Neumann U67 Reissue - Is it TRUE?

[oudplayer]

The TLM49 and TLM193 are interesting and useful transformerless mics... I have found several uses for them, and don't care less what they're supposed to emulate or not emulate. I haven't heard anything that sounds like them, which is perhaps bad for those who wish them to be classic mics of yesteryear, or perhaps a "breath of fresh air" for people who just want distinctive sounding mics. I'll check out the "new" 69, but don't anticipate it will produce anything resembling the sound of the old 69, based on Neumann's "reissue" track record.

I would never pick any of the other current crop of Neumann's that I've heard/used if I had any other choices handy. I'm with Meriphew (if not on specifics then on principle) - the KM184, KM140, TLM103, M147, and M149 I've found to be substantially overpriced compared to other currently available options, and I'm typically thoroughly unpleased with the raw signal captured by these mics. If I'm feeling masochistic I'll concoct an elaborate EQ schema to compensate for the unflattering sound of these mics and throw 'em up for a background part, but that's way too much effort for literally "no gain."

I'd pick just about any currently-made Gefell over just about any currently made Neumann, BTW. The 930 and 300s simply rock...

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by malice

So why trying so hard to fool customers into the ridiculous idea that this mike will have anything remotly comparable to the original U67.

They are not trying to fool customers at all:

In many respects, the TLM 67 is based on the “workhorse” of the 1960s, the legendary U 67. Like the U 67, the TLM 67 incorporates the K 67 capsule. In addition, the special new circuit design closely reproduces the sound characteristics of the classic U 67, without the use of tubes. Similar Neumann circuit technology has already proved very successful in the TLM 49.

The TLM 67 is extremely versatile. Its three switchable directional characteristics (omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8), selectable 10 dB pre-attenuation and high-pass filter permit detailed adjustments to be made, depending upon the specific recording situation.

What's misleading about that?

[malice]

In many respects, the TLM 67 is based on the “workhorse” of the 1960s, the legendary U 67. Like the U 67, the TLM 67

BUZZZZ : Transformerless

LMFBO

incorporates the K 67 capsule. In addition, the special new circuit design closely reproduces the sound characteristics of the classic U 67, without the use of tubes.

BUZZZZ: no tubes

Lol.

Similar Neumann circuit technology has already proved very successful in the TLM 49.

DING/DONG: time out.

Well, I was not impressed by the TLM49, and by any stretch of imagination, it's not remotly similar to the M49, but go on ...

The TLM 67 is extremely versatile.

DING/DONG: another time out.

Is the U67 versatile, this would be an interesting debate. I think : not that much. But hey, it's a TLM67, so ...


You see, I'm gonna wait. I'm gonna compare the tlm67 as soon as I have one to demo and compare it to the U67. After all, Neumann does say it's comparable, no ?

Better : they tried to match "the special new circuit design closely reproduces the sound characteristics of the classic U 67"

But so far, I was no impressed by the so called "recreations" as being close to the original. The list is long

M149, TLM49 (don't even know what they tried to do with this one), KM184/183/18*, M150 (not a bad mike, but not a M50 either), and 87ai.

I'm not impressed with the TLM193 and TLM103 either.

How about starting from scratch, and do a legendary mike, like Georg use to do, german style. After all, they are Neumann.

They CAN do it.

They should be able to kik Soundelux's ass without even trying

Ever put side by side a Soundelux E49 and a M149 ?

your pal

malice

[Volodia]

Originally Posted by malice

How about starting from scratch, and do a legendary mike, like Georg use to do, german style. After all, they are Neumann.

Solution D may be?

[malice]

Originally Posted by Volodia

Solution D may be?

I actually haven't try those digital ones.

The reason is generally, I do like the idea of using good hardware compressors and eq.

That said, why not trying to do a new digital "M50" for decca three recordings.

That would make more sense, no ?

They are still recording orchestras for movies right ?



malice

[Meriphew]

Originally Posted by malice

How about starting from scratch, and do a legendary mike, like Georg use to do, german style. After all, they are Neumann.

They CAN do it.

It really is too bad that they don't create a brand new magnificent mic. They obviously have the resources.

[Duardo]

It really is too bad that they don't create a brand new magnificent mic. They obviously have the resources.

I don't know...while they may not be your cup of tea, it seems like their microphones are selling well...perhaps there are some who would indeed call them "magnificent"...

If you're talking about replicating their older models, though, I think that it's fairly clear that they as a company have no interest in doing that...

[Meriphew]

Originally Posted by Duardo

If you're talking about replicating their older models, though, I think that it's fairly clear that they as a company have no interest in doing that...

That's what I mean. Even if they would build a really great flagship mic - it wouldn't have to be a reissue of an older mic (though that would be preferable).

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Meriphew

It really is too bad that they don't create a brand new magnificent mic. They obviously have the resources.

They *did* - the D-01

[Meriphew]

Originally Posted by studio1117

Go to Telarcs website for an example of how great new Neumann mics can sound. KU100, D-01 etc. They make awesome recordings using new Neumann

Who or what is Telarcs?

[Meriphew]

Originally Posted by John Willett

They *did* - the D-01

I've never tried (or even seen) any of their digital mics.

[Audio Hombre]

Originally Posted by Meriphew

Thank you. Jesus. I don't know why it's so important to you for me to like modern Neumann mics. You like them - cool. I don't. End of story.

i know you explained why you're keeping 3 crappy modern neumann's but it's still ridiculous based on your clear dislike for them.translating them into something you dig makes much more sense

[oudplayer]

Originally Posted by renrutgod

There is a re-issue U67 currently in the early stages of production. An exact replica from a renown, non-boutique company. That's all I can say, and I've said too much.

You mean the Behringer XZ-U67 Ultramik? We've all known about that for a few weeks now...

[Sounds Great]

Originally Posted by renrutgod

There is a re-issue U67 currently in the early stages of production. An exact replica from a renown, non-boutique company. That's all I can say, and I've said too much.

Gefell, perhaps?


This is great news!

[Pepe Ortega]

Originally Posted by Meriphew

Who or what is Telarcs?

Originally Posted by Meriphew

I've never tried (or even seen) any of their digital mics.

Telarc International:

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Meriphew

I've never tried (or even seen) any of their digital mics.

I have a pair of the KM-D with 183 and 131 heads.

The D-01 is superb with a singer saying he can do things with that mic. which he dare not do with any other.

Try it.

[Meriphew]

Originally Posted by Audio Hombre

i know you explained why you're keeping 3 crappy modern neumann's but it's still ridiculous based on your clear dislike for them.translating them into something you dig makes much more sense

I have other mics (Soundelux, Blue, Royer, Brauner) that see the lions share of the action. I use the Neumanns if I run short on mics. The 103 will probably eventually be sold to my friend for a few hundred bucks. I use the 87 enough as a room mic to justify keeping it (especially considering that I bought it fairly cheap). The 184's get used on acoustic guit when there's more than one player (if there's only one - I'll usually use the Elux 251). I might end up buying the new Mercenary pencil mic. If I do, the 184's will be sold.

[Meriphew]

Originally Posted by Pepe Ortega

Telarc International:

What? Is that supposed to be common knowledge to people???

[Meriphew]

Originally Posted by renrutgod

Quote:
Originally Posted by renrutgod
There is a re-issue U67 currently in the early stages of production. An exact replica from a renown, non-boutique company. That's all I can say, and I've said too much.

Gefell, perhaps?
This is great news!

---- You're definitely in the ballpark. The only issue is that this company
has a history of pricing re-issues at vintage market prices. That said, so far their
track record for re-issues is spotless, but it won't come cheap, I'm sure.
I can say no more.----

Telefunken USA? The Neumann U67 was rebadged as a Tele U67 at one point.

[Duardo]

What? Is that supposed to be common knowledge to people???

Well, I don't know about common knowledge, but it is a fairly well-known label that has been around for decades and is known for the quality of their recordings...not quite an audiophile label per se, but they started off as a classical label and are fairly well-respected in the audiophile (and other) communities.

The only issue is that this company
has a history of pricing re-issues at vintage market prices. That said, so far their
track record for re-issues is spotless, but it won't come cheap, I'm sure.

Spotless? Really?

[Omicron_9]

Originally Posted by Meriphew

Who or what is Telarcs?

Telarc International:

A (mostly) classical label with pretty high recording standards.

-0.9

[Sounds Great]

Seems like the 67 can actually be redone pretty much as the original, as it was when re-issued in the early 90's, and they can still make all the parts. Should be a no-brainer for Neumann to just roll some more of the real thing off the line.

Maybe it would hurt sales of their cheap imitation models..

[peeder]

Originally Posted by Sounds Great

Seems like the 67 can actually be redone pretty much as the original, as it was when re-issued in the early 90's, and they can still make all the parts. Should be a no-brainer for Neumann to just roll some more of the real thing off the line.

Maybe it would hurt sales of their cheap imitation models..

I heard they made those reissues out of NOS replacement parts that they decided they didn't need to keep on the shelf. Probably none left.

[Winey]

Originally Posted by Meriphew

I think if Neumann were to cut the cost of its mics by about 35-40%, and stop the implied heritage (49, 47, 67, 84), then less people would have a problem with them (I know I would).

I don't care if they want to design and sell middle of the road overpriced microphones. Disguising and marketing them as newer "sound alike" versions of classic Neumann microphones is sad.

I guess honoring the Neumann heritage is not where the big money is. Fine.
They also shouldn't be surprised when folks point out the obvious on internet forums.

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Sounds Great

Seems like the 67 can actually be redone pretty much as the original, as it was when re-issued in the early 90's, and they can still make all the parts. Should be a no-brainer for Neumann to just roll some more of the real thing off the line.

Not possible - all the parts were used to make the '90's re-issue.

Some spare for repairs, but an original U67 is no longer possible.

[rghose]

Originally Posted by studio1117

Where do they claim it is a sound alike? The only place I've heard the phrases "tube emulation" and "sound alike" are from the naysayers in this forum. I'd ask that you all go back and re-read the press release. Neumann merely says it sounds along the lines of. Well of course it does. Same capsule, same grill design. For those of you who are unfamiliar with mic design the grill on the 67/87 is influential to the sound, just as the layers of mesh on the TLM49/M49/M50
I have no doubts that the mic will be fine.
Asfor Neumann going back and redoing the 67, sure it could be done. It basically is a u87 with an EF86/806 and a tranny. The U87 was made to fit the u67 body/frame etc, not the other way round. For whtever reason, neumann has decided to not pursue this. Part of me wishes they would do it, but part of me totally understands why they don't. Take this forum for instance.

Once again, direct from the Neumann president of marketing and sales (Wolfgang Fraissinet):

"The U67 was a tube microphone, but this new TLM has a special circuit which creates the typical sound of the old U67 tube mic."

AES E-Daily - Neumann marks 80th anniversary...

He doesn't use the words "tube emulation" or "sound alike" but that's basically what he's saying.

[Empty Planet]

Yikes.