Neumann TLM49 Cardioid Condenser Mic

Neumann TLM49 Microphone | Reviews
89
G
erman mic company
Neumann should need no
introduction. Along with
Austrian counterparts AKG,
their models pretty much defi ned the
European microphone in the 20th
century. Quite an achievement, but
where does it leave them in the 21st?
In a world where quality and value
often go hand in hand, spending over
a grand on a mic has become a choice
rather than a necessity.
Neumann’s answer has been to re-
invent their product range, offering
more and more choice. One major
aspect of that process has been the
transformerless or ‘TLM’ mic range; the
TLM49 is the latest to arrive.
Bang for buck
Neumann’s famous large capsule mics
have always been quite pricey, and with
many of them being valve designs (with
associated power supply, cabling and so
on) it’s no surprise. The TLM range
combines these successful capsule
designs with more contemporary (and
cheaper) electronics.
The result is simpler mics, often
with only one polar pattern, but with
better signal to noise ratios. Visually, of
course, they have those familiar
Neumann looks.
As you may have noticed, the
TLM49 looks pretty much like the M49
(and M149), and hardly surprisingly
sports a capsule derived from the M49
and U47. However, unlike the valve 49,
this one is a single pattern (cardioid)
and solid state design. And unlike the
most recent M49 incarnation (the
M149) it has no roll off.
On the technical front, an A-
weighted equivalent noise fi gure of
12dB is good, though not the best I’ve
seen, and with 12mV/Pa sensitivity,
again other mics are better. Even so,
overall the specs seem pretty good.
Vocal coach
The TLM49 is very much being
promoted as a vocal mic, so that’s my
fi rst port of call. With no polar patterns,
roll-offs or pads to press, this really is a
set up and play (or sing) mic.
That simplicity means any variations
in sound will be down to mic position,
and it’s immediately obvious that you
have to get in close to achieve the
proximity effect.
A quick look at the polar pattern
reveals a very gentle tail off below
500Hz, but also a gradual presence lift
from 2.5kHz to around 5kHz, with a
further lift to 12kHz. Both of these
contribute to intelligibility and sparkle
for vocals and speech.
It’s worth noting the scale of this
mic – it’s big! The massive capsule
grille creates plenty of space around the
capsule, which helps to reduce
unwanted colouration.
Obviously a good large capsule
condenser should perform well on most
acoustic instruments. The M49 works
well up close on acoustic guitar, but
would also make a good orchestral spot
mic, particularly for cello and bass,
although in some circumstances the
size of it may make it a little unwieldy.
It also seems very well insulated
from contact noise. With both the
capsule and internal electronics
elastically mounted, the included
suspension cradle provides added
protection from stand vibration.
Comfy
There’s something comfortably familiar
about the sound of Neumann mics and
the TLM49 delivers that sound (albeit
at a price). As I’ve said, quality and
value have become expected from
equipment, particularly microphones.
But there remains something
quite seductive about the feel and
performance of the best European mics,
and the TLM49 falls well within that
category. Highly recommended.
WHAT IS IT?
A condenser microphone
for critical recording
(particularly vocals).
CONTACT
Who: Sennheiser UK
Tel: [phone]
Web: neumann.com
HIGHLIGHTS
1 Classic vocal sound
2 Quality construction
3 Looks the part
SPECS
Frequency response:
20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 12mV/Pa
Signal to noise ratio:
82dB (A-weighted)
Equivalent noise: 12dB (A-
weighted)
Maximum SPL: 110dB (less
than 0.5% THD)
Supply voltage:
48V (+/-4V)
Size:
78 x 165mm
Weight:
0.83kg
Neumann TLM49 Cardioid
Condenser Mic
| £1,056
Neumann continues to expand its transformerless range
with the TLM49. Jon Musgrave steps up to the mic…
VERDICT
BUILD
VALUE
EASE OF USE
VERSATILITY
RESULTS
There’s nothing lacking in
the performance of Neumann’s
retro-styled vocal mic.
FMU180.rev_neumann 89 13/9/06 07:50:25