Neumann KU 100: features, how to use and who it suits

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An introduction to Neumann KU 100, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.

The KU 100 is a dummy head microphone for a truly immersive binaural listening experience with headphones.

— Neumann official site

What is KU 100?

KU 100 is a Neumann dummy head binaural stereo microphone. A pair of omnidirectional condenser capsules sit in artificial ears on either side of a head-shaped body.

It is designed for headphone listening. Neumann says it places the listener in the original acoustic space, conveying lateral and vertical localization and room decay.

Unlike older dummy heads, its recordings are said to work over loudspeakers too. The response is diffuse-field equalized, described as flat.

Applications listed include classical, experimental pop and ambient music, radio drama, and documenting noise in cars and workplaces.

Binaural recording

Capsules at ear positions aim to recreate the recorded space over headphones, a candidate for immersive audio.

Diffuse-field equalization

The response is diffuse-field equalized and described as flat by Neumann.

Transformerless circuitry

Transformerless circuitry gives low noise and distortion, with 16 dB(A) equivalent noise and 135 dB max SPL (145 dB with pad).

Pad and low cut

A -10 dB pad and a low cut (150 Hz, 40 Hz or linear) are switchable for loud sources or rumble.

Three power options

P48 phantom, six internal AA batteries or an external supply; outputs are balanced XLR 5 stereo and unbalanced BNC.

Specifications

Item	Details
Frequency range	20 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity	20 mV/Pa at 1 kHz into 1 kohm
Max SPL	135 dB (THD 0.5%), 145 dB with pad
Equivalent noise	16 dB(A), 29 dB CCIR
Signal-to-noise ratio	78 dB A-weighted (re 94 dB SPL)
Rated impedance	50 ohm balanced, 200 ohm unbalanced
Load impedance	1 kohm
Max output voltage	8 dBu
Phantom power	P48, 2 x 3.5 mA
Battery	6 x 1.5 V AA
External PSU	9 V
Connectors	XLR 3 F / XLR 5 F, BNC
Weight	about 3,500 g without batteries; about 9,500 g with case
Dimensions	280 H x 180 W x 220 D mm

What is included and system requirements

• KU 100 dummy head
• IC 5 microphone cable
• AC 20 adapter cable
• Plug-in mains unit
• Aluminium case

How to use it

1. Mount on a stand using the 5/8-inch-27 thread (adapters for 1/2 and 3/8 inch are provided).
2. Connect with the IC 5 cable to a mixer or interface.
3. Choose power: phantom, batteries or external supply.
4. Set the -10 dB pad and low cut if needed.
5. Decide position and orientation while monitoring on headphones.
6. Record a test and check the sense of distance and localization.

Radio drama and audio works

Neumann lists radio drama; it may suit productions that place listeners inside a scene.

ASMR and binaural works

Capsules at ear positions may make it a candidate for headphone-focused works.

Ambience and venue recording

It may serve capturing an entire acoustic space.

Who it may suit

• Creators of headphone-oriented immersive audio
• Radio drama and audio production makers
• Those capturing the atmosphere of a space

Good to know before you buy

• It weighs about 3.5 kg, about 9.5 kg with case.
• The XLR 5 output needs the dedicated cable.
• No price on the official page; check dealers.

Price

Please check the official page for the price.

See KU 100 on the product page

Sources: neumann.com (checked 2026-10-27)