Neumann M 150 Tube Microphone, from Neumann

Type DC-polarized condenser Directional pattern Modified omni Acoustic operating principal Pressure Frequency range 20 - 20,000 Hz Sensitivity 20 mV/Pa Rated impedance 50 ohms Self Noise 15 dB-A (DIN/IEC 651) S/N ratio re. 1 Pa @ 1kHz 79 dB (A weighted) Max SPL for 0.5% THD 114 dB SPL Max SPL for 5% THD 134 dB SPL Total dynamic range of amplifier 119 dB (for 5% THD) Power supply N 149 Vintage

Since the 1950s, the Neumann M 50 has been heralded as the ideal microphone for orchestral recording and string scoring. With its phenomenal transient response and unique directional characteristic, this classic mic has endeared many fans, both in the control room and on the soundstage.

The new M 150 Tube takes many of the features from the original M 50 and incorporates them in a very modern microphone. With low self noise, a Titanium membrane and capsule, transformerless tube amplifier and sophisticated power supply, the M 150 Tube is not a re-issue but an entirely new microphone in its own right.

Acoustical features

The Titanium diaphragm of the pressure capsule is 12 mm in diameter and is exceedingly thin. Although Titanium has been know to have unique and desirable characteristics for some time, it has, until very recently, been very difficult to procure and machine in the quality necessary for use in a microphone of this type.

The headgrille is shaped just like that on the original M 50, as requested by various top engineers in the recording industry. Due to mounting the pressure capsule with the diaphragm flush to the surface of a small (40 mm) sphere, the directional characteristic of the M 150 Tube is entirely unique. At the lowest frequences, this system produces a perfectly circular polar pattern. However, in the mid- and upper frequencies, the pickup pattern becomes more narrow, allowing for careful aiming of the microphone in the stereo field.

The M 150 Tube is an ideal microphone for any stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 surround recording, particularly DECCA Tree technique. Since the 1950s, the Neumann M 50 has been heralded as the ideal microphone for orchestral recording and string scoring. With its phenomenal transient response and unique directional characteristic, this classic mic has endeared many fans, both in the control room and on the soundstage.

The new M 150 Tube takes many of the features from the original M 50 and incorporates them in a very modern microphone. With low self noise, a Titanium membrane and capsule, transformerless tube amplifier and sophisticated power supply, the M 150 Tube is not a re-issue but an entirely new microphone in its own right.

Acoustical features

The Titanium diaphragm of the pressure capsule is 12 mm in diameter and is exceedingly thin. Although Titanium has been know to have unique and desirable characteristics for some time, it has, until very recently, been very difficult to procure and machine in the quality necessary for use in a microphone of this type.

The headgrille is shaped just like that on the original M 50, as requested by various top engineers in the recording industry. Due to mounting the pressure capsule with the diaphragm flush to the surface of a small (40 mm) sphere, the directional characteristic of the M 150 Tube is entirely unique. At the lowest frequences, this system produces a perfectly circular polar pattern. However, in the mid- and upper frequencies, the pickup pattern becomes more narrow, allowing for careful aiming of the microphone in the stereo field.

The M 150 Tube is an ideal microphone for any stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 surround recording, particularly DECCA Tree technique.