21st September 2012
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#1 | | Gear addict
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 390
Thread Starter  | (Mostly Vocals) Mic M149 Alternatives? under $5k
Currently I have the following, (the sound descriptions are as i find them sounding):
AKG C414 BXLS - a bit 'boxy'/'plastic' sounding
Blue Bluebird, - muddy, but ok highs
Rode Nt1-a, - annoying highs, cheap mids
Shure sm7b, - ok for Rock-orieted vocals
sm58 - ok midrange, not enough highs. only use it for scratch vocals. sennheiser e838 - similiar to sm58 but more extended highs and less mids, more bottom. use it for live sound and scratch vocals.
Out of all these I mostly Use c414, it sounds more 'high quality' than any of the other ones. and very rarely use sm7b or bluebird.
I mostly record vocals (male and female) in these genres:
Acapellas, 4-voice (vocal) quartets,
Gospel,
generic Pop-oriented songs,
Ballads,
Dance/trance.
and sometimes (but I'm not deeply concerned about these yet): Alternative rock, rock, hip-hop, country. (anyways, I have rock-oriented stuff covered by sm7b).
I also record acoustic Guitars (nylon and steel), Saxophones, Violin.
I heard recordings made by few people than I know, using M149, 2 of them using m149 thru Avalon 737 and another thru ad2022.
I liked the sound of m149 thru ad2022 much more than 737.
So I will most likely get Avalon M5 as a next pre.
currently I'm using RME built in pres.
listening to this audio samples: mikrofon vergleich mikrofone im vergleich mikrofonvergleich h
I really liked soundelux elux251, but it's way over my budget.
I heard u87 recordings, but I wasn't as much impressed, as i was by m149.
So which mics out there are similiar to m149 (or 251), but for more affordable price? under $5k.
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-Cubase 6.5 -RME Babyface -Presonus StudioLive -M-audio ProFire 610 Yamaha NS-10M,ADAM A7X, AT ATH-m50. -AKG c414bxls, Neumann TLM103, Blue Bluebird, Rode NT1-A, Shure SM7b, Sm57 3x, Sm81, sm58, senn. e838
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21st September 2012
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#2 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta
Posts: 793
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Right now there are several M149's on evil-bay priced in your budget. One is at about a $2800 bid and another is a buy it now for $3500. If you're really looking for an M149 pick one up used.
For vocals I probably use the M149 more than any other mic I've got access to. I really like what it does. Not saying I wouldn't like others too but I've not used anything for vocals that I liked as much on as many voices.
With a $5000 budget you can pick up a used 149 and have enough to buy a nice preamp too.
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21st September 2012
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#3 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,107
| Quote:
Originally Posted by TS-12  | I also prefered the 251 in this test but found the Rode Classic being rather close.
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21st September 2012
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#4 | | 70% Coffee, 30% Beer
Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Quincy, MA
Posts: 9,136
| Quote:
Originally Posted by TS-12 So which mics out there are similiar to m149 (or 251), but for more affordable price? under $5k. | In regards to the 251 inspiration, I would strongly recommend the Blackspade UM25,
This microphone has a wonderful presence and sheen, with a warm mid range, and VERY low noise. The NOS800 series Tube that is used in this mic, has an absolutely fantastic sound, for this style of microphone, in my viewpoint. 
And if you REALLY want to take it over the top, go for the UM25C, which features a Campbell Transmitter CT12 capsule, along upgraded components and US made power supply.
A pair of these fine specimens can be had for the price of one costly clone.
In regard to comparing the M149, well....I would suggest the Gefell UM92.1s, as another option.
may the force be with you,
__________________ Adam Brass adam@dspdoctor.com  DSPdoctor.com "Where High End is Still King" 
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21st September 2012
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#5 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Feb 2008 Location: Oxfordshire, UK
Posts: 6,760
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All the Gefell valve (vacuum tube) microphones are under this price.
The UM 900 is very distinctive and is phantom powered (so you don't need a separate power supply). 
The UM 92.1 S uses the famous Georg Neumann M7 capsule. 
The "new" CMV 563 / M 7 S is a re-release of the 1950's original and also uses the Georg Neumann M7 capsule.  
This last one is pushing the budget, though, it sells for about £3,900 +VAT in the UK.
But, I would have thought, any of these should be considered - after all, they are all made in the original Neumann factory  | |
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21st September 2012
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#6 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Feb 2009 Location: Lugano, Switzerland
Posts: 1,919
| Quote:
Originally Posted by John Willett All the Gefell valve (vacuum tube) microphones are under this price.
The UM 900 is very distinctive and is phantom powered (so you don't need a separate power supply).
The UM 92.1 S uses the famous Georg Neumann M7 capsule.
But, I would have thought, any of these should be considered - after all, they are all made in the original Neumann factory | I agree with John! These should definitely be on your list, as well as:
Josephson 715 or 716
Brauner Phantera (or Valvet X)
Beesneez T2 (or maybe the Phelicity)
Violet Design Flamingo (not junior), maybe with their ME capsule
These are all great mics, remember that every vocals has a mic that suits best, depending also from the genre and the goals you want to reach.
Try to test them in your place with the talents involved.
I'd also try to test with some different pre's like Forssell smp-2, Hardy's M1 and if you need some more color look for the BAE 10xx series (or the Avedis MA5 in the 500 series).
I hope this helps, 
Cheu
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21st September 2012
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#7 | | Gear Head
Joined: Jul 2012 Location: Arizona
Posts: 47
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+1 for the Gefell UM92 -- Fantastic microphone! LOVE it on vocals and stringed instruments.
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22nd September 2012
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#8 | | Gear interested
Joined: Oct 2011 Location: PA
Posts: 19
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The M149 is great! In my opinion it is a hifi, vibey, and better sounding version of the U87. I own both. If I were you, I'd pick up a used M149 or a Gefell UM900. Both are great and somewhat similar. However, don't be quick to dismiss a U87. They handle eq well and sound good to great on most sources.
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22nd September 2012
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#9 | | Gear addict
Joined: Feb 2010 Location: Australia
Posts: 335
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Much less than you wanted to spend, but Michael Jolly's new mic would be worth a try!
I got him to work on a Mic I hated, now it's my Fav
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Professional Audio Services
Using, Loving and Distributing: ADK, 3 Zigma, LA Audio, Line Audio Design, Triton Audio - in Australia
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3rd October 2012
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#10 | | Gear Head
Joined: Jul 2012 Location: Arizona
Posts: 47
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No one mentioned Mohave Audio MA200. Great mic! Fixed pattern though...
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3rd October 2012
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#11 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,302
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I traded a 149 for a 87 ..(whatever that means).
.
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3rd October 2012
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#12 | | Gear addict
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 390
Thread Starter |
Listening to various audio comparissons im starting to like u87 much more. Maybe i'll start off with u87 and later upgrade to a high end mic(s).
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3rd October 2012
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#13 | | More cowbell!
Joined: Nov 2003 Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 2,307
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I would far sooner get the black spade than the u87, youre paying a primium for the name, the spade is cheaper but sounds way better and is more apropriate for your stated apps, imo.
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk
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3rd October 2012
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#14 | | Gear interested
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 28
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We have Sounddelux (Bock) 251s and Neumann U47 which are both outside your price range. But we recently bought a Wunder CM67. Definitely worth the try. wonderful highs and pleasant low end. Less midrange scooped than the 251s. Less prone to react badly to hard (think Aretha) soul vocals compared to U47. In our studio, it's really used a lot these days. Price is definitely not to bad.
Wouldn't call a U87 not high end by the way :-)
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5th October 2012
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#16 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 1,599
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btw, the Gefell um92.1 is really dark... too dark for most pop music unless u add a lot of eq. That capsule sure is sweet but prob better in another mic.
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9th October 2012
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#17 | | Gear Head
Joined: Jul 2012 Location: Arizona
Posts: 47
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Agreed on the UM92. I've had good luck with big, full male vocals with enough sibilance to cut through the "darkness". It takes a special voice to fit that mic. But when it fits... it FITS. At least that's what she said...  | |
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10th February 2013
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#18 | | Gear addict
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 390
Thread Starter |
listening to various audio shootouts I started liking u87 alot, and than hearing from different people that tlm103 is very similar to u87, I thought i'd save alota money and bought tlm103.
so far ok, i only used it on vocals so far.
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10th February 2013
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#19 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Apr 2007 Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 1,599
| Quote:
Originally Posted by TS-12 listening to various audio shootouts I started liking u87 alot, and than hearing from different people that tlm103 is very similar to u87, I thought i'd save alota money and bought tlm103.
so far ok, i only used it on vocals so far. | similar? i never thought so. glad it's working for you though.
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10th February 2013
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#20 | | Gear addict
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 390
Thread Starter | Quote:
Originally Posted by littlesicily similar? i never thought so. glad it's working for you though. | i never compared them side to side myself of course. I don't have big experience in mics. I'm super excited about tlm103,
but its definitely better than my sloppy blue bluebird and horrible nt1-a.
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10th February 2013
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#21 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Jul 2006 Location: San Francisco/LA
Posts: 1,934
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Under $5k... someone must have mentioned the Bock 251. Killer vocal mic. Killer all around mic.
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10th February 2013
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#22 | | Gear addict
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 416
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Got one of these at the studio and its fantastic... RMS49 | |
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10th February 2013
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#23 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Netherlands
Posts: 1,006
| Quote:
Originally Posted by TS-12 listening to various audio shootouts I started liking u87 alot, and than hearing from different people that tlm103 is very similar to u87, I thought i'd save alota money and bought tlm103.
so far ok, i only used it on vocals so far. | Strange...but if it works for you, go for it.
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11th February 2013
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#24 | | Gear addict
Joined: Feb 2012 Location: Germany, Lake Constance
Posts: 338
| Quote:
Originally Posted by mattcollen The M149 is great! In my opinion it is a hifi, vibey, and better sounding version of the U87. I own both. | +1 
Coincident in opinion.
I own both too.
R.
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11th February 2013
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#25 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Nov 2005 Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 1,134
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Nothing that I am aware of sounds exactly like a Neumann M149. Its a very fine mic, can be used for lots of things, and is probably a modern classic. If you like that sound you need to buy one of those. As mentioned, you can get them used for $3,500. I think old pre-1986 Neumann U87 mics are also great, but not necessarily better than an M149, just a little different. GENERALLY SPEAKING, the M149 might be the 1st choice for most female singers and an old U87 might be better on most male singers, but both of these are very fine, almost universal, vocal mics that can work in 95% of most situations. They are SMOOTH and polished in the mid range and the vocals come out sounding like a finished record. Most of the U87Ai mics are not as bad as some people claim but I would always prefer the older U87 if possible.
These 2 Neumanns are in a whole other class compared to the Rode and (subjectively) better vocal mics than most of the other suggestions here. They will also keep their value should you ever have to sell them in the future. I am not so sure that would apply to some of the other suggestions even if those are fine mics too.
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