NEUMANN TLM 49 Set

Product overview

The NEUMANN TLM 49 Set combines the TLM 49 large-diaphragm cardioid studio microphone with the EA 3 elastic suspension. The TLM 49 recreates the sound of Neumann's 1950s tube classics with trouble-free FET circuitry: the same K 47 capsule and the iconic large headgrille of the legendary M 49.

Many engineers long for the smooth sound of classic tube microphones of the 1950s. For those who want a recording tool rather than a collector's item, Neumann developed the TLM 49: it combines the sonic excellence of the legendary U 47 and M 49 with the convenience and high reliability of a modern phantom powered microphone, and its looks are classic too. A special sound design gives smooth vocals and acoustic instruments timeless elegance.

Key features

• Same K 47 capsule as the legendary Neumann U 47 and M 49 microphones
• Optimised for a classic, silky vocal sound
• Tube sound characteristics from reliable transformerless FET circuitry
• Classic look with the large, acoustically open M 49 headgrille
• Cardioid pattern, addressed from the front marked with the Neumann logo
• Very low self-noise of 12 dB-A
• Clear bass and superb midrange with a gentle presence boost above 2 kHz
• 48 V phantom powered (P48, 3.2 mA): no external power supply or tube replacements
• Supplied with the EA 3 elastic suspension

Inspired by the M 49

As the model number implies, the TLM 49 is inspired by its famous precursor, the Neumann M 49, a microphone associated with countless jazz and pop recordings of the 1950s and 60s. It shares the same large, acoustically open headgrille and the same K 47 large-diaphragm capsule, renowned for its sonic elegance and also used in the Neumann U 47.

Re-engineering the past

Instead of electron tubes, the head amplifier of the TLM 49 uses reliable transformerless solid-state technology, with a special sound design that closely reproduces the sonics of tube circuits. It intentionally produces soft saturation at higher sound pressure levels: 0.5 % THD at 110 dB SPL, rising slowly to 5 % at 129 dB SPL. It thus captures the sound and dynamic behaviour of its legendary precursors without an external power supply or tube replacements, and with a self-noise of only 12 dB-A.

EA 3 elastic suspension

The set includes the EA 3 elastic suspension. The capsule itself is elastically mounted against structure-borne noise, and as the amplifier is linear to below 20 Hz the microphone is sensitive to low-frequency vibration, pop and wind noise: Neumann recommends an elastic suspension, a windscreen or a pop screen where needed.

Applications

The TLM 49 has a fixed cardioid pattern and is designed mainly as a microphone for vocalists, but its clear bass and superb midrange with a gentle presence boost above 2 kHz also produce excellent results with instruments such as acoustic guitar and upright bass.

In the box

• TLM 49 microphone
• EA 3 elastic suspension (shock mount)

NEUMANN TLM 49 Set: frequently asked questions

Is the TLM 49 a tube microphone?

No. It uses transformerless FET (solid-state) circuitry with a special sound design that closely reproduces the sonics of tube circuits, including soft saturation at higher sound pressure levels. It runs on standard 48 V phantom power.

Why is the maximum SPL given as 110 dB?

The TLM 49 intentionally produces soft saturation like a tube circuit: THD is 0.5 % at 110 dB SPL and rises slowly to 5 % at 129 dB SPL.

What is included in the TLM 49 Set?

The TLM 49 microphone and the EA 3 elastic suspension.

What powering does the TLM 49 need?

48 V phantom power (P48, IEC 61938); any P48 system that supplies at least 3.2 mA per channel is suitable.

Where can I buy the NEUMANN TLM 49 Set in India?

The NEUMANN TLM 49 Set is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Classic lead vocals

Singers who want a smooth, vintage vocal sound.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the TLM 49 into the EA 3 elastic suspension.
2. Connect it and switch on phantom power.
3. Face the logo side to the singer behind a pop screen.
4. Set the gain and record.

Tip: At high levels the TLM 49 saturates softly, like a tube microphone.

Workflow 2: Speech and narration

Voice-over and audiobook recording.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone in front of the speaker.
2. Use a pop screen against plosives.
3. Set the level with normal speech.
4. Record.

Tip: The 12 dB-A self-noise keeps quiet passages clean.

Workflow 3: Acoustic guitar

Guitarists and engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone in front of the guitar.
2. Adjust distance for the balance of body and string detail.
3. Set the gain.
4. Record.

Tip: The gentle presence boost above 2 kHz adds clarity.

Workflow 4: Upright bass

Jazz and acoustic recordings.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone near the bass, logo side towards it.
2. The EA 3 keeps floor vibration away from the microphone.
3. Set the level.
4. Record.

Tip: Its clear bass suits deep acoustic instruments.

Workflow 5: Home and project studio vocal booth

Producers working with modest preamps.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the microphone and enable 48 V phantom power.
2. Check the interface supplies at least 3.2 mA per channel.
3. Set the gain and record.

Tip: No external power supply or tube replacements are needed.

Workflow 6: Battery powered location recording

Recording where no mains power is available.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the microphone to the BS 48 i.
2. Insert a 9 V block battery.
3. Connect the supply output to the recorder.
4. Record.

Tip: Battery units supply 48 V ± 1 V, max. 5 mA each.