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NoEgo · 10th June 2006

Ok,
My curiousity got to me, and even the Neumann pages don't say much about the TLM49. I went to buy one at Long and McQuade here in town and found that they only had one unit in. They are selling it for about 1550. US and it comes with a special hard shell case and of course the shock mount. It is L and M's 50th anniversary sale all over Canada, and you get a 100.00 gift cert if you purchase. Cool. They just had time to set it up on the stand in the case for viewing and noone even tried it yet. They were preoccupied with the anniv sale.

I had mentioned earlier in the thread that I was skeptical, as it is a "TLM" and me ...me now not speaking for anyone else, felt that this line lacked bottom, and was too sharp sounding. It always depends on the source and pre (sans EQ) as well when trying a mic. I have Soundelux, AEA Ribbon,Rode Tubes and small cond, CAD, SP, Shure.... and like all for what they are. No mic is a all arounder in my opinion.

I recorded my favorite test tune Over The Rainbow in a lower key to bring all frequencies to the table. Not just mid and highs, but played the prox effect when I could.
I compared the U195 in fat mode, with the TLM49 through first my LA610 and then my Grace Design (clear) pres.
I wasn't sure how to take it through the cans, as it seemed a little brilliant and the Soundelux in fat is like a sponge tone. I played it back through the cans and first noted that it was extremely articulate. Not spongy( which I like too) but you could here the saliva shift in my throat with this thing through my Grace Design pre. It was warm and smoother through the LA610, of course the LA2A style comp helps
.
I burned the versions to CD and left it for morning and fresh ears in the car.
I played the versions one after another and I have to say, that articulate yet not thin or sharp sounding, is the best description in my mind, with my voice in that mellow key.. ( It is designed for voice.) No where near sharp. Not as low end as some of my mics, but with bg's the lead vocal owned the stage, even though it was the same volume. It just sounds remarkable.
Everyone wants someone to post something and I may not be the first but I will definitely try. This is a keeper for me. No doubt. It's my first Neumann, and not because I can't afford it.
The one little caviat I will throw in is that you have to have some mic technique with this mic. I don't believe it can take a hefty blow and come out sounding pretty. Maybe Neumann was thinking about Micheal Buble, or Harry Connick Jr. type of vocalists when they brought this out don't know, but there seems to be a rash of this type of artist lately. Singing the classics. I am very impressed though, as I like a good natural acoustic vibe to my recordings....for what it's worth I endorse this one for sure....it's not the answer for everthing though, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good mic. ..I am waiting for my Pearlman as well. I kind of hope they are miles apart.

Lou

10th June 2006	#83
NoEgo Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary Posts: 800 2 Reviews written	Ok, My curiousity got to me, and even the Neumann pages don't say much about the TLM49. I went to buy one at Long and McQuade here in town and found that they only had one unit in. They are selling it for about 1550. US and it comes with a special hard shell case and of course the shock mount. It is L and M's 50th anniversary sale all over Canada, and you get a 100.00 gift cert if you purchase. Cool. They just had time to set it up on the stand in the case for viewing and noone even tried it yet. They were preoccupied with the anniv sale. I had mentioned earlier in the thread that I was skeptical, as it is a "TLM" and me ...me now not speaking for anyone else, felt that this line lacked bottom, and was too sharp sounding. It always depends on the source and pre (sans EQ) as well when trying a mic. I have Soundelux, AEA Ribbon,Rode Tubes and small cond, CAD, SP, Shure.... and like all for what they are. No mic is a all arounder in my opinion. I recorded my favorite test tune Over The Rainbow in a lower key to bring all frequencies to the table. Not just mid and highs, but played the prox effect when I could. I compared the U195 in fat mode, with the TLM49 through first my LA610 and then my Grace Design (clear) pres. I wasn't sure how to take it through the cans, as it seemed a little brilliant and the Soundelux in fat is like a sponge tone. I played it back through the cans and first noted that it was extremely articulate. Not spongy( which I like too) but you could here the saliva shift in my throat with this thing through my Grace Design pre. It was warm and smoother through the LA610, of course the LA2A style comp helps . I burned the versions to CD and left it for morning and fresh ears in the car. I played the versions one after another and I have to say, that articulate yet not thin or sharp sounding, is the best description in my mind, with my voice in that mellow key.. ( It is designed for voice.) No where near sharp. Not as low end as some of my mics, but with bg's the lead vocal owned the stage, even though it was the same volume. It just sounds remarkable. Everyone wants someone to post something and I may not be the first but I will definitely try. This is a keeper for me. No doubt. It's my first Neumann, and not because I can't afford it. The one little caviat I will throw in is that you have to have some mic technique with this mic. I don't believe it can take a hefty blow and come out sounding pretty. Maybe Neumann was thinking about Micheal Buble, or Harry Connick Jr. type of vocalists when they brought this out don't know, but there seems to be a rash of this type of artist lately. Singing the classics. I am very impressed though, as I like a good natural acoustic vibe to my recordings....for what it's worth I endorse this one for sure....it's not the answer for everthing though, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good mic. ..I am waiting for my Pearlman as well. I kind of hope they are miles apart. Lou