Neumann KM84i vs Km184 vs Rode NT5 Acoustic Comparison

[@Skent1]

Thanks for this. Especially like that no one talked for 15 minutes between each take.

[@jakecal6802]

Seriously I hate that too

[@MaybeDavid]

That km84 on the strummed acoustic sounded like heaven to me. Just like a classic record.

[@anatol1204]

I don t understand why they don't try to remake km 84, the whole planet would buy it.Every musician producer preferes it over the km 184

[@christianlacheze3323]

Indeed

[@robertlapp9786]

I am amazed how awesome the Rode sounded. The KM 84i is the classic, the 184 is the sexy sharp one. Still amazed how well the Rode held its own for less than $500 a pair.

[@vibesstudio840]

hey Robert. . yes totally agree.. for the price they held up very well to the neumanns

[@davesmulders3931]

Yeah, but the lack of presence in the NT5 and the boomy low end do make me prefer the Neumann. I'd say the Neumann does better in a mix. I own a pair of NT5s but am contemplating to invest in the 184 or 185...everywhere I listen I find the Neumann to be more transparent and having more presence.

[@JuanBrievaluthier]

I have the rode nt5 and the neumann km184. Im thinking about gettin a vintage 84. Your video has been heaven to me. Thank you. Yes, after hering you i really want de km84. Great playing too!!!

[@GustavoTrebien]

I own a NT5 pair and I always have to deal with annoying boominess on acoustic guitars around 100Hz, now I see why. Thanks for this test!

[@vibesstudio840]

You're welcome :) great videos on your channel btw

[@ProjectOverseer]

What utter rubbish

[@1horton3]

put a piece of tape over one of the ports on the side

[@analienundercover8207]

why? and is it solved?how?

[@Mani-aX]

came here looking at mic comparisons and then glanced at your channel. now im jamming out. Subscribed!

[@NickAshleyOfficial]

Thank you, Leo! Your comparison is extremely useful!

[@vibesstudio840]

your welcome nick

[@TROYVIXIOUS]

Thank you for making this, it is a great comparison.

[@vibesstudio840]

More than welcome Troy

[@frontprochproduction]

While I LOVE Neumann mics, this video has made me very happy I own a pair of NT5's. I knew they were an excellent pair for the money but I had no idea how favorably they compared to such expensive mics. Thanks for making this video.

[@andregolovan5110]

Did u use just one... Or 2 rode (pair) ?

[@TheHeater90]

The Neumann KM84i was definitely the best.

[@underpressureman]

why do you say that?

[@plan4studios977]

Really? I disagree, the KM84i's were way to mid rangy , almost muddy and abit boomy! They have a character forsure, but I would choose the km184 as they were much more balanced! the 84i also had no detail with the finger sounds, like they lacked air and detail that the km184's had! Im not sure but I believe the 84i's were made for broadcasting as opposed to the 84's which were thier instrument mic. I could be wrong about that though!

[@christopherhafer3783]

@@plan4studios977 Yes you are wrong, there is no difference between the two. The "i" stands for XLR, the older "non i" had Tuchel. It's important to consider that age changes/weakens the sounds of every mic. So every KM84 will sound a bit different, a brand new KM84 would sound very very close to a "modern" KM184, since the have the same capsule (according to Neumann).

[@carolinechamberlain9234]

Great, I think the real star of this is the Lowden guitar which is what I will also be recording when I get my NT5s (differences seemed very subtle) very helpful thanks.

[@ProjectOverseer]

After serious testing over the last few years, I invested heavily in RODE mic's, which includes ... 6 NT5's 6 M5's and 6 NT1's (new version) I have a reasonable collection of other mic's too, but for sound quality, reliability, and value, RODE gets my vote 👍

[@DanneoYT]

Wow that’s a lot of mics, what other mics have you tested?

[@juliansemler7050]

what you say between m5 and nt5? i want to own a pair SDC and dont know very well what to decide

[@DanneoYT]

julián semler What is your budget and what are you going to use the mics for? Definitely get the NT5 if you can afford it, if not m5 if your on a budget

[@ssady5405]

What do you think the acoustic guitar sounds better on? Rode m5 or nt5?

[@matthewmooremusic9913]

Great comparison thanks :-) Aligning them in a DAW and flicking between them, the 184 is noticeable brighter than the other 2. :-)

[@AdamSpade]

They all sound great to me. On this specific guitar, I liked... 1. KM84 (Most detailed to my ears. I like raw, detailed, intimate recordings.) 2. Rode NT5 (Sounds full and "safe", if you get my meaning? I think it would take EQ well, MAYBE making it the most flexible of the 3. Wise angle for Rode. I like it.) 3. KM184 (Sounds brighter, boosted in the upper end of the spectrum. I guess that's the "modern" thing people refer to. Does not sound as detailed as the KM84. Of the 3, I did buy the Rode for the value. IF I were to do it again though, I would maybe go for the Advanced Audio CM1084. But I may end up snagging the CM28 hybrid. That's a cool mic. :) Well done and thanks for taking the time to do this. You earned a subscriber.

[@vibesstudio840]

Thanks Adam, really appreciate it

[@dylandylan11731]

Wow nt5's have. Beautiful air in the top end. But retain the warmth of the KM84. Beautiful playing too!

[@pppianissimo]

With some compression to get an equal frequency response, it's hands down impossible for a normal consumer to spot the difference between the NT5 and the KM184, which is amazing considering the NT5 costs a fraction of the KM184.

[@theclaverman]

I actually prefer the NT-5 over the Neumann KM184 as it has way nicer top end….the KM184 can become harsh very fast.

[@joevannucci1392]

Nice playing, and very well executed test.

[@vibesstudio840]

Thanks Joe, appreciate it

[@MrTunes333]

They all sound great and for the money the Rode has to be the winner

[@leonardtristan6873]

I really like the dynamic range of the KM84

[@greggtashker1771]

The KM 84i was a standout for me especially during the strumming section. Smooth, full and magic midrange and lower midrange. The KM 184 was second. Clearly brighter upper midrange to treble but less liquid sounding than the 84.

[@bonesbginnis]

After all the hate on the KM184 that I've read, after I bought a pair, I really have to say in this comparison, it has the best detail of the lot, and that's what I look for in acoustic guitar recording. The Rode NT5 actually sounds pretty good although there is a bit of cloudiness in the low mids which perhaps could be EQ's out. Okay there's my 2 cents!

[@TheFlightofthewalrus]

Daniel Weldon Does it have the most detail... or is it just the brightest sounding, which gives a seemingly clearer sound? There is a big difference.

[@mariaulfah2813]

I always chose the cloud one in any mic i buy because its sound sad

[@integratian530]

Something about the km 184 just really resonates with me. I have a sensitivity to bass notes, they just makes me very uneasy. The km84 sounds the most full to me with the widest range but lacks the definition in the highs. The rode has a wide range and has strong lows which I don't prefer. The km184 has the most defined highs but sacrifices the lows. The km184 somehow has this beautiful angelic resonance on the highs that makes me emotional and teary eyed. For everyone's reference I listened to this on Shure 425 headphones and Etymotic Sr4s. I prefer Etymotic for those clinical clean highs. So that's probably why I prefer the km184 and am purchasing that for myself.

[@Stormendrang]

Thanks for your comparison! Very helpful.

[@benmcgurk1]

Love the 184 on the Lowden. Less boomy, loads of detail.

[@ROSCOEV]

Nice work! If you download convert and put in your DAW, align all the parts and loop sections so you can flick between mics you can get a better comparison. I even pick a different mic in certain sections. Thanks. For the price Rode NT5 is sounding good!!!

[@johnnydswing]

Well i have to admit that the Rode kicks ass and when you compare prices is way better !

[@JayRaby]

For me the KM84i comes out on top but the NT5 is great value for money and isn't too far behind in terms of quality.

[@ebvs5ou]

Regarding this short sample my ranking would be: 1. KM84 (by far) 2. NT5 3. KM184 KM184 has more pronounced mid-high, sounds more edgy, NT5 is more neutral. I own a Stereo pair of NT5 and am planning to go fore a higher priced mic, after watching this i have to re-think ;-)

[@sonysoni5079]

Great video! Thank you.

[@OllertonMD]

wow actually prefered the NT5's.

[@장상익]

nice review!

[@rwj1313]

I love reading the comments on these types of tests. You need to demonstrate the mics without telling the listeners which mic they are hearing. Number them 1, 2, and 3, and then let them comment. Confirmation bias ruins these types of tests. People hear what they want to hear. ABX testing is the only way to get accurate results.

[@flyingsquirrel3271]

I think the Rode sounds pretty good in this scenario. But one should consider that the hardest part to get right when designing a cardioid mic are side/backwards freq. responses and the maximum damping from behind. So in a more reverberant space or in a situation with multiple instruments crossbleeding into it, the neumanns will probably work way better. E.g. as close mic in a classical or jazz ensemble, orchestra, etc.

[@wipeoutking]

I'm a little shocked. Didn't expect the Rødes to be anywhere near the Neumanns. If I had a pile of $, Neumann it would be. In the real world, Røde would have my $ instantly.

[@dwdrummer0]

Km184 = slightly more modern sound compared to the km84/ km84 = smooth frequecncy across 500hz down. Rode = more scooped sound and less defined low end. All great mics for the price but id go with either neumann mics. thx!

[@glentucker5167]

Listening thru my monitors I preferred the 184 but listening with my Audio-technica cans I preferred the 84i so I guess it depends on the environment of the end user and also I can see where each would excel depending again on the room and the source. I was a lil disappointed and thought the low mids of the NT5 were a bit muddy but would be interested in seeing how it shapes up after Eq so not writing it off at all. I'll come back and Eq this vid before making a final decision on which way to go, thanks for your good work mate making all these mics accessible

[@rohan-bk1jg]

did you manage to make the NT5 sound better after EQ?

[@pedromiguelcosta9626]

hello the KM 184 seams more controlled sound , top work

[@Mike-pv3hg]

Straight to the point. My nigga.

[@JeremyJames_studio]

Thanks for this. Are these level matched? The rode sounds hotter - even with the extra bass response

[@RaysTrack]

For the difference in price I'd say it's not worth shelling out more than the cost of the NT5. Interestingly it sounds better to me on this video than on others where it was compared to other small condensors - not as brittle and harsh. I think you've sited it a bit further from the guitar than they did.

[@DjBydLo]

By looking at the position where the mic is placed I believe that the best ones are the Km184, more balance and not boomy, the most transparent one without losing much body. The km84 are very sweet but muddy and too boomy considering that it is placed directly to the 12 fret. A more mellower instrument would be difficult to capture in that situation maybe.

[@petermeze5445]

I'm lucky enough to have both, KM84i and NT5, so I can compare. NT5 is more airy but KM84i captures the soul and magic of the sound what is, at least for me, the essence. Btw, can you enlighten me, is this Lowden O32?

[@dinoschachten]

Very helpful! Fascinating to see how the 84i excels for picking, but is a bit too muddy for strumming, with the MK184 being more or less the reverse. Røde striking a nice balance, but not sounding as sweet and transparent. It's sort of the Jack of all trades, but master of none. Which is still quite impressive, especially considering the price!

[@johanmusic8373]

I would love to know which one you prefer? I liked the KM 84i best in this case. If you have a nice sounding room, try the KM 83i on guitar!

[@vibesstudio840]

hey there. . they all sound good to me but for different uses. I was surprised just how good the rode held up to the neumann.. especially considering the price

[@richieconwaymusic]

Seriously. I was looking for videos of Neumann Km184 and Km84. I have an AKG 451, and the RODE wasn't on my radar, but now I'm thinking about grabbing one of those over the Neumanns. Any thoughts?

[@christopherhafer3783]

@@richieconwaymusic AKG 451 are very bright (look out for 460/480, these are fantastic), KM184 / NT5 are very close, Line Audio CM3 is another great option on the cheap side.

[@MuzikOkuluMolla]

what polar pattern you use on Rode NT5?

[@vibesstudio840]

they are a fixed polar pattern

[@youturbo2478]

Actually you can choose the NT-45-O (omni) capsule for it.

[@teddycook1299]

certainly the cardioid

[@analogdragon4709]

Wow amazed. I have a pair of nt5. For guitar I wasn't a fan of the 184 so much and towards the end you can hear how the rode breaks up in a not so pleasant way but hey it's cheap. The 84 is incredible

[@RandyRan9545]

don't know how to express the feeling,but neumann's really much better,it sounds more comfortable, just like i sit in front of u

[@vibesstudio840]

yep I'd agree.. the neumann km84 just sounds amazing. found the km184 to be a tad hyped on top end

[@Ishnala717]

NT5, Winner

[@justinbraun8003]

Do you happen to know what which Lowden model that is?

[@vibesstudio840]

Hey Justin, i cant remember off hand unfortunately.. sorry about that

[@starckwest6358]

1: NT5 2:84 3:184

[@EandVEntertainment]

God that KM84! I wish Neumann would reissue it.

[@christopherhafer3783]

They did with the "Series100" and it's the KM184. Same capsule, no Transformer thou, but first of all: Not degenerated with decades of age.

[@EandVEntertainment]

@@christopherhafer3783 and it doesn’t sound the same. It’s not neutral like the original, it’s boosted. That’s not to say it sounds bad, but not the same and not what I personally would be looking for.

[@christopherhafer3783]

@@EandVEntertainment This is not about "neutral" or "boosted". Every mic has it's own "colour". Fact is what i wrote: Same capsule. If you don't like the modern take on the KM84, step up and try Sennheiser MKH (8040) or Schoeps. Or just buy NT5 and be happy :-)

[@EandVEntertainment]

@@christopherhafer3783 I’m definitely not going for the NT5. Schoeps keeps popping up on my maybe list. I’d just prefer the KM84, which as you said has a different color than the KM184, which goes back to my initial reaction, which is I wish Neumann would reissue it.

[@christopherhafer3783]

@@EandVEntertainment Like i said, it would have the same capsule as the 184 (which *is* the 84) but with a transformer. But this sort of design for small "pencil"-like mics is simply obsolete nowadays, you won't find it on the market by any serious manufacturer for a very good reason: A tiny transformer will weaken the lower bass reproduction and will raise distortion. You can get very similar results with a transformer coupled preamp (like Neve or Tube, by design). And again, the difference is very little, could be easily compensated with EQ, and is simply not worth to buy old, expensive mics with a questionable past. If the capsule is damaged (and it *is* damaged after 50 years no matter what!), it will be replaced with the same element the KM184 has. So short answer: There is no way Neumann would release *another* remake of the KM84, but if they would, almost anybody would complain about the new ones not sounding the same as their (random, broken) vintage KM84 and about the price: A lose/lose situation.

[@stevepuffery8918]

I'd like to know: Distance from mic to sound source?

[@vibesstudio840]

I dont know exactly, i never measured it. Looking from the video id say around the 5 to 6 inch mark. Its just whatever sounded good when we were recording

[@EnzoLouis]

Good comparison between the three mics! Would you recommend a samson co2 for fingerstyle or should i save more for a pair of neumann km184's?

[@devonbiker]

For home recordings on a budget the NT5s cannot be beaten in this comparison. So from that perspective the NT5 wins for me. The 84i sounded nice but HOW MUCH? the 184 I didn’t like.

[@zillomusic8286]

rode nt5 is the best😀

[@andreasoberholz]

For 1/4 of the KM 184 the Røde cant be be a bad choice. Sorry my fellow neighbours @ Neumann.

[@tweedguitar9103]

Hi Leo, Which microphone do you prefer and why ? thanks for your help, I'm tossing up between a matched pair of NT5 and a matched pair of KM184 right now, it's difficult o make a decision.

[@vibesstudio840]

Hey there, i prefer the km84.. A tad smoother, although we done a load of blind tests on just after recording and i never picked the km184, alternated between the km84 and the rode. For the price i think the rode is amazing. It comes down to what your going to be recording though

[@jakejw4769]

Rode nt5 actually won it for me

[@jakejw4769]

In the strumming, not picking

[@jazmineyazmin]

1) KM184 - most detailed/realistic 2) NT5 - I would’ve given it the number one spot simply for the price but it sounds scooped 3) KM84 - sounds muddy, almost like it “has a cold” I’d still take an SM81 over any of these, any day.

[@acoustadonlonglivelivemusi6886]

Leo, I'd be interested to know if you've heard of the (Michael Joly Capsule for a NT5) and your opinion. The goal for the mod capsule is to bring the mic closer in comparison to neumann. The attached link compares the capsule on the NT5 with a few other mics. www.oktavamodshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=230

[@toddkreuzburg4162]

Nothing beats a stereo pair of Schoeps CMC6's. Didn't really like the Neumanns or the Rode here. Especially dislike the crazy treble boost in the 184. Rode has an ugly 100hz hump. Then again, these days, with most people listening on ear buds, laptops, and phones, it probably doesn't make a fuck bit of difference. You could use SM58's and it would be fine. LOL Kids are growing up not even knowing what a speaker even looks like, much less sounds like.

[@christopherdunn317]

lol Neumann $849? and rode $200! RODE seems to be the only mics that can stand up to neumann's and for so much less .

[@plan4studios977]

studio projects c4's are nice ive heard1

[@rightturnonly6621]

Oktava mk 012 is better as Rode

[@michaelpietzsch]

0:04 / 0:31 / 0:55

[@anatol1204]

I can t understand why they made a microphone worst than the old one snd they don t try to remake it

[@JRandallS]

I would like to have heard it in a mix as well, maybe just a little bass and drums added to those tracks could do it.

[@vibesstudio840]

Hey John, unfortunately i didnt record these to a song, only as a comparison. might be something i consider in the future.. thanks for the comment

[@pelayofernandez3879]

2:05 2:37 0:30 0:56

[@peterchoe]

NT5 sounds scooped to me; the KM84i is probably the closed to "realistic"

[@demotester3095]

Das KM84i: not enough transparency, not good in hights. KM184: very goo without weeknesses. Rode NT5: good hights, but bass boost so it has to be eqed.

[@jasonshrestha]

0:03 0:29 0:54

[@hevakrecords]

Mono sound with 2 mics???

[@mr.k905]

It's 3 mics and it's one after another.

[@beku73]

I hate rode nt5. There is something wrong in sound. Nt5 are very harsh.

[@MrPhilosofly]

If you're doing this for a living, buy the Neumann's. Pick the one you like. Are you trying to get a decent demo? Rode, baby. So simple

[@danicastellano9468]

Rodé is a little dirty

[@skakdosmer]

Don't buy the Neumans. Or at least try the Røde TF-5 first.

[@Nizaammosesguitarist]

I think its pretty pointless to test the mic with a steel string.All you hear is metal