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 tested at Guitar Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee and is in “excellent condition” as I was told from the microphone expert there who was thrilled to even hold one)

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 and all other Neumann items to be listed are from one owner, my late grandfather, Don Wheeler (pictured in last photos). He had a recording studio (Alpha Audio) in the 70's and was a radio station manager for WGTS FM (91.9) in Takoma Park, MD from 1980 until 1996. You can be assured that his items were well cared for.