NEUMANN M 149 Tube Microphone System

The Neumann M 149 Tube is a variable dual-diaphragm microphone. The Neumann K 49 capsule – wellknown from the legendary Neumann U 47 and Neumann M 49 microphones – is followed by a tube functioning as an impedance converter. In contrast to earlier concepts – utilizing a transformer – the tube is complemented with a transformerless output circuit design. The Neumann M 149 Tube can thus feed long microphone cables without any coloration.

Two slide switches are located below the large, acoustically very open headgrille. The switch at the front allows selection one of nine directional patterns. The slide switch at the rear operates a seven-step high pass filter. It allows a very fine adjustment of the cut-off frequency.

NEUMANN M 149 Microphone - FEATURES

NEUMANN M 149 Microphone - APPLICATIONS

• Switchable tube microphone
• Transformerless circuitry
• High output level
• Pressure gradient transducer with the M 49 capsule
• Acoustically very open wire mesh cage
• Nine directional characteristics: omni, wide angle cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8, and one intermediate position each
• 7fold switchable low frequency roll-off

• Universal tube mic
• Its warm and yet transparent sound gives volume and presence to a vocalist
• A wide range of adjustments provide the most subtle differentiation of sound, especially in the range of proximity effect
• Mic for broadcasting, dubbing, and voice-over
• Spot mic for close miking of solo instruments, especially strings, wind instruments, and piano

These are just some of the most common applications. We recommend additional experimentation to gain maximum use from this microphone.

NEUMANN M 149 Microphone - POLAR PATTERN:

NEUMANN M 149 Microphone - ACOUSTIC FEATURES:

The Neumann M 149 Tube is addressed from the front, marked with the Neumann logo. Also on the front is the switch for the selection of the polar patterns. The capsule is mounted elastically inside the headgrille to eliminate structure borne noise. The surface below the capsule is shaped like a cone to disperse any reflected sound from the acoustic upper half space. This avoids any interference with the primary sound arriving at the capsule directly. A large headgrille surrounds the capsule. It is acoustically very open and therefore increases the sonic realism.

NEUMANN M 149 Microphone - ELECTRICAL FEATURES:

The circuit of the Neumann M 149 Tube microphone has been developed to exceed traditional designs. We have selected a modern tube (triode) and combined its exceptional transmission characteristics with the advantages of our proven transformerless output circuit. The aim was to provide a more controlled environment for the audio signal on its path from the capsule to the output section.

The final stage is an integrated amplifier, especially designed for such applications. It features very low distortion (THD < 0.002 % at ± 10 V), very low self-noise, and high output current capability. As a result, the tube circuit is completely decoupled from the microphone output and its characteristic response curve will be unaffected by very high signal levels or varying load conditions. The lower output impedance and higher output current capability allow cable lengths up to 300 m (1000 feet) without any degradation of the audio signal.

NEUMANN M 149 Microphone - FILTER:

A seven-position slide switch is located on the back of the microphone. It selects a high-pass filter, advancing in half-octave steps between 20 Hz and 160 Hz (-3dB). This filter is useful to suppress rumble from air-conditioning and in windy situations. In addition, the filter provides an effective tool to control the audio signal when the microphone is used at close distance and therefore proximity effect alters the program material.

NEUMANN M 149 Microphone - DELIVERY RANGE:

The specifically designed Neumann N 149 A Apower supply unit feeds the Neumann M 149 Tube through an 8-core cable. The output connector for the audio signal is a 3-pin XLR. The output signal is balanced. The microphone comes as a set in an attractive aluminium case, together with the 8-core microphone connecting cable, the N 149 A power supply with plug-in mains unit, the EA 170 full elastic microphone suspension and a dust cover.

NEUMANN M 149 Microphone - VINTAGE POWER SUPPLY:

As requested by many recording engineers an optional power supply in the typical vintage design is available: The N 149 V. It handles all mains voltages from 100 V to 240 V, 50 or 60 Hz. Mains power is connected through a standard IEC 320 mains socket. The three available versions of the N 149 V just differ in their mains power cable.