Neumann Revives Legendary M 49 Tube Microphone

Neumann is reissuing one of the most iconic mics in its catalog, the M 49. This is the Neumann large diaphragm tube microphone that was used on countless classic recordings during the 50s and 60s and is now reissued as the M 49 V ($8,499), Handmade in Germany according to the original specifications. Neumann says that it can even be used side by side with the originals. The main differences are on the power source and polar pattern control unit that will automatically adapt to any mains voltage according to today's specs. Also new, the "V" in the new M 49 V stands for its variable circuits and sound options.

Swiss manufacturer PSI Audio announced a new version of its flagship three-way speaker A25-M for 2021. Following on the improvements announced in 2019 with the flow guide introduced in the A23-M monitor, and a larger, more powerful woofer engine, the A25-M boasts an entirely new midrange driver. The Extended Dome Driver (EXD) combines a larger dome and new cone formula, effectively offering the best of both worlds in the process. The new driver system is still mounted to a rotatable baffle to enable vertical or horizontal speaker placement at optimum dispersion.

On this Test Bench, Vance Dickason offers a characterization of the ODT29 fabric dome tweeter from Omega Audio, an OEM transducer manufacturer new to the pages of Voice Coil. The company, headquartered in Holon, Israel, was founded in 1978 when the founder of Omega Audio, Levi Mordechai left Morel. All of Omega Audio’s ODT line of tweeters, dome midranges are handmade in the company's facility, from dome coating to coil winding and motor assembly. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, October 2020.