a dummy head binaural stereo microphone designed to provide an accurate reproduction of sound as heard by a human for musicians and audio engineers in music recording sessions, measurement and analysis, and film, television, and sound effects production. With low-noise transformless circuitry and a microphone capsule mounted in each ear of its head, the KU 100 produces accurate and realistic stereo imaging.

A selectable high-pass filter with three positions—flat, 40 Hz, or 150 Hz—allows you to tailor the 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response to control rumble and excessive low frequencies. Activate the -10 dB pad to prevent distortion when capturing loud sources. Outputs include two unbalanced BNC jacks and a balanced XLR 5-pin connector.

The KU 100 can be operated via battery power, phantom power, or the supplied external power supply. It includes an XLR 5-pin cable, an XLR 5-pin to dual XLR 3-pin adapter, and a sturdy aluminum carrying case.

Ideal for Stereo Recording & Measurement    Realistic Stereo Imaging    Low-Noise Transformerless Circuitry    20 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response    Switchable -10 dB Pad    Selectable High-Pass Filter    Multiple Powering Options    XLR 5-Pin and BNC Outputs    Includes XLR 5-Pin and Adapter Cables    Includes Aluminum Carrying Case

The KU 100 dummy head is a replica of the human head with a microphone built into each ear. This configuration communicates a sound image almost identical to the one at the recording location of the dummy head, making it ideal for any application where you want to capture sound as you hear it.

The KU 100 uses transformerless circuitry with the advantage of high-output capability, fast transient response, and extremely low self-noise. The usual output transformers are replaced by electronic circuits. As with traditional transformers, this technique ensures good common mode rejection and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signals.

One XLR 5-pin connector and two BNC jacks provide balanced and unbalanced connectivity. For the balanced output, an XLR 5-pin cable and XLR 5-pin to dual XLR 3-pin adapter are provided.

The KU 100 can be powered in three different modes— from an external phantom power supply, with six AA batteries (available separately), or from the included external power supply. When using external phantom power, 48V phantom power should be applied to each channel.

The dummy head can be installed on or suspended from microphone stands or booms. For this purpose, the head is provided with 5/8"-27 threaded hole at its top and bottom. Reducing nuts for 3/8" and 1/2" threads are supplied with the system.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What cables are needed to connect F3 Nikon Z8 camera and to Sennheiser MKE 600 microphone?

A: You can use a standard XLR cable like the Kopul Premium Performance 3000 Series Neutrik XLR Male to XLR Female Microphone Cable - 5' (B&H # KOM3005) in any length you prefer to connect the Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone to an input on the Zoom F3 Portable Field Recorder. To connect the line output from the F3 to the mic input on the Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera, use a line-to-mic attenuating cable like the Sescom LN2MIC-35DB-3 Attenuator Cable (B&H # SELN2MIC35D3).

Q: 2. is the mic in ERP, DRP or other reference position?

A: The KU 100 is not in ERP or DRP. The KU 100 dummy head is a binaural stereo microphone. It resembles the human head and has two microphone capsules built into the ears. When listening through high-quality headphones it gives the illusion of being right at the scene of the acoustic events.

Q: 3. What type of microphone is recommended for Neumann KU 100?

A: The KU 100 dummy head ships complete with a microphone built into each ear for binaural recording. The unit ships with a 5 pin to dual 3 pin XLR output cable and can be powered via its included AC adapter, AA batteries or phantom power.

Q: 4. Any way to PAUSE while recording?

A: Yes, the Zoom F3 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Field Recorder can be paused while recording.

Q: 5. Have users enjoyed good results when recording live string and orchestral performances? Would you recommend a different model for strings? Perhaps even a different brand?

A: It would depend on the size of the string section and the stereo technique you are using. For a small string section recorded in an XY or ORTF technique the KM 184 is perfect. But if you are talking about a full string section 30 to 60 people then no not the right mic. The capsule is to small and the stereo techniques are not broad enough. I would suggest the Microtech Gefell M 930 Large-Diaphragm . The stereo technique I would suggest the MS or Blumlein. With these mic's and either of those techniques the stereo imaging would be spectacular.

Q: 6. can I use these on my D5100 ?

A: The Microphone Madness BSM-8 is compatible with the Nikon D5100. The BSM-8 features a stereo 3.5mm jack for direct connection to the camera.

Q: 7. what are the case dimensions?

A: The microphone: 8.04 x 2.8 (201 x 70mm) LxD The case dimensions are not published but they are smaller than: (LxWxH) 16.0 x 14.0 x 6.5 Neumann has not provided the carrying case dimensions.

Q: 8. At which level perceptuall these mikes affect ones hearing ability?

A: Microphone Madness designed the BSM-8 in a way that doesn't affect one's hearing (unless it's literally being shoved down the ear canal). The BSM-8 ear tips are made of a soft silicone like material and can be worn for hours at a time.

Q: 9. I'd like to use these for frequency response measurements. Can you provide a calibration file for the binaural elements?

A: I use these for frequency response measurements and they work fantastically well without any calibration file. I was mostly worried about imbalance between the channels but I did my best to measure the differences between the two and the tolerances were tight enough not to make any impact to my measurements.

Q: 10. Any way to PAUSE while recording? Just received mine & I can't find a way to do it. (Bluetooth/phone app disaster doesn't count)

A: While you can pause playback on the Zoom F3 Portable Field Recorder, recording is unfortunately not able to be paused. Recording can only be stopped, but not paused.