Neumann
Neumann KMR 82 i MT Shotgun Microphone
Best shotgun microphone for professional film and location sound recording.
The Neumann KMR 81i is a compact, high-directivity shotgun microphone designed for professional film, video, and ENG applications. Its interference tube design excels at rejecting sound from the sides and rear, ensuring consistent audio quality even with off-axis sound sources. This condenser microphone is built for demanding location work, featuring switchable filtering and pre-attenuation to effectively manage challenging acoustic environments. Its lightweight and balanced design ensures comfortable handling during extended mobile use, delivering reliable, high-quality audio capture.
$1795.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
105
/ 3337
#105 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+253%
Above average
Transducer Type
Condenser
/ Condenser
Who it's for
- Dialogue editors demanding pristine, transparent audio quality
- Production sound mixers working in demanding outdoor locations
- Field recordists capturing distant subjects in noisy environments
Who should skip it
- Boom operators working in tight interior spaces
- Budget-conscious filmmakers seeking entry-level gear
- Run-and-gun videographers operating in unpredictable weather
Performance breakdown
Directional Precision
Interference tube technology isolates subjects with surgical accuracy in noisy environments.
Off-Axis Rejection
Maintains consistent audio integrity even when sound sources shift slightly off-center.
Transient Response
Captures sharp, clear audio details with impressive speed and natural clarity.
Build Durability
Rugged construction withstands the physical demands of professional location recording work.
Handling Ergonomics
Lightweight profile prevents fatigue during long days of handheld boom operation.
Acoustic Versatility
Switchable filters and pads adapt effortlessly to varying sound pressure levels.
Key Specs
Transducer Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Supercardioid
Frequency Range
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Max. SPL
128 dB (138 dB with pad)
Sensitivity
-34.9 dBV/Pa (18 mV)
Impedance
Rated: 150 Ohms / Rated load: 1 kOhm
Dimensions
Length: 213 mm, Diameter: 21 mm
Weight
145 g
Features
- High directivity for focused sound
- Excellent off-axis sound rejection
- Switchable 10 dB pad prevents overload
- Integrated 200 Hz high-pass filter
- Lightweight and balanced for easy handling
- Ideal for discreet placement
- Good impulse response for clear transients
- Includes foam windscreen and carrying case
What customers say
Professionals highly regard the Neumann KMR 82 i MT as a benchmark long shotgun microphone for film and broadcast. Users consistently praise its pristine audio fidelity, noting a remarkably natural and uncolored sound that minimizes postproduction work. Its superior directionality and off-axis rejection are frequently cited as essential features, enabling clean dialogue isolation even in challenging exterior settings. The extremely low self-noise floor ensures clarity for capturing subtle dynamics. Furthermore, the build quality is universally described as robust and road ready, reflecting excellent durability. While the initial investment is significant, users perceive high value because this critical tool consistently delivers broadcast ready results, fostering deep professional reliance.
Know before you buy
The microphone features a highly directional interference tube design that excels at rejecting off-axis noise. This makes it particularly effective at isolating a subject's voice while minimizing ambient sound from the sides and rear.
Yes, the KMR 82 i MT is a condenser microphone that requires 48V phantom power. You will need to connect it to a professional camera, audio interface, or mixer that can supply this power via the XLR connection.
The 10 dB pad is useful when recording very loud sound sources to prevent signal clipping or distortion. The 200 Hz high-pass filter is designed to reduce low-frequency rumble, such as wind noise or mechanical vibrations, during location recording.
Absolutely. Weighing only 145 grams, its lightweight and balanced construction is specifically engineered for long periods of handheld operation or boom pole mounting without causing excessive fatigue.
While it is a professional-grade tool, it is excellent for vlogging if you are looking for high-end audio quality and a cinematic, focused sound. Keep in mind that it requires an XLR input, so you may need an adapter or a dedicated field recorder if your camera does not have professional audio inputs.
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$1795