Neumann

Explore Neumann vintage audio equipment in the Vintage Technology Archive.

Microphone

• M 49 — Neumann M 49 (1952): the first remote-pattern-control tube condenser. 40–15,000 cps, AC 701 k tube, NN 48 b supply.

Other Models

• KM 53 — Neumann KM 53 (1953) — miniature tube condenser from Neumann's broadcast era, grouped with the U 47 and M 49 as a legendary model; still in studio use decades later.
• KM100 — Neumann KM100 modular miniature condenser system — interchangeable capsules, transformerless 100-series electronics, TEC Award nominee.
• KM140 — Neumann KM140 small-diaphragm condenser — detachable active capsule, 10dB pad, favored for broadcast and remote work. Period prices and studio use.
• KM184 — Neumann KM 184 small-diaphragm cardioid condenser — KM 84 capsule, KM 100-series transformerless circuit, $599 list, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 138 dB max SPL.
• KM64 — Neumann KM64 small-diaphragm condenser — a studio favorite found in pro lockers and 1980s want-lists, though its published specs remain frustratingly thin.
• KM83 — Neumann KM83 omnidirectional small-diaphragm FET condenser from the FET-80 series; modular KK-83 capsule and KMi preamp, 48V phantom, used alongside KM84/KM85 in 1970s studios.
• KMS105 — Neumann KMS105 — supercardioid handheld condenser from the fet 100 series, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 18 dB-A self-noise, fixed 120 Hz high-pass, no pad or filter switch.
• M 147 Tube — Neumann M 147 Tube: a transformerless tube condenser with the U 47's K 47/49 capsule, fixed cardioid, 20 Hz–20 kHz. Classic sound, modern noise floor.
• M 149 Tube — Neumann M 149 Tube (1995): first new Neumann tube mic in 30+ years, K 49 capsule, transformerless FET 100 circuit, 9 patterns.
• M 249 — Neumann M 249 tube condenser — K 49 capsule, switchable/remote pattern, a studio staple that held its value from the 1970s through today.
• M147 — Neumann M147 Tube — a cardioid-only valve condenser with U47/M49 capsule lineage and transformerless output, launched 1998 at $1,995 and billed as Neumann's fastest-selling mic.
• M149 — Neumann M149 Tube (1996): K 49 capsule, transformerless FET 100 circuit, 9 patterns, 7-step HPF. The first new Neumann tube mic in 30+ years.
• M269c — Neumann M269c tube condenser — rare valve mic with remote polar control, NN48h supply, Tuchel outputs. Priced at $4,000 used in 1997.
• M49b — Neumann M49b tube condenser — the remote-pattern studio workhorse found in pairs and quads in the world's great rooms, from concert hall to vocal booth.
• M50 — Neumann M50 omni condenser mic — Plexiglas sphere capsule, AC 701 tube, +6 dB rise 8–16 kHz. The classical spot mic standard.
• SM69 — Neumann SM69 stereo condenser — pattern-adjustable coincident pair, prized for room and overhead duty, known for a bright, present character.
• SM69 FET — Neumann SM69 FET stereo condenser — £215 in 1971, ~£1,827 by 1990, three switchable patterns, low-noise FET preamp.
• TLM 50 — Neumann TLM 50 omnidirectional condenser: 12mm pressure capsule in a 40mm sphere, transformerless, 7 dB-A self-noise, 134/144 dB max SPL.
• TLM103 — Neumann TLM103 large-diaphragm condenser — U87-derived capsule, lowest self-noise claim, under $1000 new. The project-studio Neumann that working engineers actually bought.
• TLM170 — Neumann TLM170 multi-pattern condenser — 140 dB SPL, 126 dB dynamic range, five patterns, and it outsold the U87.
• U 47 FET — Neumann U 47 FET — the solid-state U 47 built around the K47 capsule, flat on-axis, under 23 dB SPL noise, with recessed filter and attenuator switches.