Wharfedale Pro KM Series Guide

KM
MICROPHONES
KM-1 KM-2 KM-3 KM-4 KM-5
OPERATING MANUAL AND USER GUIDE
Series
www.wharfedalepro.com

Important Warnings & Safety Instructions.................. 1
Introduction............................................................... 3
Features .................................................................... 4
Line Drawings of the KM Series ................................. 5
Dimensional drawings............................................... 5
Microphone use and placement................................. 6
Connections / Wiring ................................................ 7
Specifications ............................................................ 8
Warranty ................................................................... 8
TABLE OF CONTENTS

OPERATING MANUAL
1
IMPORTANT WARNINGS & SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and become
familiar with the features and functions of these
products before operating them.
2. RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS for future reference.
3. COMPLY WITH ALL WARNINGS – All warnings and
instructions for this product should be adhered to.
4. USE WITH MIXERS & AMPLIFIERS – In order to avoid
damage to drivers and other equipment, it is advisable
to establish and follow a routine for powering up
and powering down a sound system. With all system
components connected, turn on source equipment
(mixers, signal processors, record and playback
units, etc.) BEFORE powering up amplifiers. Transient
voltages from powering up source equipment can
damage speakers (HF Drivers) if amplifiers are
already turned on. Make sure that amplifier volumes
are set to their minimum settings and power up any
system amplifiers LAST. It is recommended that all
system components be allowed to stabilize for several
seconds before any source signals are introduced or
level setting adjustments are made. Similarly, when
shutting systems down, turn all amplifiers off first,
before powering down any other system components.

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5. CABLES – Always use shielded or microphone cables
for connection between source equipment (i.e.
microphones, mixers, EQ, crossovers) and amplifiers.
Use only approved speaker cables with proper
connectors between amplifiers and speakers.
6. CAUTION – Professional sound systems are capable of
generating very high sound pressure levels. Use care
with placement and operation to avoid exposure to
excessive volume levels. Permanent hearing damage
can result when operated to extreme levels.
7. SERVICE – There are no user serviceable parts inside
this product. Users should not attempt to service this
product. Warranty nullification could result if this is
attempted.

OPERATING MANUAL
3
INTRODUCTION : KM SERIES
The KM Series Microphones are hand held dynamic
(KM-1, KM-2, KM-4 & KM-5) super-cardioid &
condenser (KM-3) cardioid microphones featuring
super-cardioid & cardioid patterns to minimize
feedback and to reject signals not originating in front
of the microphone. The microphones have extended
frequency response for optimum reproduction. They
are designed to provide exceptionally clear, articulate
sound. A shock mounting system isolates the
microphone element from external forces to greatly
reduce handling noise. The well-balanced zinc-alloy
die cast body ensures reliable performance in even
the most demanding applications. Designed for high
SPL use, the KM Series Microphones are ideal for
mic'ing drums or other purcussion instruments, but fit
into a wide range of applications. The high sensitivity
capsule picks up all of the nuances of a performance.
The lightweight neodymium magnet provides 6dB
of additional sensitivity/gain compared to other
magnetic materials.
A microphone must have very low distortion at
intended sound pressure levels. Distortion has a
profound effect on the way we hear the material
being auditioned. Our ears can be fooled by
harmonics and undertones that are a product of
distortion (Distortion, by a simple definition is the
difference between the input sound and the sound
coming out of the speakers). Another important

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factor is the microphone’s ability to work within an
extreme dynamic range. Many microphones that may
sound acceptable with a low sound pressure, have
problems with high sound pressure.
High quality professional drum microphones
High tech zinc finish
5 models to choose the best tool for the job(KM-4
& KM-5: easily mounted on drums)
Unidirectional dynamic microphones with
exceptional feedback rejection
Neodymium magnet for high output low distortion
Dent-resistant spring-steel grill
Rugged cast Zinc alloy body
On/off switch
Gold-plated XLR connector
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FEATURES

OPERATING MANUAL
5
Line Drawings of the KM Series
Ø51.5mm
Ø22mm
178mm
KM-1
Ø45.5mm
Ø23mm
178mm
KM-2
Ø27mm
Ø58.6mm
92mm
77.8mm
KM-4
Ø45.2mm
79mm
Ø24mm
61.3mm
KM-5
Ø30mm
Ø21mm
154mm
KM-3

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MICROPHONE USE/ PLACEMENT
When mic’ing, the position of the instrument
microphones is not trivial. If the microphone does
not have a smooth polar pattern, it is difficult to mic
vocals, instruments or instrument amplifiers.
The uniform dispersion of the KM SERIES makes
it easy to place the microphones where you need
them. For best results use the included stand and
mounting adapters to place the microphone on the
0 degree axis (i.e. point it directly at the source).
The dynamic microphones exhibit increased low
frequency response when placed close to the source.
When using KM1 or KM2 or other dynamic vocal
mics for vocals, instruct the user to get close to the
windscreen. If you speak into the mic more that a
few centimeters (inches) away, the sound will be thin
and “tinny”; no bass. Using the mic “off-axis” (not
dead center to the source) will likely result in a “tinny”
sound. The microphones are most sensitive “on-axis”.
Condenser microphones do not exhibit this feature.
You may place a condenser mic farther away
from the source and still maintain good full range
frequency response.This makes them especinlly well
suited to drum over head applications. Using the
mounting brackets, you can place the KM-4 & KM-5
mics on drums and other instruments easily and
with flexibility. Try to place them so they will not get

OPERATING MANUAL
7
CONNECTIONS / WIRING
Connecting the KM Series to your system is easy.
You simply plug in the microphone cable to your
mic and then to the mixer. Always use good quality
microphone (2 conductor + shield) cable. After you
plug in the mic, you must adjust the sound level to
produce the best sound. A good place to start is the
the first channel of your mixer, or the section the
drums mics plug into. Its a good idea to group like
instruments to allow easy gain adjustments.
Plug the mic in and position the volume control at '0'
(zero) dB. Keep the main output volume down as well
as the amplifiers' volume control. Whilst watching
the meters, speak, play the instrument, beat the
drums in the same sequence you have plugged them
into the board or sing (it's always good to warm up
your voice) into the mic at the same level of your
performance and adjust the GAIN control, usually at
struck by wild drummers as this can result in a very
loud "crack" through the PA! The KM-3 is a great
over head Mic and the KM-1 & KM-2 are your all
purpose mics. You can use them for vocals, acoustic
instruments (winds, brass, strings,etc.) and drums.
Next adjust the MIC trim output so that the meters
are at the ‘0’ (zero) position most of the time, or at
the loudest part of your performance. This takes time
and practice to get the best sound.

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the top of the mixer channel near the mic input jack,
to the point where the meters spend a lot of time at
or near the '0dB' (zero). An occasional red peak light
is OK, just make sure the meters are not in the red
area very long.
Mic'ing drums is not as easy as it sounds, however
it is straight forward. The drums can be loud and
the sound of a (snare) drum may also be picked
up by the tom-toms, the overhead mic or the kick
drum mic. Start by playing each drum until you have
arrived at a good gain level (watching the meters)
for each one. When that is finished, play the entire
kit to make sure the TOTAL sound coming from the
drums is not clipping the inputs and is a good mix of
each drum in the kit. You can then adjust the channel
FADER to "mix" the drum kit. If the mixer has GROUP
send buttons (see SR806 Manual), you can assign the
drum kit to a group. That allows you to control the
drum kit sound with one fader and you don't have
to re-mix the drums every time you make a slight
volume change.
Also keep in mind that the EQ section should be
set at the '0' or 12 o'clock position when you start
mixing the drums or other instruments. You may find
that when the full kit is being played, one or more
drums might not be as loud as another. Often a
slight adjustment of one of the EQ settings will help
the sound cut through and mix better into. The goal
is that every instrument has its turn to shine, without
overpowering the others.

OPERATING MANUAL
9
SPECIFICATIONS
Transducer Type
Polar Pattern
Frequency
Response
Load Impedance
Sensitivity (@
1000Hz)
Off Axis Rejection
Maximum SPL
S/N Ratio
Current
Consumption
Power Supply
Connector
Polarity
Housing
Dimensions
Weight
KM-1
Dynamic
Super-cardioid
40-16,000Hz
600 Ohms
-51 dBV/Pa
>20dB
>135dB
3 pin gold
plated pin
XLR
Positive voltage
on pin 2
relative to pin
3 of output
connector
Zinc Alloy
Ø51.5x178x
Ø22
180g (6.3oz)
KM-2
Dynamic
Super-cardioid
50-18,000Hz
250 Ohms
-53 dBV/Pa
>25dB
>135dB
3 pin gold
plated pin
XLR
Positive
voltage on pin
2 relative to
pin 3 of output
connector
Zinc Alloy
Ø45.5x178x
Ø23
160g (5.6oz)
KM-3
Condenser
Cardioid
30-20,000Hz
<1000 Ohms
-46 dBV/Pa
>18dB
>120dB
more than 70dB
4.6mA
11-52V
phantom power
3 pin gold
plated pin XLR
Positive voltage
on pin 2 relative
to pin 3 of
output
connector
Zinc Alloy
Ø30x154x
Ø21
120g (4.2oz)
KM-4
Dynamic
Super-cardioid
30-12,000Hz
250 Ohms
-54 dBV/Pa
>20dB
>135dB
3 pin gold
plated pin
XLR
Positive
voltage on pin
2 relative to
pin 3 of output
connector
Zinc Alloy
Ø58.6x77.8x
Ø27
240g (8.5oz)
KM-5
Dynamic
Super-cardioid
50-16,000Hz
250 Ohms
-54 dBV/Pa
>22dB
>130dB
3 pin gold
plated pin
XLR
Positive
voltage on pin
2 relative to
pin 3 of output
connector
Zinc Alloy
Ø45.2x61.3x
Ø24
170g (6.0oz)

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KM
Wharfedale Pro products are warranted of manufacturing or
material defects for a period of three years from the original
date of purchase. In the event of malfunction, contact your
authorised Wharfedale Pro dealer or distributor for information.
Please be aware that the warranty details may differ from
country to country. Contact your dealer or distributor for
information (available at www.wharfedalepro.com). These
terms do not infringe your statutory rights.
WHARFEDALE LIMITED WARRANTY

Wharfedale Professional
IAG House, 13/14 Glebe Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 7DL, UK
www.wharfedalepro.com
Wharfedale Professional reserves the right to alter or improve specifications without notice.
All rights reserved © 2023 Wharfedale Pro. Wharfedale Pro is a member of the IAG Group.
April 2023