klaus
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by klaus on Feb 23, 2019 13:32:38 GMT -6
I am of two minds about Neumann's TLM series. On the positive side, issuing mics with proven, world-class capsules mated to processor-chips which require very little manual labor to assemble, has probably rescued the company from being completely absorbed by Sennheiser. This allowed Neumann to continue offering low-profit, hand-assembled, discrete-component models (U87, U89), expand the line to mics with digital processors, and boldly reissue legacy mics like the U47fet and U67.
The TLM line made decent-sounding mics available to a class of buyers who previously did not have access to Neumann's cost-prohibitive products. TLMs also require less engineering skills to still perform well: a high level of sensitivity and super-high headroom makes sloppy setups forgiving.
On the downside, there is a lot of signal processing going on inside of these transformer-LESS, chipped op-amp designs ('less' implying less stuff, but actually quite a bit more stuff is needed when you remove a transformer). And you can hear that. In simple terms, resolution and a certain level of emotional attraction is lost when the capsule's output signal has to go through so much circuitry and components, all contributing to audible artifacts.
On balance, I think TLMs introduced a new segment of audio enthusiasts to the potential of a truly high-end Neumann mic that requires saving a bit of money. Once they get their feet wet, and played with TLMs for a while, enthusiasts may still be yearning for that ultimate level of performance which will require financial sacrifice.
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Post by chessparov on Feb 23, 2019 13:53:53 GMT -6
Thanks again Klaus. Your detailed post, confirmed my general impression of the TLM series. It is quite likely, as my "ear improves"... I can better discern the TLM 67, versus a proper U67.
And along with all that, I realize I'm much better off, being recorded with a truly professional AE! Chris
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Post by Ward on Mar 19, 2019 9:46:41 GMT -6
Quick question for anyone who knows the real facts.
How many U47FET reissues were made, or plan to be made?
How many U67 reissues were made, or plan to be made?
I've heard 2000 for each. But . . . seems out to lunch for the 67, which I would expect to be around 400 like the last time.
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Post by tskguy on Mar 20, 2019 8:27:37 GMT -6
Earlier I mentioned my dissatisfaction with Thiersch's Polyester reskins of the K67. I also have not been impressed with David Walker's re-diaphragmings; too many of the ones I have had here suffered from tension loss and areal wrinkling. I understand he does not offer that service anymore?
Eric Heiserman recently posted on my forum that the dimensions of his U67 backplate design deviate from that of Neumann's.
In his post he does not mention diaphragm specifics. I have not heard the capsule and therefore cannot comment on its sound.
I do not think the only way forward is a perfect copy of a proven Neumann or AKG design. I would be equally happy with any effort towards a new, enticing, emotionally satisfying transducer.
If you read the post mentioned I am referring to my HK47 type capsule, Its for sure different than a standard k49/47 capsule. It also allows me to match the sides every time!! Wait till you guys here it in the new H47 tube mic. Its going to blow you all away. Regarding my 67 backplates, They are as close as anyone can get regarding machine tolerances. I gap cut and don't use spacers I also finish the backplates in the same way..I think . My work speaks for itself, In fact I have some strong opinions that differ regarding reskins. If done correctly I can promise you, no one including Klaus will be able to dell the difference.
Eric Heiserman
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Post by Ward on Mar 20, 2019 10:01:45 GMT -6
Earlier I mentioned my dissatisfaction with Thiersch's Polyester reskins of the K67. I also have not been impressed with David Walker's re-diaphragmings; too many of the ones I have had here suffered from tension loss and areal wrinkling. I understand he does not offer that service anymore?
Eric Heiserman recently posted on my forum that the dimensions of his U67 backplate design deviate from that of Neumann's.
In his post he does not mention diaphragm specifics. I have not heard the capsule and therefore cannot comment on its sound. I do not think the only way forward is a perfect copy of a proven Neumann or AKG design. I would be equally happy with any effort towards a new, enticing, emotionally satisfying transducer.
If you read the post mentioned I am referring to my HK47 type capsule, Its for sure different than a standard k49/47 capsule. It also allows me to match the sides every time!! Wait till you guys here it in the new H47 tube mic. Its going to blow you all away. Regarding my 67 backplates, They are as close as anyone can get regarding machine tolerances. I gap cut and don't use spacers I also finish the backplates in the same way..I think . My work speaks for itself, In fact I have some strong opinions that differ regarding reskins. If done correctly I can promise you, no one including Klaus will be able to dell the difference.
Eric Heiserman
I have complete faith in you!!
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 15,011
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Post by ericn on Mar 20, 2019 10:51:03 GMT -6
Quick question for anyone who knows the real facts. How many U47FET reissues were made, or plan to be made? How many U67 reissues were made, or plan to be made? I've heard 2000 for each. But . . . seems out to lunch for the 67, which I would expect to be around 400 like the last time. I thought I heard 1000, at some point but don’t hold me to it. 1000 would make sense for Sennhieser, I just can’t see them making the investment and the numbers working for a smaller run. Now they have never said over what period of time, since these are more historically correct rather than a redesigned for a mechanical production line they have a couple of people putting out 2-3 a day.
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 15,011
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Post by ericn on Mar 20, 2019 10:52:07 GMT -6
Earlier I mentioned my dissatisfaction with Thiersch's Polyester reskins of the K67. I also have not been impressed with David Walker's re-diaphragmings; too many of the ones I have had here suffered from tension loss and areal wrinkling. I understand he does not offer that service anymore?
Eric Heiserman recently posted on my forum that the dimensions of his U67 backplate design deviate from that of Neumann's.
In his post he does not mention diaphragm specifics. I have not heard the capsule and therefore cannot comment on its sound.
I do not think the only way forward is a perfect copy of a proven Neumann or AKG design. I would be equally happy with any effort towards a new, enticing, emotionally satisfying transducer.
If you read the post mentioned I am referring to my HK47 type capsule, Its for sure different than a standard k49/47 capsule. It also allows me to match the sides every time!! Wait till you guys here it in the new H47 tube mic. Its going to blow you all away. Regarding my 67 backplates, They are as close as anyone can get regarding machine tolerances. I gap cut and don't use spacers I also finish the backplates in the same way..I think . My work speaks for itself, In fact I have some strong opinions that differ regarding reskins. If done correctly I can promise you, no one including Klaus will be able to dell the difference.
Eric Heiserman
Eric Don’t care how you build it, just nail the sound.
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Post by chessparov on Mar 20, 2019 12:40:46 GMT -6
"No one including Klaus will be able to tell the difference". Somehow reminds me of the classic 1972 Quaker Oats Life cereal commercial... "He LIKES it! Hey Mikey." Hopefully Mikey-ahem Klaus will like it! (HK47 capsule) IMHO would make for a very funny YouTube video, to spoof that.
I thought the H47 capsule sounded (best Tony the Tiger/Thurl Ravenscroft voice) Grrrreat!
Hey Eric, are you guys still going to put out an M7 style H47 tube mic too? Chris
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Post by michaelcleary on Mar 20, 2019 13:22:05 GMT -6
Quick question for anyone who knows the real facts. How many U47FET reissues were made, or plan to be made? How many U67 reissues were made, or plan to be made? I've heard 2000 for each. But . . . seems out to lunch for the 67, which I would expect to be around 400 like the last time. Just talked with someone from Neumann and the plan is to keep it part of the line up for as long as they can get parts. They’ve already sold almost 800 worldwide so far.
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Post by roundbadge on Mar 24, 2019 4:42:22 GMT -6
I love my 67 reissue Much more than my last vintage one. Thank you Klaus for making it even better.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Mar 25, 2019 16:05:40 GMT -6
Just got the Stam SA67, and it sounds good. It'll take a while for me to get to know it in detail.
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Post by aremos on Mar 25, 2019 17:25:27 GMT -6
I love my 67 reissue Much more than my last vintage one. Thank you Klaus for making it even better. Curious. I love my U67 RI also & am pretty content with the capsule & the tube. What did you notice (hear) in it that made you send it to Klaus & what did he end up doing to it?
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Post by roundbadge on Mar 28, 2019 0:17:08 GMT -6
I love my 67 reissue Much more than my last vintage one. Thank you Klaus for making it even better. Curious. I love my U67 RI also & am pretty content with the capsule & the tube. What did you notice (hear) in it that made you send it to Klaus & what did he end up doing to it? smoother mids..silkier up top.a bit more bloom around 100hz. re tensioned the capsule. I lifted the S2 resistor. its not like it sounded bad stock or anything.subtle change. love how it sounds on drums now..super musical and balanced. much prefer it to my last vintage one.such a great all rounder.
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Post by damoongo on Mar 28, 2019 1:45:23 GMT -6
Curious. I love my U67 RI also & am pretty content with the capsule & the tube. What did you notice (hear) in it that made you send it to Klaus & what did he end up doing to it? smoother mids..silkier up top.a bit more bloom around 100hz. re tensioned the capsule. I lifted the S2 resistor. its not like it sounded bad stock or anything.subtle change. love how it sounds on drums now..super musical and balanced. much prefer it to my last vintage one.such a great all rounder. Awesome. Yeah, my life changed when I snipped S2 on my 1965 u67. ( It’s just a jumper, not a resistor, for the record .)
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Post by hio on Mar 28, 2019 3:59:11 GMT -6
Just got the Stam SA67, and it sounds good. It'll take a while for me to get to know it in detail. Can you sleep with it? I am looking forward to your review and or audio examples once you get to know the finer details of it; sounds of any snoring aside of course.
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Post by indiehouse on Mar 28, 2019 4:31:16 GMT -6
Curious. I love my U67 RI also & am pretty content with the capsule & the tube. What did you notice (hear) in it that made you send it to Klaus & what did he end up doing to it? smoother mids..silkier up top.a bit more bloom around 100hz. re tensioned the capsule. I lifted the S2 resistor. its not like it sounded bad stock or anything.subtle change. love how it sounds on drums now..super musical and balanced. much prefer it to my last vintage one.such a great all rounder. I had Klaus work on my capsule as well, and this is exactly how I would describe the difference. I A/B’d it against a stock capsule. S2 lifted here as well.
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Post by Ward on Mar 28, 2019 7:41:18 GMT -6
Awesome. Yeah, my life changed when I snipped S2 on my 1965 u67. ( It’s just a jumper, not a resistor, for the record .) Is there a tutorial on this available anywhere, or is this something that should be really left to a consummate pro, and not us amateur techs?
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Post by Martin John Butler on Mar 28, 2019 8:12:33 GMT -6
smoother mids..silkier up top.a bit more bloom around 100hz. re tensioned the capsule. I lifted the S2 resistor. its not like it sounded bad stock or anything.subtle change. love how it sounds on drums now..super musical and balanced. much prefer it to my last vintage one.such a great all rounder. Awesome. Yeah, my life changed when I snipped S2 on my 1965 u67. ( It’s just a jumper, not a resistor, for the record .) Can you describe the difference you heard when you did this damoongo. I'd be hesitant to mess with a vintage U67 myself.
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Post by indiehouse on Mar 28, 2019 8:22:45 GMT -6
Awesome. Yeah, my life changed when I snipped S2 on my 1965 u67. ( It’s just a jumper, not a resistor, for the record .) Is there a tutorial on this available anywhere, or is this something that should be really left to a consummate pro, and not us amateur techs? Really simple. It’s just a jumper wire right behind the tube socket. Should be labeled. You can cut it or touch it with a soldering iron to pull one side from the socket (heat shrink or tape the end of the wire). I unsoldered it myself so that it makes it more easily reversible. They call it the rumble filter, which when lifted, extends the FR past the previous 40hz cutoff, I think? Basically gives you a fuller low end, something like that.
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Post by Johnkenn on Mar 28, 2019 8:38:38 GMT -6
The lust is real
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Post by aremos on Mar 28, 2019 9:47:13 GMT -6
Can you "easily" undo the S2 (the cutting of it) if you don't end up liking it?
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Post by Mister Chase on Mar 28, 2019 9:50:17 GMT -6
As I am now in my mid 30, I've shifted away from women to microphones. Still not sure which is more expensive.
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Post by notneeson on Mar 28, 2019 9:52:54 GMT -6
Can you "easily" undo the S2 (the cutting of it) if you don't end up liking it? Depends on your soldering skills, but that would generally be considered pretty easy.
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Post by indiehouse on Mar 28, 2019 11:14:52 GMT -6
Can you "easily" undo the S2 (the cutting of it) if you don't end up liking it? It's just a wire, nothing more. Basic soldering skills, maybe more advanced if you want a clean looking job.
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Post by EmRR on Mar 28, 2019 11:15:11 GMT -6
I snuck an internal S2 switch into mine. Stiff solid core wire runs from the PCB to the switch. It's a bit fragile.
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