Top 5 Neumann KU100 Alternatives (Binaural Dummy Head Microphone)

The Neumann KU100 is a beast, there's no doubt about it! But it is a pricey beast… I am going to share a detailed breakdown and comparison of the top Neumann KU100 alternatives.

Table Of Contents

Finding An Alternative To The Neumann KU100
Here are five potential alternatives to the Neumann KU100 binaural dummy head microphone:
FAQs

The Neumann KU100 is a stereo microphone that was created exclusively for head-related stereophony. It has earned a high level of esteem and is used by a lot of people.

The one-of-a-kind design, which consists of a dummy head fitted with a pair of omnidirectional microphones, was developed to imitate the manner in which the human ear detects sound.

This makes it possible to have a listening experience that is both very realistic and immersive, as well as to capture audio in binaural form.

One of the most notable features of the KU100 is its two-stage switchable low-frequency roll-off, which allows users to tailor the sound of their recordings to their specific needs.

Additionally, the microphone includes a switchable 10 dB attenuation function, allowing users to adjust the sensitivity of the microphones to capture a wider range of sound levels.

The KU100 provides users with a variety of options for connecting the microphone to their recording gear by providing balanced and unbalanced outputs via XLR and BNC connectors.

It's convenient for a wide range of recording applications thanks to its ability to be powered by either a standard phantom power supply, a battery, or the AC adapter (which is included).

Finding An Alternative To The Neumann KU100

While this isn't a Neumann ku100 review specifically, it goes without saying that the Neumann KU100 is a top-of-the-line, durable, and premium binaural microphone renowned for its exceptional sound quality and versatility.

However, the KU100 may not be the best fit for everyone...

Its high price point, at around $7,000, may not be feasible for some individuals and organizations.

But don't worry – there are more affordable options available on the market that offer similar features and capabilities which I will get into in a moment.

Additionally, some people may have specific needs or preferences that the KU100 does not cater to.

For instance, they may want a binaural microphone designed for use with a smartphone or tablet, or optimized for creating virtual reality audio.

In these cases, an alternative microphone that meets these specialized requirements may be a more suitable option.

Here are five potential alternatives to the Neumann KU100 binaural dummy head microphone:

1. The 3Dio Free Space Pro II

When it comes to capturing sound, the 3Dio Free Space Pro II is a remarkable binaural microphone.

The combination of its lifelike head design and a pair of omnidirectional microphones placed to simulate the human ears' sound pickup results in a convincing and natural binaural audio experience.

The Neumann KU100 is a professional-grade microphone, and while the 3Dio Free Space Pro II shares many of the same features, it may not be as well suited for use in such settings.

It is still a great option for hobbyists looking to create binaural audio recordings or starting out in ASMR on Youtube. Likewise, if this is your goal, you may want to read about whether to get a binaural microphone or a regular microphone.

With the 3Dio Free Space Pro II, you can create realistic and immersive binaural audio experiences because it mimics the way the human ear hears sound.

Feature	Neumann KU100	3Dio Free Space Pro II
Price	$7,999 USD	$1,999 USD
Type	Artificial Head	Binaural Microphone
Connectivity	XLR	XLR
Frequency Response	20Hz-20kHz	20Hz-20kHz
Polar Pattern	Omni-directional	Omni-directional
Power Requirements	48V Phantom Power	48V Phantom Power
Maximum SPL	127dB	140dB
Weight	1.7kg	0.45kg
Dimensions	17.3” x 9.8” x 9.8”	6.7” x 2.4” x 2.4”
Output	Unprocessed	Unprocessed & Processed
Head Type	Hard Plastic	Soft Foam
Headphones	No	Yes
Windscreen	No	Yes
Shock Mount	No	Yes

Check The Neumann KU100 Check The 3Dio Free Space Pro

2. The Hooke Verse

The Hooke Verse is a compact and lightweight binaural microphone designed specifically for use with smartphones and tablets.

Its pair of omnidirectional microphones are positioned to mimic the way the human ear picks up sound, resulting in highly realistic binaural audio recordings.

The ability to customise your recording settings and hear your binaural audio in real-time via the Hooke Verse's companion app is a major selling point.

This can be very helpful for those who want to perfect the audio quality of their recordings and get the best possible takes.

In addition to its versatility and ease of use, the Hooke Verse's omnidirectional microphone design allows it to capture sound from all directions.

This makes it a reliable choice for a variety of recording situations, including podcasts, interviews, and more.

All in all, the Hooke Verse is a fantastic binaural microphone for mobile recording with a smartphone or tablet.

Its portability, omnidirectional microphone, and companion app make it an excellent pick for a wide variety of recording needs.

3. The Core Sound TetraMic

The Core Sound TetraMic is a professional-grade binaural microphone designed to capture the nuances and dynamics of live events.

Its tetrahedral shape and four omnidirectional microphones allow it to capture sound from all directions with exceptional accuracy and detail, making it ideal for recording concerts, lectures, and other live events.

One of the standout features of the TetraMic is its professional-grade design, which makes it a reliable choice for demanding recording situations.

Its tetrahedral shape and omnidirectional microphone configuration enable it to capture a wide range of sounds, making it a versatile choice for live event recording.

In addition to its exceptional sound quality and versatility, the TetraMic is also a durable and reliable choice.

Its professional-grade construction and tetrahedral shape make it resistant to damage and wear and tear, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of live event recording.

If you want to capture all the nuance and energy of a live performance, look no further than the Core Sound TetraMic, a top-tier binaural microphone.

Its tetrahedral shape and omnidirectional microphone configuration make it a high-quality, long-lasting option for documenting live performances like concerts and lectures.

Check The Core Sound TetraMic

4. The Sennheiser AMBEO VR Mic

The Sennheiser Ambeo VR Mic is specifically designed for 360° recording and video capture, and comes with four matched KE 14 capsules and the AMBEO A-B Format Converter plug-in to convert recorded signals to a different format.

It has a frequency response of 20 – 20,000 Hz and a sensitivity of 31 mV/Pa (-30 dBV) at 1 kHz.

It requires 4 x 48V phantom power and comes with a swing mount, windscreen, and adapter cable. It is 215 mm long, 49 mm in diameter, and weighs 400 grams.

The Neumann KU100 is designed for head-related stereophony and features a two-stage switchable low frequency roll-off and a switchable 10 dB attenuation.

It has balanced and unbalanced outputs and can be powered through standard phantom power, a battery, or with an included AC adapter. It comes in an aluminum case.

In terms of price, the Sennheiser Ambeo VR Mic is significantly less expensive than the Neumann KU100.

However, the Neumann KU100 is specifically designed for professional recording applications and may offer more robust features and capabilities for that purpose.

Ultimately, the choice between these two microphones will depend on one's specific needs and preferences.

Check The Sennheiser AMBEO VR Mic

5. Zylia Pro Have It All

When in the market for ku 100dummy head mic alternatives The Zylia Pro Have It All is a strong contender!

It is a cutting-edge 3rd order ambisonics microphone that allows for 360° recording and enables the capture of 3D audio and multitrack recordings of entire music scenes using just one microphone and a ZM-1 array with 19 digital MEMS microphones arranged on a sphere.

It connects to a computer via USB and records at a high quality 24-bit/48 kHz resolution.

The accompanying “Zylia Studio Pro” plug-in (compatible with VST/AU) allows for real-time decoding and comes with presets for surround and ambient applications.

The “Zylia Ambisonics Converter” converts ZM-1 signals to Higher Order Ambisonics (HOA) and supports various formats including B-format, FuMa, ACN, ambiX, and TBE.

It is also compatible with Facebook 360 and YouTube 360 platforms.

The “Zylia Studio Software” offers a range of post-processing options, including the ability to decode, mix, and influence the volume and panorama of individual instruments, as well as extract and export individual tracks as WAV files to other DAWs.

In terms of connectivity, the Zylia Pro Have It All has a micro USB 2.0 connection and comes with a tripod, thread adapter, and USB cable.

It is compatible with both Windows 7 and above, and Mac OSX 10.9 and above.

Feature	Neumann KU100	Zylia Pro Have It All
Design	Stereo microphone for head-related stereophony	3rd order ambisonics microphone for 360° recording
Outputs	Balanced and unbalanced outputs (XLR + BNC)	USB 2.0 connection
Power Supply	Standard phantom power (48 V), battery, AC adapter	USB 2.0 connection
Software	No software included	Zylia Studio Pro plug-in for real-time decoding, Zylia Ambisonics Converter, Zylia Studio Software
Formats	No formats included	B-format, FuMa, ACN, ambiX, TBE
Compatibility	No compatibility information included	Windows 7 and above, Mac OSX 10.9 and above

Check Zylia Pro Have It All Price

FAQs

Is the KU100 the best?

While the Neumann brand is reputable and the KU100 is a good choice for certain recording situations, the high price tag is not necessarily an indicator of its superiority over other microphones. The best microphone choice will depend on the specific needs of the recording situation.

What is Neumann KU100 used for?

The Neumann KU100 is a microphone used for ambisonic recording, which captures immersive audio for virtual reality applications.

Ambisonic recording involves capturing the sound of a space in a way that allows the listener to feel like they are physically present in the recorded environment.

Just to wrap this up, one thing to bear in mind is that all of the suggested alternatives above, have their own unique features, capabilities, and use cases, so it's important to consider your specific needs and budget when deciding which one is right for you.

The price alone will be a factor for many, but if your goal is something more professional, for instance – there is a reason why the Neumann gets the flowers it does!

Yet in saying that, a high price tag isn't always an indicator of quality and a small gadget such as the Hooke Verse (my most affordable suggestion) could be all you need, especially if you will be doing a lot of your recording on a phone or in a mobile scenario!

About Author

Arielle P

Songwriter | Music Producer | Engineer.

With a background in music production and a strong passion for education, Arielle is dedicated to helping emerging artists navigate the music industry. She has worked with a diverse range of artists, from indie rock bands to well-known hip-hop and grime artists. Arielle's unique approach to teaching focuses on empowering artists to take control of their brand, ensuring they retain creative ownership throughout their journey. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new sounds in her home studio and sharing her insights through music production tutorials and workshops.

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