Neumann M 149 Tube UK

The Neumann M 150 Tube UK is a small-diaphragm, studio condenser microphone with an omnidirectional polar pattern. Based on the Neumann M 50, this microphone is ideal for orchestral recordings. It uses a 12 mm titanium capsule flush-mounted in a 40 mm sphere to create the omnidirectional pattern that becomes directional at higher frequencies.

Neumann M 149 Tube UK Key Features:

• Features a titanium capsule flush-mounted in a small sphere
• Offers an omnidirectional pattern that becomes directional at higher frequencies
• The transformer-less tube circuit ensures low self-noise
• Consists of a small diaphragm for a transient response
• An acoustically open head grille covers the pressure transducer capsule
• Delivers optimal transmission characteristics using a subminiature triode
• Amplified capsule signal ensures a clear low-end sound
• Amplified capsule signal ensures a clear low-end sound
• Offers a self-noise of 15 dB-A and a dynamic range of 119 dB
• Enables long cable runs of up to 300 metres
• Maintains a lossless signal transmission over long distances
• Consists of a -10 dB attenuation switch for use with low headroom preamps
• A second switch activates a 40 Hz rumble filter
• Brings out unprecedented detail and realism to the recordings
• Ideal for DECCA Tree stereo and surround recordings

Expanded Neumann M 149 Tube UK Key Features:

Construction

The M 150 is inspired by the design of the M 50 and features a 12 mm small-diaphragm capsule, flush-mounted in a 40 mm small sphere. The pressure transducer capsule has an omnidirectional pickup pattern that becomes gradually more directional at higher frequencies. The diaphragm is ultra-thin in construction and is made of titanium. Spaced only 10 microns from the back-plate, it results in transient response. This light and rigid capsule is protected by an acoustically open head grille. It can high sound pressure levels and provides a detailed sound reproduction.

Acoustic Features

The thin diaphragm of the capsule is known to have desirable characteristics and the mounted head grille is the most sought-after characteristic of a microphone. With a perfectly circular polar pattern, this omni-pressure transducer microphone is ideal for any stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 surround recording. It offers a narrower pickup pattern in the mid-range and upper-range frequencies.

Electric Features

The tube circuit uses a subminiature triode to amplify the capsule’s signal and ensure a low self-noise of 15 dB-A. Instead of an output transformer, it uses an ultra-transparent transformer-less output stage. The former could have coloured the sound but the latter ensures a clear low end and a wide dynamic range of 119 dB. The low impedance enables long runs of up to 300 metres without any transmission loss. The tube circuit allows for extremely fine reproduction of small signals and low-frequency information.

Wide Range of Applications

The “omnidirectional” characteristic of the microphone ensures a transient response and a gradually rising sensitivity above 1 kHz. It is designed to be primarily used for orchestral recordings, DECCO Tree techniques, and extended surround setups. The M 150 brings out unprecedented realism and detail to recording applications such as classical pianos and film scores. It can also be used as a vocal microphone or for general instrument recording in the studio.

What's in the box?

• 1 x Neumann M 150 Tube Microphone
• 1 x N149 Power Supply Unit
• 1 x 8-core Microphone Connecting Cable
• 1 x EA 170 Full Elastic Suspension
• 1 x Protective Storage Case
• Limited 1-Year Warranty

FAQs:

How much does it weigh?

The M 150 Tube Microphone has a lightweight design for easy handling and weighs up to 800 grams.

What is the microphone’s SPL and dynamic range?

The SPL capability of the microphone is up to 114 dB for a THD less than 0.5% and is up to 134 dB for a THD of less than 5%. Similarly, the dynamic range of the microphone is 99 dB for THD < 0.5% and is 119 dB for THD < 5%.

What is the pickup pattern of the microphone?

The microphone has an omnidirectional pickup pattern that becomes narrower at mid- and high-frequency levels. The variation in the sound pressure level in the dependence of sound incidence is greater with cylindrical bodies (up to 20 dB) than it is with a sphere (up to 15 dB). This is why the balanced directional characteristic of the microphone is almost comparable to a pressure gradient microphone.

What are the two switches for?

There are two switches at the rear, one of which is a -10 dB attenuation switch for use with low headroom preamps. The second switch activates a 40 Hz rumble filter and in the position “LIN”, a limit frequency of 16 Hz is made.