Neumann M 149 Tube - Multi-Pattern Tube Microphone
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The K 49 capsule - well-known from the legendary U 47 and M 49 microphones - is followed by a tube functioning as an impedance converter. In contrast to earlier concepts - utilizing a transformer - the tube is complemented with a transformerless output circuit design. The M 149 Tube can thus feed long microphone cables without any colouration.
The microphone comes as a set in an attractive aluminium case, together with the 8-core microphone connecting cable, the N 149 A power supply with plug-in mains unit, the EA 170 full elastic microphone suspension and a dust cover.
Applications
There are nine polar patterns to choose from, making this microphone an ideal choice for a wide range of recording situations. The M 149 Tube is a superb vocalist microphone, not only because of the capsule, but also due to its modern circuitry, characterized by extremely low noise level.
Electrical features
The circuit of the M 149 Tube microphone has been developed to exceed traditional designs. A modern tube (triode) with its exceptional transmission characteristics is combined with the advantages of Neumann's proven transformerless output circuit. The aim was to provide a more controlled environment for the audio signal on its path from the capsule to the output section.
The final stage is an integrated amplifier, especially designed for such applications. It features very low distortion (THD < 0.002 % at +/- 10 V), very low self-noise, and high output current capability. As a result, the tube circuit is completely decoupled from the microphone output and its characteristic response curve will be unaffected by very high signal levels or varying load conditions.
The lower output impedance and higher output current capability allow cable lengths up to 300 m (1000 feet) without any degradation of the audio signal.
The tube amplifier changes the high impedance of the capsule and adds 10 dB of gain to the audio signal, providing optimum operating specifications. The wide dynamic range is impressive, as peak output can be 10 V, at 20 mA.
The ideal operating point of the tube is maintained throughout its entire life expectancy. Plate current and filament voltage are constantly regulated. A sensor circuit monitors and compensates for any voltage drop across the microphone cable. The tube is heated up slowly through inverse current limiting to guarantee long life. Optimum operating conditions are reached within a very short time.
Filter
A seven-position slide switch, located on the back of the microphone, selects a high-pass filter, advancing in half-octave steps between 20 Hz and 160 Hz (-3dB). This filter is useful to suppress rumble from air-conditioning and in windy situations. In addition, the filter provides an effective tool to control the audio signal when the microphone is used at close distance and therefore proximity effect alters the program material.
Technical Specifications
Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer
Directional pattern: Omnidirectional, wide angle cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-8 plus one intermediate position between each major position
Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 34/47/62 mV/Pa
Rated impedance: 50 ohms
Rated load impedance: 1 kohms
Equivalent noise level, CCIR2): 28/25/23 dB
Equivalent noise level, A-weighted: 16/13/11 dB-A1)
Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (rel. 94 dB SPL): 66/69/71 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (rel. 94 dB SPL): 78/81/83 dB
Typical SPL (tube characteristic): K < 0.5 %: 120 dB, K < 5 %: 136 dB
Maximum output voltage: 18 dBu
Power supply: N 149 A
Matching connectors: Microphone DIN8F, Power supply XLR3F
Weight: 730 g
Diameter: 70 mm
Length: 201 mm
Q & A
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