TLM49 First Impressions

[redrue]

Well, I had to bite. Brand new Neumann featuring the K47
capsule in a transformerless configuration. Specifically designed
for Vocal Applications. The mic also features a 'tube emulation'
circuit. Sounded to me like Neumann was really making an effort to
get the U47 sound. They say on their website: The “sound design” is
also oriented toward that of the M 49 and the U 47. Hmmm.

So I bring it home, plug it in like this: TLM49>API 3124>Digi 192 @96k
Start singing into it and wow, I'm blown away! Rich and detailed,
smooth and 'finished' sounding. Very 'forward' and 'present' as well.
Really nice...

I A/B ed it with my Pearlman (which I love) and noticed a couple
things immediately. They both sound very similar on my voice. So
much so that I couldn't tell the difference in some parts of the track.
The TM1 has a higher output, is more sibilant and has a little darker
soul. I was also playing acoustic while singing and could really tell the
difference between the two during the gtr parts. The 49 was brighter
sounding. (there's a 3db peak at 5k and 2db at around 10k) Given
the similarities though I think they nailed the 'Tube Emulation'.

I really think Neumann might have something here. And I'll bet their
going to sell hell out of these things. I'd have to say this is one
of the best gear purchases I've ever made.... I like this mic that much.

YMMV : ))

[ethan_c]

cool I am glad to hear this... I have one on order so now I can't wait to get it!!

[kingofswing]

Sounds very promising. May have to look into one of these to compliment my TLM 103 and Rodes.

But in the UK these are going to be quite expensive. Im told its £899 plus Vat.

[Kyle Ashley]

redrue,

where did you buy yours from?

[redrue]

I bought mine at Guitar Center... PM me, I'll tell you what I paid.

Here's a pic to give you an idea of the size of the mic... next to
a tlm 103...

[kingofswing]

Wow...the 49 does look quite big compared to the 103.

They made this mic look just like this one. the M49

[Jleal]

Great to hear. I have mine on order American Musical supply told me it would not be shipping till the end of June.. How did you get yours ?

[Madkour]

Good News ; I also have one on order .
When I'll get it I'll A/B it with my Wagner U47 and I'll post the result .

[redrue]

Originally Posted by Madkour

Good News ; I also have one on order .
When I'll get it I'll A/B it with my Wagner U47 and I'll post the result .

Please do that. I'll look forward to hearing how they
compare.

[Sirey]

Originally Posted by redrue

Well, I had to bite. Brand new Neumann featuring the K47
capsule in a transformerless configuration. Specifically designed
for Vocal Applications. The mic also features a 'tube emulation'
circuit. Sounded to me like Neumann was really making an effort to
get the U47 sound. They say on their website: The “sound design” is
also oriented toward that of the M 49 and the U 47. Hmmm.

So I bring it home, plug it in like this: TLM49>API 3124>Digi 192 @96k
Start singing into it and wow, I'm blown away! Rich and detailed,
smooth and 'finished' sounding. Very 'forward' and 'present' as well.
Really nice...

I A/B ed it with my Pearlman (which I love) and noticed a couple
things immediately. They both sound very similar on my voice. So
much so that I couldn't tell the difference in some parts of the track.
The TM1 has a higher output, is more sibilant and has a little darker
soul. I was also playing acoustic while singing and could really tell the
difference between the two during the gtr parts. The 49 was brighter
sounding. (there's a 3db peak at 5k and 2db at around 10k) Given
the similarities though I think they nailed the 'Tube Emulation'.

I really think Neumann might have something here. And I'll bet their
going to sell hell out of these things. I'd have to say this is one
of the best gear purchases I've ever made.... I like this mic that much.

YMMV : ))

Sounds very promising...just one question. Say you had $1,600 to spend which would you prefer and why.

[Matthew Murray]

If I had 1600 to spend, I'd be buying the Pearlman, rather than either of these Neumann mics. Totally on hearsay, too, though I used to have a TLM-103. Brittle, harsh sounding mic, I thought.

If I was spending 1600, the Pearlman just sounds too good to be true. Inspired by a true u47 (not just the same capsule) and with all the rave reviews around here, if you're going to buy something without listening in that range in this mic category, Pearlman Pearlman Pearlman.

[kingofswing]

Originally Posted by Matthew Murray

If I had 1600 to spend, I'd be buying the Pearlman, rather than either of these Neumann mics. Totally on hearsay, too, though I used to have a TLM-103. Brittle, harsh sounding mic, I thought.

If I was spending 1600, the Pearlman just sounds too good to be true. Inspired by a true u47 (not just the same capsule) and with all the rave reviews around here, if you're going to buy something without listening in that range in this mic category, Pearlman Pearlman Pearlman.

In saying that, a clone will always be a clone. None of those brands will be remembered in 40-50 years time IMO.

[Matthew Murray]

Maybe, maybe not. The pearlman mic, maybe? I guarantee you the next fourty years won't play out the same as the last fourty years when it comes to what gets remembered. The market is totally new and it's anybody's guess.

Ultimately, the new Neumanns stuff is no more than a clone anyways. Their modern stuff is a shadow of their vintage stuff! So really, if you're looking at two brand new Neumann designs, or a brand new u47 "clone" made by a well respected designer, you can likely make a decision from there.

Or do what so many on this board suggest you do, and try 'em both, I guess. Though I hate making that suggestion based on my own frustrations with the concept.

[kingofswing]

You made some good points, but for me the consistency of products is more important.

Many clones designers are alway tweaking, tweaking and tweaking. One persons mic is not the same as the other. Clone mics often get sent back for lil adjustments and tweaks, and that puts me off.

Neumann mics are finely built. They do what they say on the tin, and cost a little fortune. They are always within a fine barrier of consistency across the range, unlike many private clone comapanies, set with a vision to capture the so called 'character' of the classic mics...at the expense of fine line consistency.

[jindrich]

hey, is this new neumann tlm49 a single capsule and tubeless version of the M147, a mic that hasnt seen many enthusiastic -unbiased- reviews?

also, how can this transformerless mic sound with the smoothness typical of those with a tube inside? (like the pearlman for instance)

either way, i want to know -hear- more about this new mic. maybe neumann finally is releasing a product worth somthing (besides the m150)

[Drumsound]

Originally Posted by kingofswing

In saying that, a clone will always be a clone. None of those brands will be remembered in 40-50 years time IMO.

But the records made with them might be...

[kingofswing]

Originally Posted by Drumsound

But the records made with them might be...

Very true

[lbar]

I just picked up a tlm49 today, after returning a Soundelux u195. I liked the U195, however I had some problems with it. First off, mic would emit what appeared to be a voltage spike every 2 seconds or so (in normal mode), which registered on the VU meter of my Avalon vt737, as well as on the waveform display in Protools. The problem disappeared in FAT mode, although there appeared to be some problems with the switches on the mic. Also noticed a sibilance issue with the mic which was a problem. I did not try another U195 as the store was out of stock, hence the Neumann instead. In any event, I also picked up a U87ai to compare the 2, with the intent on returning one of them.

My chain is: Neumann into vt737 into 002 rack. Will be used mainly for vox and acoustic guitar. Will post my impressions in a few days.

[lbar]

Ok, so here it is. I only had 2 days, about 2 hours a day to evaluate. First off, in all fairness, I couldn't evaluate the Soundelux U195 I bought since the mic had a problem, so back it went.

I love the sound of the TLM49 on my voice and acoustic guitar. Real deep rich lows, very present throughout the range and nice on the top end without being harsh. No sibilance issues whatsoever on vox. My acoustic just sounded so full and clear and big as well. I am really impressed so far and am looking forward to using this mic more. I actually liked it a bit more than the U87 which was ok but didn't work as well on my voice.

[kingofswing]

Sounds like a cool mic.

Ibar, any chance of some short .wav vocal clips of the TLM 49

[Kyle Ashley]

does this mic come with any sort of wood box or case?

[seaneldon]

Originally Posted by Kyle Ashley

does this mic come with any sort of wood box or case?

does that make it sound better?

[Kyle Ashley]

Originally Posted by seaneldon

does that make it sound better?

I believe the other tlm mics come with a woodbox, but since they are including the shockmount with the 49, I'm just curious to know how much you get for $1500.

[kingofswing]

Im assuming its a cardboard box with foam cuttings inside for both the mic and the shockmount. Thats how my TLM 103 came when packaged with the shockmount. I think its Senns new way of packaging.

[DontLetMeDrown]

Originally Posted by kingofswing

Im assuming its a cardboard box with foam cuttings inside for both the mic and the shockmount. Thats how my TLM 103 came when packaged with the shockmount. I think its Senns new way of packaging.

?

Where/when did you buy yours?

I just bought my 2nd TLM 103 w/ shockmount (anniv. ed.) and it came in a briefcase to hold 2 TLM 103s and 2 shockmounts.

Either I got lucky or you got burned

[jdjustice]

Originally Posted by kingofswing

Im assuming its a cardboard box with foam cuttings inside for both the mic and the shockmount. Thats how my TLM 103 came when packaged with the shockmount. I think its Senns new way of packaging.

Boy Sennheiser has really ruined Neumann!! First the price gouging, now cardboard boxes for their mics!! Uggh.....

[kingofswing]

I got mine in 2004 when Senn UK decided to bundle both the TLM 103 and EA1 shockmount, and reduce the UK price too.

[kingofswing]

Here you go:

[seaneldon]

Originally Posted by jdjustice

Boy Sennheiser has really ruined Neumann!! First the price gouging, now cardboard boxes for their mics!! Uggh.....

try and find an old picture of a U47. some of them still have their original packaging. they came in white, plain, cardboard boxes, sometimes with a small bullshit "carry case".

[Kyle Ashley]

thanks for the posts. one can always find an after market storage box of some type. I like to store mics as safely as possible in the event i wish to sell them one day. it's much easier to sell pristine gear and have no after sale complaints from the buyer.