Neumann - M 149 TUBE

Neumann M 149 Tube is a double diaphragm microphone with variable directivity. The K 49 capsule type - famous for its use on the legendary U 47 and M models 49 - is followed by a lamp serving as an impedance converter. Unlike concepts used once - use an audio transformer) - the lamp is completed with a transformerless output circuit. The M 149 Tube can thus feed long microphone cables without any coloration.

Two switches take place under the gate of large dimensions and very open. Before the switch is used to select one of nine directional patterns available; the selector to the rear corresponds to a high-pass filter 7 position, for metering very exactly the roll-off.
Applications
Its 9 directional characteristics make this microphone an ideal choice for a wide range of recording situations.

Like its ancestors, the M 149 Tube is a superb vocal mic, not only because of its capsule, but also its modern design circuits, characterized by an extremely low noise level.
Acoustic characteristics
The M 149 Tube is used vertically, the sound arriving at the front side where the logo of the brand Neumann, trapezoidal. Its black color identifies tube microphones. The front of the microphone also hosts the selector to choose the directivity.

The capsule is mounted on suspension to prevent structure-borne vibration. The area under the cap is conically shaped to disperse any reflected sound from the acoustic upper half-space. This avoids any interference with the primary sound field, coming directly on the capsule.

A large grid surrounds the capsule. It is acoustically very open, for better sonic realism.
Directional
The pattern selector allows you to choose from 9 different directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, wide cardioid, hypercardioid, (figure 8), an intermediate directivity between each major position.
Electrical Characteristics
The microphone M 149 Tube Circuit has been developed to exceed traditional designs. We have selected a modern lamp (triode) and combined its exceptional transmission characteristics with the advantages of our transformerless output circuit.

The aim was to provide a more controlled environment for the audio signal on the path from the capsule to the output section.

The final stage is an integrated amplifier, designed specifically for such applications. It has a very low distortion (THD < 0.002% to ± 10 V), a clean background noise very low and high current capability.

Result: the lamp circuit is fully uncoupled from the microphone output, and its characteristic response curve is not affected by very high signal levels or variations in load conditions.

The relatively small load impedance and high current capability allow the use of long cable lengths (up to 300 meters) without any degradation of the audio signal.

The tube amplifier fits very high output impedance of the capsule, and applies 10 dB of gain to the audio signal, for optimum operating characteristics. The extent of its dynamic range is impressive, as peak output voltage up to ± 10 V, at 20 mA.

The optimal operating point of the lamp is maintained throughout its life. The intensity plate and the filament voltage are controlled continuously. A sensor wire mark all voltage drops in the microphone cable, thereby to compensate the power level. The rise in the lamp temperature is gradual, with a reverse current limiting, which ensures a long life.
Filter
A 7 position selector is located at the rear of the microphone. It selects the integrated high-pass filter cutoff frequency, not half an octave between 20 Hz and 160 Hz (-3 dB). This filter is used to remove the severe noise, eg from air conditioning or air movement (wind ...).

In addition, this filter provides an effective tool for controlling the audio signal when the microphone is placed close to the source, and the proximity effect that alters the sound.
Comes with
The specific supply N 149 A connects to the M 149 Tube through an 8-core cable. The audio output connector is a plug XLR 3 points - and the signal is symmetrical.

The microphone comes in a beautiful aluminum case, with an 8-conductor connection cable, a mains supply N 149 A with its cord, full elastic suspension EA 170 and a protective cover.