NEUMANN M 149 Tube

Product overview

The NEUMANN M 149 Tube is a universal large-diaphragm tube microphone with nine selectable polar patterns: a modern version of Neumann's famous M 49, with an innovative transformerless tube circuit for optimal sound with lowest self-noise.

Like its predecessor it uses the classic K 47/49 dual-diaphragm capsule, renowned for its supreme balance and unmatched presence, in a large, acoustically open headgrille that minimises internal reflections. A subminiature triode, specially selected for lowest noise, and a high-precision, ultra-low distortion transformerless output stage preserve the full dynamics of the tube circuit. Nine patterns, a seven-position low cut and a self-noise of only 13 dB-A in cardioid make it a truly universal studio microphone.

Key features

• Same capsule as the legendary Neumann M 49
• Classic sound in nine directional patterns
• Seven-position low cut, 20 to 160 Hz in half-octave steps
• Tube circuit with extremely low self-noise
• Transformerless output stage: cable runs up to 300 m
• Comes with the N 149 A power supply, EA 170 shock mount, KT 8 cable, dust cover and aluminium case

Classic Neumann sound with 21st century performance

The M 149 continues the tradition of the M 49, which shaped the sound of countless jazz and pop albums, with higher sensitivity and much lower noise than vintage tube microphones. Current sensing technology keeps the tube at its optimal operating point and, together with the low output impedance, lets the microphone drive cables of up to 300 m.

Truly universal

Omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid and figure-8, plus four intermediate positions, adapt it to any recording situation, and the low cut mutes impact or air-conditioning noise and shapes the proximity effect of close vocals.

Applications

A superb microphone for vocalists in any genre and an amazingly versatile microphone for piano, acoustic and electric guitar, upright bass, percussion, drum overheads and solo strings, brass and woodwind.

In the box

• M 149 Tube microphone
• N 149 A power supply incl. power cable
• KT 8 connecting cable
• EA 170 shock mount
• Dust cover
• Aluminium case

Available versions

• M 149 Tube (230 V EU): Cat. No. 008390
• M 149 Tube (117 V US): Cat. No. 008399
• M 149 Tube (230 V UK): Cat. No. 008403

NEUMANN M 149 Tube: frequently asked questions

Which polar patterns does the M 149 Tube offer?

Nine: omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid and figure-8, plus an intermediate position between each. After switching, a slightly raised noise floor may be heard for up to 30 seconds while the capsule recharges.

How is the M 149 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.

What does the low cut switch do?

It sets the -3 dB cut-off in seven half-octave steps between 20 Hz and 160 Hz, to mute impact or air-conditioning noise and to shape the proximity effect.

Where can I buy the NEUMANN M 149 Tube in India?

The NEUMANN M 149 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 149 Tube in the studio.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the microphone in the EA 170 shock 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: Vocals in any genre

Singers and producers.

Connections

Setup

1. Select cardioid (or a tighter pattern in a live room).
2. Place a pop screen.
3. Use the low cut to tame the proximity effect if needed.
4. Set the gain and record.

Tip: Allow up to 30 s after switching the pattern.

Workflow 3: Piano and acoustic guitar

Engineers recording acoustic instruments.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose omni or wide cardioid for a natural, open sound.
2. Position the microphone and listen.
3. Switch to cardioid for more separation.
4. Record.

Tip: Nine patterns let you fine-tune the room sound.

Workflow 4: Drum overheads and percussion

Studio engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the microphone above the kit.
2. Choose cardioid or hypercardioid.
3. Set the low cut to remove rumble.
4. Record.

Tip: The tube handles up to 136 dB SPL for 5 % THD.

Workflow 5: Figure-8 and stereo techniques

Engineers using pattern-based stereo set-ups.

Connections

Setup

1. Select the figure-8 pattern where the technique needs it.
2. Align the microphones.
3. Match the gains.
4. Record.

Tip: Figure-8 has the highest sensitivity: 62 mV/Pa.

Workflow 6: Solo strings, brass and woodwind

Recording solo instruments.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone at a suitable distance.
2. Select the pattern for the desired room share.
3. Use the low cut against floor noise.
4. Record.

Tip: Use the low cut against impact noise from the floor.