A superb highly collectable example of the multi-pattern small-diaphragm microphone. Celebrated in historical recording sessions, it remains a studio icon.

Historical Significance & Famous

Recording Credits

The KM 86 is affectionately known by audio engineers as "The Motown Mic" It is heavily defined by its presence on major historical pop and rock releases:

The Motown Studios Era (1968-1972):

Legendary engineer Bob Olhsson noted that the KM 86 was the primary workhorse at Hitsville U.S.A.. It was used on virtually every sound source.

This included the multi-layered tracking for Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" and Stevie Wonder's early masterpieces.

Neil Young: The acoustic guitar tracks captured for his seminal 1972 album Harvest utilized the KM 86 to achieve their incredibly deep, intimate fidelity.

Pink Floyd: Renowned sessions at Abbey Road-used the microphone to capture David Gilmour's guitar amplifiers for The Dark Side of the Moon.

Condition & Quality Report

The Microphone: Excellent Condition

Aesthetics: The matte nickel-plated housing shows clean lines, faint age patina, and minimal wear.

Head Grille Capsule Basket: The outer wire mesh is completely free of finger dents or impact depressions. The vertical pillar is perfectly straight.

Acoustic Internals: The dual-capsule assembly is original. The subtle internal amber tone indicates normal, healthy aging of the inner protective Silk layers.

Switches & Connectors: The mechanical polar pattern switch shifts firmly between settings. The base houses an original gold-plated 3-pin male XLR insert.

✨This microphone was recently sent to Sennheiser with all suggested maintenance completed. Please see photos.

The Original Case: Fair / Restorable

Condition

Interior: The custom-molded interior plush red velvet layout is clean, clean of stains, and securely holds the mic shape.

Exterior: The silver-embossed diamond hot-stamp logo is incredibly bright and in great condition for its age.

Flaws: The structural side seams have dried and split along the lid corner. This exposes the under-board layer but leaves the main textured leatherette wrapping undamaged. It is a straightforward candidate for a PVA glue clamping repair.

Technical Specifications

Capsule Type: Two individual KK84

Cardioid Capsules mounted back-to-back

Selectable Polar Patterns:

Omnidirectional, Cardioid, and Figure-8.

Circuitry Type: Solid-state JFET

Transistor (Transformer balanced output).

Power Requirement: +48V Phantom

Power standard.

Barrel Diameter: 21 mm (Standard compatible sizing across vintage

Neumann mounting clips).

Total Length: 170 mm

Packaging: Will be meticulously packed and shipped in a sturdy box to guarantee its vintage condition is preserved during transport. This microphone will need to be signed for. 📦

This and all other Neumann items to be listed are from one owner, my late grandfather, who had a recording studio in the 70’s and was a radio station manager during my childhood.