Neumann's first pencil microphone 

• technical marvel: capsule, tube (AC701) and output transformer in a cigar-size body
• omni pattern (pressure microphone)
• equipped with the same capsule (KK53) as the famous Neumann M50
• special capsule design with a minimal distance of the aluminum diaphragm to the back electrode provides an outstanding fine resolution
• very detailed tone with an open top end (5 dB treble boost)
• with the SBK130/21 sound diffraction sphere (Ø 40 mm) the KM53 features sound characteristics virtually identical to the M50
• Decca Tree package with sphere attachments and bar are available for hire
• manufacturing period: 1953-1968

Favourite applications: AB stereo, Decca Tree (ideal for micing orchestras and choirs), room (2x KM53 were used in echo chamber 2 of Abbey Road Studios)