Neumann M 149 Tube

The M 149 Tube is a modern version of the famous Neumann M 49. Like its predecessor, the classic K 47/49 large diaphragm capsule sits in an acoustically open microphone basket. The M 149 is a universal studio microphone with 9 polar patterns. Its innovative transformerless tube circuit guarantees optimum sound with the lowest inherent noise.

The M 149 is a universal studio microphone with tube electronics in the tradition of the legendary M 49, the large-diaphragm condenser microphone that set a new standard in the 1950s and has provided good sound on countless jazz and pop recordings ever since. The M 149 continues this tradition by upgrading the timeless fidelity of its predecessor with even better performance data thanks to advanced technology.

The M 149 uses the same transducer as its legendary predecessor, the classic K 47/49 large diaphragm capsule, which is famous for its unrivalled presence and balance. An acoustically open microphone basket minimises internal reflections. The capsule signal is amplified by a subminiature triode tube, which is selected for lowest noise and optimum transmission characteristics. The output stage is a high-precision transformerless circuit that preserves the entire dynamic range of the tube input stage and makes it fully usable for today's recording technology. The M 149 offers higher sensitivity and significantly lower self-noise than older tube microphones. In addition, the operating points of the tube are optimised internally; voltage drops in the microphone cable are automatically compensated. Thanks to its low output impedance, the M 149 can handle long cable runs of up to 300 metres without transmission losses. For this innovative combination of classic tube technology and advanced Neumann engineering, the M 149 Tube was honoured with the TEC Award in 1997.

The M 149 offers nine polar patterns - omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-of-eight and four intermediate positions - as well as a seven-stage bass roll-off (20 to 160 Hz in half-octave steps). This flexibility and an exceptionally low self-noise of only 13 dB-A (in cardioid position) make it a truly universal studio microphone for all applications. The M 149 is not only an outstanding vocal microphone for all musical genres. Unlike many other recent tube microphones, it is equally suitable for instruments of all kinds such as piano, acoustic and electric guitar, double bass, percussion and drums (overheads) as well as solo strings and wind instruments. The M 149 is a premium microphone that fulfils even the highest demands.