Neumann M 49 V Remote Switchable Studio Tube Microphone Set

M 49 V Set
Remote Switchable Studio Tube Microphone

The legendary tube microphone of the 1950s and 60s is finally available again. In the original.

Key Features:

• Reissue of the legendary M 49 with detail improvements
• Continuously variable polar pattern, remote controlled
• Superb vocal microphone for male and female voices
• Versatile microphone for all types of instruments

True Greatness

Introduced in 1951, the M 49 revolutionized studio technology with its continuously variable, remote-switchable polar pattern. And, of course, with its incomparably full, silky sound, which has made its mark on countless recordings to this day. The M 49 V is what many have been eagerly waiting for: a reissue according to original specifications.

The M 49 V Compared to its Predecessors

The M 49 V uses the same circuitry as the last and most popular revision, the M 49 c. Only the Telefunken AC701k tube, which is no longer available, was replaced by an even lower noise type, also in subminiature format.

Like all M 49 microphones since the late 1950s, the M 49 V uses the K 49 capsule, which Neumann continues to manufacture unchanged. Its incomparable sound is legendary and cannot be improved upon. The large, acoustically open microphone basket, which has been retained in the M 49 V, also contributes to the unique sound characteristics of the M 49.

Since electromagnetic emissions have increased dramatically in recent decades, due to mobile phone networks and WiFi, among other things, the RF-proof connector of the broadcast version M 249 was adopted. The ancient bayonet connector of the M 49, which has not been available for decades anyway, would not have provided sufficient immunity against interference in modern studio environments.

The M 49 V set includes the newly designed power supply NM V. Since the new, very low-noise subminiature tube requires a somewhat higher heater voltage, the M 49 V should not be operated using historical power supplies. Conversely, however, the NM V can also be used for old M 49 microphones. An automatic function ensures that the optimum heating voltage is always provided for the tube used. In addition, the NM V automatically adapts to the local mains voltage. Nevertheless, it is not a modern switch mode power supply but a conventional linear power supply – for sound reasons.

The M 49 V set is completed by the popular yoke mount. It has always made the M 49 particularly flexible in terms of positioning and, together with the microphone, forms an iconic unit. In this mount, the M 49 can be seen in countless session photos, including such seminal albums as Miles Davis' Kind of Blue and many other recordings from the legendary Columbia Studios in New York City. Compared to the historic yoke mount, the new version has been supplemented with elements for mechanical decoupling of the microphone as well as a cable holder to suppress cable-related structure-borne noise.