NEUMANN M 150 Tube

Product overview

The NEUMANN M 150 Tube is a unique small-diaphragm tube microphone for orchestral recordings, based on the legendary Neumann M 50: a titanium capsule flush-mounted in a small sphere creates an omni pattern that becomes directional at higher frequencies.

The 12 mm capsule sits in a 40 mm sphere; its ultra-thin titanium diaphragm is spaced only 10 microns from a titanium backplate, for unparalleled transient response, and an acoustically open headgrille shaped like that of the M 50 protects it. A subminiature triode with a self-noise of only 15 dB-A and an ultra-transparent transformerless output stage give a clear low end even at the highest levels, a dynamic range of 119 dB and cable runs of up to 300 m. A -10 dB pad and a 40 Hz rumble filter are built in.

Key features

• Ideal for classic three-microphone tree arrangements in stereo and surround
• Modern version of the legendary Neumann M 50
• Unique all-titanium capsule
• Extended frequency response and unparalleled transient accuracy
• Tube circuit with transformerless output stage
• Very low self-noise: 15 dB-A
• -10 dB pad and 40 Hz rumble filter (LIN = 16 Hz)
• Comes with the N 149 A power supply, EA 170 shock mount, KT 8 cable and aluminium case

A capsule in a sphere

The capsule itself is a pressure transducer, but the sphere makes its omnidirectional pattern gradually more directional at higher frequencies, with a smooth pressure build-up from about 1 kHz of at most 6 dB and a very even rise of the directivity index, while the bass stays linear down to the lowest frequencies.

Pad and rumble filter

A -10 dB switch attenuates the output for low-headroom preamps. A second switch activates a 40 Hz rumble filter; in the LIN position the low cut moves to 16 Hz to protect the console input from sub-audio noise, as the capsule's low-frequency response is virtually unlimited.

Applications

The M 150 is primarily designed to bring detail and realism to orchestral recordings of classical pieces and film scores. Its directional omni characteristic, transient response and gradually rising sensitivity above 1 kHz make it the perfect main microphone for three-microphone tree arrangements, including extended surround set-ups.

In the box

• M 150 Tube microphone
• N 149 A power supply
• EA 170 shock mount
• KT 8 connecting cable
• Aluminium case

Available versions

• M 150 Tube (230 V EU): Cat. No. 008456
• M 150 Tube (117 V US): Cat. No. 008457
• M 150 Tube (230 V UK): Cat. No. 008458

NEUMANN M 150 Tube: frequently asked questions

What polar pattern does the M 150 Tube have?

It is an omnidirectional pressure microphone whose 40 mm sphere makes it gradually more directional at higher frequencies: a directional omni.

How is the M 150 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 LIN position of the low cut switch mean?

In LIN the low cut is shifted to 16 Hz rather than switched off, to protect the console input from sub-audio noise such as strong air currents. The other position is a 40 Hz rumble filter.

Where can I buy the NEUMANN M 150 Tube in India?

The NEUMANN M 150 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 150 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: Three-microphone tree for orchestra

Classical and film score engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the three microphones on a tree above the conductor's position.
2. Point them towards the orchestra.
3. Match the gains.
4. Record the main stereo picture and add spot microphones as needed.

Tip: The gradually rising sensitivity above 1 kHz keeps detail at a distance.

Workflow 3: Extended surround tree

Engineers recording in surround formats.

Connections

Setup

1. Add microphones for the surround channels.
2. Position them for the hall sound.
3. Match levels.
4. Record.

Tip: The omni bass stays linear to the lowest frequencies.

Workflow 4: Film score recording

Scoring stages.

Connections

Setup

1. Use the M 150 as main microphones.
2. Engage the 40 Hz filter if stage rumble is present.
3. Set levels.
4. Record.

Tip: Keep LIN when no rumble is present: it still protects against sub-audio noise.

Workflow 5: Low-headroom preamps

Users with sensitive preamp inputs.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch on the -10 dB pad at the rear.
2. Set the preamp gain.
3. Record.
4. Switch the pad off for quiet sources.

Tip: The pad shifts the output down by 10 dB; it does not extend the dynamic range.

Workflow 6: Classical soloists and chamber music

Classical engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Place one or two M 150 at a suitable distance.
2. Listen to the balance between direct and room sound.
3. Adjust height and distance.
4. Record.

Tip: Use the microphone indoors only and keep it protected from dust.