Neumann is recognized for many famous microphone models that are as revered today as they were in the days when they were introduced and quickly became part of the broadcast and recording history. Many such designs have long stopped being manufactured but remain treasured and in use whenever possible. One of the models that is harder to find in good condition is the M49 tube microphone, one of the first products manufactured in the postwar period, introduced in 1951.
Now, the German studio specialist Neumann.Berlin announced a reissue of the legendary M 49 studio microphone. With its continuously remote controlled polar pattern, it was designed essentially for broadcast applications and was quickly embraced for recording applications. Still today, collectors have hunted for M49 in working conditions, as studios continue to find its unique character to be highly desirable, even though the more iconic Neumanns continue to be the U47 and U87.
The M 49 V is a reissue according to original specifications and design documents from the Neumann archive. It uses the same circuitry as the last and most popular historical revision, the M 49 c, but with an even lower noise, hand-selected subminiature tube. “In our field tests, even renowned microphone experts could not detect any difference in sound,” explains Portfolio Manager Sebastian Schmitz.
“In timbre and dynamic behavior, the M 49 V is identical to a historic M 49 in top condition. The circuitry and acoustic design have been adopted from the M 49 c. And the most important component, the classic K 49 large diaphragm capsule, has been manufactured by Neumann with no changes since the 1950s.
Detail improvements have been made to the pattern control unit, which now meets modern electrical and safety regulations, and automatically adapts to the mains voltage. As Neumann explains, the modern units are also compatible with old M 49 microphones and might become a very desirable item on their own. Instead of the old bayonet connector, the M 49 V uses the RF-tight connector of the historic broadcast version M 249. In addition, the M 49 V can be configured via internal switches, either as a made-to-order option or post-sales by Neumann Service.
The infrasonic filter, which protects the BV11 output transformer from unwanted distortion, can be lowered from 30Hz to 12Hz, resulting in the frequency response of the early M 49 (without suffix) up to 1957. Like the historical M 49 b model variant, the M 49 V can be set to fixed cardioid pickup pattern, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio by about 3dB. This option is useful if the M 49 V is to be used exclusively in cardioid mode, for example for vocals and speech.
"The M 49 is a very special microphone not only for a large number of our customers, but also for me personally. It is an icon of recording technology and is inextricably linked to some of the most extraordinary voices and instrumentalists of the last 70 years. Its physical presence alone, and even more so its incomparable sound, lend that magic and authority for which the Neumann name has become synonymous,” explains Ralf Oehl, CEO of Georg Neumann GmbH. “That gleam in the eyes of our mostly Grammy-awarded testers, after they sang or played into a new M 49 V for the first time, cannot be put into words. But it touched me incredibly every time. That’s exactly what we work for so passionately.”
Regarding availability, Ralf Oehl states: "Less than 48 hours after the official sales launch, we already have more than 200 orders. That’s overwhelming. Especially when you consider that we can only hand manufacture about 25 pieces per month with three specially trained employees. We must therefore hope for your patience. I promise... it will be worth the wait!"
The M 49 V comes as a set with remote pattern control unit, microphone cable, and the classic "yoke" swivel mount, delivered in a high-quality, handcrafted case. The list price is $8,499 USD, including the handmade vintage case manufactured in Germany.
www.neumann.com
