NEUMANN M 147 Tube

Product overview

The NEUMANN M 147 Tube is a large-diaphragm cardioid tube microphone that brings back the classic sound of Neumann's famous tube microphones of the 1950s, designed for 21st century recording chains.

It uses the same K 47 large-diaphragm capsule as the legendary U 47, in a slightly more compact version of its iconic headgrille, and combines it with a specially selected subminiature triode and an advanced transformerless solid-state output stage: vintage sound with a modern punch, a very direct sound with unrestricted bass response and cable runs of up to 300 m. With a self-noise of only 12 dB-A it suits quiet sources, while its soft saturation creates a sense of elevated loudness on louder ones.

Key features

• Same K 47 capsule design as the legendary Neumann U 47
• Cardioid pattern
• Classic sound with unmatched presence
• Tube circuit with extremely low self-noise: 12 dB-A
• Transformerless output stage: cable runs up to 300 m
• Comes with the N 149 A power supply, SG 2 swivel mount, KT 8 cable, dust cover and aluminium case

Vintage sound with modern muscle

The K 47 dual-diaphragm capsule is known for its exceptional combination of warmth and presence. The triode amplifies the capsule signal by about 10 dB, so the sound is determined by capsule and tube alone; an integrated amplifier with extremely low THD then drives the output instead of a transformer.

Soft saturation by design

The typical SPL for 0.5 % THD is 114 dB, yet the M 147 works well with louder sources too, as distortion rises very slowly to 5 % THD at 134 dB SPL. This is intentional: like analogue recording, it creates a sense of elevated loudness by soft saturation.

Applications

Its presence and distinctive midrange focus suit male and female vocals, speech applications such as voice-over and film dubbing, and solo instruments as a spot microphone. Its low self-noise makes it suitable for quiet sources.

In the box

• M 147 Tube microphone
• N 149 A power supply incl. power cable
• SG 2 swivel mount
• KT 8 microphone cable
• Dust cover
• Aluminium case

Available versions

• M 147 Tube (230 V EU): Cat. No. 008435
• M 147 Tube (117 V US): Cat. No. 008434
• M 147 Tube (230 V UK): Cat. No. 008436

NEUMANN M 147 Tube: frequently asked questions

Which capsule does the M 147 Tube use?

The classic K 47 large-diaphragm dual-diaphragm capsule, as in the legendary U 47, with a cardioid pattern.

How is the M 147 Tube powered?

By the supplied N 149 A power supply, connected with the eight-core KT 8 cable (DIN 8). The audio signal leaves the N 149 A on a balanced XLR 3 socket; its output may be connected to inputs with 48 V phantom power (load approx. 1 mA).

How long can the cables be?

The audio cable from the N 149 A can be up to approx. 300 m long, and the KT 8 connection between microphone and power supply up to approx. 100 m: a sensor line compensates cable losses of up to 4 V DC.

Is the M 147 suitable for loud sources?

Yes. Distortion rises very slowly from 0.5 % THD at 114 dB SPL to 5 % THD at 134 dB SPL, giving a soft saturation like analogue recording.

Where can I buy the NEUMANN M 147 Tube in India?

The NEUMANN M 147 Tube is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Setting up the tube system

Engineers installing the M 147 Tube in the studio.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the microphone in the SG 2 swivel mount.
2. Connect microphone and N 149 A with the KT 8 cable (any order).
3. Connect the XLR 3 output of the N 149 A to the preamp and switch the N 149 A on.
4. Wait a few minutes for the tube to reach its stable, lowest-noise condition.

Tip: The N 149 A LED changes from a low glow to bright once the microphone is detected.

Workflow 2: Lead vocals

Singers and producers recording male or female vocals.

Connections

Setup

1. Face the Neumann logo side to the singer.
2. Place a pop screen in front of the microphone.
3. Set the gain on the loudest phrase.
4. Record and enjoy the presence and midrange focus.

Tip: The EA 1 elastic suspension is recommended against structure-borne noise.

Workflow 3: Voice-over and film dubbing

Speech studios and dubbing stages.

Connections

Setup

1. Position the speaker on axis at a consistent distance.
2. Use a pop screen.
3. Record a level test with normal speech.
4. Record the session.

Tip: Test with normal speech, never by blowing into the microphone.

Workflow 4: Quiet acoustic sources

Engineers recording soft instruments or delicate voices.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone close to the source.
2. Raise the preamp gain as needed.
3. The 12 dB-A self-noise keeps the recording clean.
4. Record.

Tip: Allow the tube a few minutes to settle at its lowest noise.

Workflow 5: Spot microphone for solo instruments

Ensembles and orchestral sessions.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the M 147 near the solo instrument.
2. Point the cardioid front at the instrument.
3. Blend it with the main microphones.
4. Record.

Tip: The KT 8 between microphone and N 149 A may be up to approx. 100 m long.

Workflow 6: Louder sources with soft saturation

Engineers seeking an analogue-style character.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone at a moderate distance from the source.
2. Set the preamp gain so the input does not clip.
3. Let the tube's soft saturation add perceived loudness.
4. Record and compare takes.

Tip: Distortion rises slowly to 5 % THD at 134 dB SPL.