Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $5,800
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Dive into the sonic legacy with the Neumann KM-56, a testament to classic engineering and timeless sound quality. This multi-pattern condenser microphone boasts a dual-sided small diaphragm, wrapped in nickel for that pristine audio capture. Its heart, the Telefunken AC 701k tube, ensures warmth and clarity, making it a favorite among audiophiles and professional studios alike. With its unique rotating pattern selector, effortlessly switch between cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight polar patterns to match any recording scenario. Whether capturing the subtle nuances of a string quartet or the raw power of a rock band, the KM-56 stands as a versatile and distinguished choice in the world of sound recording.
Key Features:
- Multi-pattern selection (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-of-eight)
- Telefunken AC 701k tube for unparalleled audio warmth and clarity
- Dual-sided small diaphragm capsule skinned with nickel
- Rotating pattern selector for versatile recording applications
- Historical model with a legacy from 1955 to 1970
Product specs
| Brand | Neumann |
| Model | KM 56 |
| Finish | Nickel |
| Year | 1960s |
| Made In | Germany |
| Categories | Microphones |
| Electronics | Analog, Tube |
| Microphone Type | Small-Diaphragm Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Multipattern |
| Wired/Wireless | Wired |
FAQs
-
What is the primary application for the Neumann KM 56 microphone?
-
The Neumann KM 56 is ideal for studio recording, particularly for capturing acoustic instruments and vocals, thanks to its small-diaphragm condenser design and tube electronics which offer a warm, detailed sound.
-
What polar patterns does the Neumann KM 56 support?
-
The Neumann KM 56 features a multipattern design, allowing users to switch between cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 polar patterns, providing versatility for different recording scenarios.
-
How does the tube electronics in the Neumann KM 56 affect its sound?
-
The tube electronics in the Neumann KM 56 contribute to a warm and rich sound quality, enhancing the natural characteristics of the recorded source, which is particularly desirable for capturing nuanced performances.
-
Is the Neumann KM 56 suitable for live performance use?
-
While primarily designed for studio recording, the Neumann KM 56 can be used in live settings; however, its vintage tube design makes it more delicate and better suited for controlled environments.
-
How does the Neumann KM 56 compare to modern condenser microphones?
-
The Neumann KM 56 offers a classic, vintage sound with its tube electronics and multipattern capabilities, which can provide a unique tonal character compared to modern solid-state condenser microphones that may offer more neutral sound profiles.
Videos
Mitzlol Pro
The Mic Shootout - Female Voice - Revelation, U87, 414tl2, Km56, V13
The Mic Shootout - Female Voice - Revelation, U87, 414tl2, Km56, V13
Mitzlol Pro
Microphone Comparison // Soprano Saxophone // Neumann U 67/KM 56/KM84, Warm Audio WA-47, Flea 249
thomasedinger
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Neumann KM-56.
Comparisons
-
The Neumann KM56 is compared to the Schoeps CMT 20, indicating a similar aesthetic and functionality with a distinctive connector design that leans towards Neumann.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The KM56 is a side-address small-diaphragm condenser (SDC) microphone, using the same capsule as the KM84, but with tube technology.
Source -
Owners note that a figure 8 pattern on the KM56 significantly impacts the sound, offering a balanced capture when recording acoustic guitar.
Source -
The KM56 was used in early Apple Studio sessions with distinctive large windscreens pointed towards the ceiling for optimal sound capture.
Source -
Two mics were often taped together, one for PA and one for recording, to manage gain levels and minimize feedback during performances.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
This microphone excels in capturing acoustic guitar, noted for its exceptional performance in both studio and live settings.
Source -
The KM56 is likely used in figure 8 mode for guitar recording, reducing proximity effect and vocal bleed when positioned correctly.
Source -
It's reported that Nick Drake's recordings often involved multiple microphones, highlighting the KM56's role in capturing a natural guitar tone without compression.
Source -
The KM56, when paired with other room mics like the Sony C38B, contributed to the rich, ambient sound typical of Nick Drake's recordings.
Source -
The KM56 was part of a setup using high ceilings and varied acoustic spaces, emphasizing its ability to adapt to large, diffuse environments for optimal sound capture.
Source -
It served dual purposes, like feeding both the PA and recording systems, a common technique in the 60s and 70s for live recordings.
Source
User experience
-
It has been highlighted for its ability to pick up voice and ambient acoustic sounds effectively, contributing to its frequent use in historical recordings.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
"I can only speak to my approach— which was pretty simple. It used a couple of small-diaphragm Neumanns KM-56 microphones. I placed one near the middle of the fretboard about a foot-and-a-half back, and then another at the same distance near the bell of the guitar, down at the bottom between the bridge and the bout."
''There are two M50s out front by the conductor, and very high above, a pair of KM56s. Did I mention the special love that developed for the KM56s? Aside from the acoustic guitar, they were also used as drum overheads, on a piano track or two and probably some other things I'm forgetting. A+ fr versality'' - Tape Op interview book (volume 2)
Used for guitar, as mentioned in this article from philsbook.com.
A Neumann U67 was used for the vocal and placed close to the singer's mouth. The guitar was close mic'ed in front of the sound hole using a Neumann KM56.
The mics went through the Sound Techniques desk to an Ampex 4-track half inch tape machine. The desk circuits were transformer coupled, discrete transistor with inductor based eq. The vocal was compressed through a Fairchild 660 limiter. Delay would be added using an Ampex 2 track and reverberation with an EMT plate.
Used for the overheads on Second Coming, as mentioned by producer Simon Dawson in the January 14, 1995 Melody Maker interview "Diary of an LP: the Stone Roses' Second Coming, Part One" by Tom Doyle.
"Oh yeah, the same old skins and everything. I don't think he changed a skin in the whole time — they've probably been on there for years. Sometimes we'd use an acoustic tunnel if there was too much ambience, but not very often because we quite liked the live-sounding bass drum. The snare was miked up by a straight Shure SM57, the toms were all Sennheiser 421s, the overheads — which are probably the best overhead mikes I've heard in my life — were Neumann 56s, which are valve pencil mikes. In fact, you get a great kit sound just from the overheads, so we tended to build up the sound of the kit around those. We'd also use a pair of straightforward Neumann U87s and maybe an SM2 valve, either Telefunken or Neumann — it's a stereo mike and we used that sometimes in the corridor that runs along the side of the live room. We'd open the door and record the sound of the corridor as well."
Album Usage
The Neumann KM-56 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Neumann KM-56, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1781103512)
More Neumann Condenser Microphones
$519.00 - $799.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$899.00 - $1,295.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
-m.webp?v=1781103512)
$2,349.00 - $3,995.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$508.80 - $849.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$2,788.72 - $3,995.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$1,456.37 - $1,995.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$748.89 - $899.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$3,774.87 - $4,395.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$4,703.91 - $8,299.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
-m.webp?v=1781100027)
$5,099.00 - $5,995.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$1,281.75 - $1,750.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$1,749.99
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$538.80 - $849.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$1,444.00 - $1,695.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$849.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$16,111.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$1,185.37 - $1,595.00
$2,175.00 - $3,500.00
$2,349.00 - $3,995.00
$3,699.00 - $4,395.00
-m.webp?v=1781103964)
$2,175.00 - $3,500.00
$989.00 - $1,266.00
$8,377.77 - $9,995.00
$3,421.95 - $3,995.00
.png?v=1781085584)
$554.06 - $699.00
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Condenser Microphones
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
byvicio1Gear IQ 1307
-
