Neumann KK 205 BK – Supercardioid Capsule Module, Black Finish

Product Overview

The Neumann KK 205 BK is a supercardioid condenser capsule module in black finish, designed for Sennheiser SKM 500 G4, SKM 2000, SKM 6000, and SKM 9000 wireless handheld transmitters, as well as the EW G4 300/500 and EW-D wireless systems. Its tighter supercardioid polar pattern delivers greater gain before feedback than a standard cardioid, making it the preferred choice for high-SPL stage environments with closely positioned monitor wedges or side fills. The KK 205 BK is built for vocalists and presenters who need maximum isolation from the monitoring system without sacrificing the condenser clarity and transient response that defines Neumann studio microphones. The black finish integrates cleanly with black Sennheiser SKM transmitter bodies and reduces visual prominence on camera and under stage lighting.

Product Description

The KK 205 BK supercardioid wireless capsule shares the same condenser engineering foundation as the Neumann KMS wired stage microphone series. The supercardioid polar pattern narrows the effective pickup angle compared to a cardioid, concentrating sensitivity on the source directly in front of the capsule while rejecting sound arriving from the sides more aggressively. This pattern characteristic is particularly valuable on stages where monitor wedges are placed at the standard 45-degree-off-axis position, as the KK 205 BK reduces monitor bleed into the signal path more effectively than a cardioid capsule.

Like the KK 204 BK, the KK 205 BK uses a true condenser element that delivers the transient accuracy, extended frequency response, and low-noise floor that define Neumann's reputation for studio microphone performance. The supercardioid pattern does introduce small rear pickup lobes at approximately 120 degrees — sound engineers should position monitor sources away from those rear null angles when setting up the stage. A fixed low-cut filter is built into the capsule to compensate for proximity effect during close-mic technique, and the hardened steel headgrille with integrated internal pop screen protects against plosives and moisture without adding sibilance.

The KK 205 BK handles up to 150 dB SPL and achieves a 70 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio, matching the KK 204 BK in raw performance figures while offering the added directional discrimination that demanding live and broadcast environments require. The black finish reduces visual prominence on camera and under stage lighting while maintaining identical acoustic performance to the nickel KK 205.

Key Features

• Supercardioid Condenser Capsule — Tighter polar pattern than cardioid provides superior side rejection and greater gain before feedback in high-SPL stage environments with active monitor systems.
• True Condenser Element — Studio-grade Neumann condenser capsule delivers transient accuracy, extended frequency response, and low self-noise not achievable with dynamic stage capsules.
• 150 dB Maximum SPL — Handles extreme sound pressure levels without clipping, appropriate for the loudest live stages and broadcast environments.
• Fixed Low-Cut Filter — Built-in proximity effect compensation maintains accurate bass response during close-lip technique without console EQ intervention.
• Integrated Pop Screen — Hardened steel headgrille with internal pop protection shields the condenser capsule from plosives and moisture without sibilance coloration.
• Compatible with Sennheiser SKM 500 G4, SKM 2000, SKM 6000, SKM 9000 — Direct thread-on fit with no adapters or tools required.
• Black Finish — Matte black body reduces visual prominence on camera and under stage lighting; acoustically identical to the KK 205 nickel variant.

Typical Applications

• Auditorium — high-SPL touring and theatrical vocal performance where monitor wedge placement demands maximum gain before feedback
• House of worship — lead vocals in large sanctuaries with aggressive monitoring setups or side-fill configurations
• Broadcast studio — on-camera handheld vocal use where the black finish minimizes visual prominence and the tight pattern rejects off-axis room noise
• Multi-purpose room — high-output speech reinforcement in rooms with reflective surfaces and monitor fold-back
• All-hands room — large-format corporate presentation where tight directional control reduces room interference

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions