{"product_id":"neumann-km88i-pencil-condenser-microphone-28392-vintage","title":"Neumann KM88i Pencil Condenser Microphone #28392 (Vintage)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eNeumann KM88i\u003c\/strong\u003e is a small-diaphragm, multi-pattern FET condenser microphone--essentially the solid-state counterpart to the KM56. Both models, along with the SM2 and SM23 stereo microphones, shared a capsule design similar to the KM54's.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the KM56 and KM88, a pair of small-diameter capsules were mounted back-to-back, separated by a gap. This design increased the time delay between low-frequency signals reaching the two diaphragms. Standard dual-diaphragm capsules typically have minimal spacing between the front and back membranes, resulting in nearly identical low-frequency phase alignment. When the rear diaphragm's polarity is reversed to achieve a figure-of-8 pattern, the low-frequency response is reduced because the signals, though inverted, effectively cancel each other out.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe diaphragms in the KM56\/KM88 capsules were made of 0.7-micron nickel, far thinner than the typical 6-micron condenser diaphragm. However, their original loose tensioning made them prone to damage from high sound pressure levels (SPLs).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 1982, Neumann adjusted the tensioning of the nickel diaphragm to enhance durability for close-miked vocal applications, such as those required in German broadcasting. This modification, however, impacted the microphone's frequency response. Specifically, the low-frequency response diminished—by 5 dB at 40 Hz in Cardioid mode and approximately 11dB at 40 Hz in figure-of-8 mode.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe microphone body featured a switch for selecting Cardioid, Omni, or Figure-of-8 polar patterns. In Cardioid mode, the rear capsule was disengaged from the circuit. Despite these adjustments, the amplifier circuit maintained consistent sensitivity and noise performance across all patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeumann's BV-107 transformer, also used in the KM83, KM84, and KM85 microphones, was incorporated into the KM88's output circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Neumann","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44451228680295,"sku":"473509","price":3299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/8848\/5479\/files\/neumann-km88i-pencil-condenser-microphone-28392-vintage_473509_1.jpg?v=1787096384","url":"https:\/\/vintageking.mom\/products\/neumann-km88i-pencil-condenser-microphone-28392-vintage","provider":"Vintage King","version":"1.0","type":"link"}