|
|
Post by Vincent R. on Dec 19, 2021 22:56:47 GMT -6
At this point, I don't see how they could release it with an ac701k. If they do, they've got a big stash, as they are getting almost as rare as VF14's. If they don't have the ac701k's, they are just a clone, and I'm not interested for the price they will invariably bring. To be blunt - great M49's are THE mic that I would do just about anything to procure...... A modern one with ac701k would be the mic release of this century. I have a Bock 49 “Custom Shop” that has a AC701K tube. I *think* you can order them directly from David. Who knows? Now that UA owns Bock no one really knows what’s going on at this point. |
|
ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,098 
|
Post by ericn on Dec 19, 2021 23:21:23 GMT -6
At this point, I don't see how they could release it with an ac701k. If they do, they've got a big stash, as they are getting almost as rare as VF14's. If they don't have the ac701k's, they are just a clone, and I'm not interested for the price they will invariably bring. To be blunt - great M49's are THE mic that I would do just about anything to procure...... A modern one with ac701k would be the mic release of this century. I have a Bock 49 “Custom Shop” that has a AC701K tube. I *think* you can order them directly from David. That’s got to be a hell of a mic Sean ! I had heard rumors that Dave had made some custom mics with the AC701 but haven’t seen one. As Vinnie noted with Bock / Soundelux now part of UA we don’t really know what’s going on or Dave’s real current involvement or if he can still do custom work. But yeah I’m jealous as hell! |
|
|
|
Post by Ward on Dec 20, 2021 6:29:18 GMT -6
As the old fisherman said, "By the each". so yes. How do you find the elusive underground sale of virtually unobtanium? Maybe Neumann bought all of them? I've been searching for and saving info on tube vendors for the past 20 years. But I suspect our friend timcampbell is correct, because when I contacted that Serbian dealer, suddenly the reply was "currently not available". This had to happen. If some random audio guy finds them, you can certain Sennheiser and Shoeps have found them all. |
|
|
|
Post by thehightenor on Dec 20, 2021 7:26:24 GMT -6
I don't know what it is about the modern era of Neumann mics but there's something about the way they capture "s" and "t" that makes my teeth go on edge.
|
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Dec 20, 2021 9:36:05 GMT -6
Wonder what UA and Bock have up their sleeves?
|
|
|
|
Post by Vincent R. on Dec 20, 2021 9:37:15 GMT -6
I don't know what it is about the modern era of Neumann mics but there's something about the way they capture "s" and "t" that makes my teeth go on edge. One thing I'll say about this video is there is no reason for him to be that close to this microphone, especially without a pop filter. |
|
|
|
Post by svart on Dec 20, 2021 9:43:50 GMT -6
A few years ago I looked into an M49 clone and determined that there were some other tubes that could be 80% fits for the ac701k but at this point I don't remember what they were and they'd need some changes to the circuit. I'd bet that Neumann probably did the same research and found something usable..
|
|
|
|
Post by Vincent R. on Dec 20, 2021 9:46:17 GMT -6
A few years ago I looked into an M49 clone and determined that there were some other tubes that could be 80% fits for the ac701k but at this point I don't remember what they were and they'd need some changes to the circuit. I'd bet that Neumann probably did the same research and found something usable.. If they want a permanent reissue like the U67 they would most likely have to change the tube. That or find a company to manufacture them again. Who knows? Time will tell. |
|
|
|
Post by drbill on Dec 20, 2021 10:00:44 GMT -6
when I contacted that Serbian dealer, suddenly the reply was "currently not available". That's too bad. My experience with virtually all the Neumann mics (not the 269 though) that use the AC701's is that the real magic is in the tube itself. I wish it were not so, but that's where my gut and experience leads me. If Tim wants to share where he located those tubes, it would be fantastic. Most of the ones I've seen have been 3-4X's the price he mentioned. timcampbell ?? All my AC701's are working well right now, but you never know, and with the tubes becoming so unobtanium, it makes you not really want to pull them out. At that price I'd buy a pair or maybe even 4 in case a M49 option made itself available in the future. I'd love a pair (or even a single) M49, but not interested without a AC701 in it. |
|
|
|
Post by ab101 on Dec 20, 2021 10:22:46 GMT -6
Wonder what UA and Bock have up their sleeves? Bock also had the Soundelux e49 at one time. It was actually a very good mic. I never had a Neumann M49 to compare. I am almost positive the Soundelux had some tube substitute. But I now see the discussion above about the Bock custom mic that uses the original tube. |
|
|
|
Post by Vincent R. on Dec 20, 2021 11:46:17 GMT -6
Wonder what UA and Bock have up their sleeves? Bock also had the Soundelux e49 at one time. It was actually a very good mic. I never had a Neumann M49 to compare. I am almost positive the Soundelux had some tube substitute. But I now see the discussion above about the Bock custom mic that uses the original tube. Pretty sure the AC701 was a premium option for an additional fee. |
|
|
|
Post by chessparov on Dec 20, 2021 13:42:10 GMT -6
Also FLEA 49 w/AC701 seems a reasonable alternative. You sound fantastic, with just the stock tube!
Chris
|
|
|
|
Post by Ward on Dec 20, 2021 14:08:31 GMT -6
There's just something about those late 50s 49s and even some 47s that had this magic too them . . . the 'mask' wasn't as strong and it was like they had a built-in limiter n the amount of sibilance. Naturally. Just magic.
What's anyone's guess on street pricing?
$9999? To me, that would be list price.
|
|
|
|
Post by Vincent R. on Dec 20, 2021 14:16:51 GMT -6
Also FLEA 49 w/AC701 seems a reasonable alternative. You sound fantastic, with just the stock tube! Chris I spoke with Ivan about it a couple of months ago. They are having a hard time sourcing them as well. Ward that's what I've heard as well. |
|
|
|
Post by seawell on Dec 20, 2021 15:01:09 GMT -6
There's just something about those late 50s 49s and even some 47s that had this magic too them . . . the 'mask' wasn't as strong and it was like they had a built-in limiter n the amount of sibilance. Naturally. Just magic. What's anyone's guess on street pricing? $9999? To me, that would be list price. I’m thinking 10k too. |
|
|
|
Post by timcampbell on Dec 20, 2021 17:07:47 GMT -6
Dr Bill I have no secret source. I just keep my ears open for any that pop up in my network from reputable sellers. These I grabbed because I have 3 KM56's that could use spares and who knows when I will see more at that price.
|
|
|
|
Post by drbill on Dec 20, 2021 19:12:46 GMT -6
Dr Bill I have no secret source. I just keep my ears open for any that pop up in my network from reputable sellers. These I grabbed because I have 3 KM56's that could use spares and who knows when I will see more at that price. Cool. Thanks. I've got a pair of KM53's and (hopefully) someday an M49 or 269 so I'd like to procure a couple. The only ones I've been able to late were pushing $2000USD and over. You did GOOD!!! |
|
|
|
Post by aremos on Dec 20, 2021 21:57:33 GMT -6
I'm the 1st to step up & pay whatever for a new M49! But as of now this is all wishful thinking & mental masturbation. I'm guilty.
|
|
|
|
Post by michaelcleary on Dec 21, 2021 21:36:20 GMT -6
Hey all, here is some info. Yes, there will be a limited release. There is no release date yet and no pricing yet. There are a couple of prototypes out and about and you can catch Adele singing into one in an upcoming performance. Let me know any other questions. mc
|
|
|
|
Post by ab101 on Dec 21, 2021 22:05:02 GMT -6
Hey all, here is some info. Yes, there will be a limited release. There is no release date yet and no pricing yet. There are a couple of prototypes out and about and you can catch Adele singing into one in an upcoming performance. Let me know any other questions. mc Do you know what tube is in it? Is it an AC701K? Thanks!!!! |
|
|
|
Post by Vincent R. on Dec 21, 2021 22:29:42 GMT -6
Hey all, here is some info. Yes, there will be a limited release. There is no release date yet and no pricing yet. There are a couple of prototypes out and about and you can catch Adele singing into one in an upcoming performance. Let me know any other questions. mc Do you know what tube is in it? Is it an AC701K? Thanks!!!! My question as well. |
|
|
|
Post by plinker on Dec 22, 2021 8:40:07 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by Vincent R. on Dec 22, 2021 9:04:20 GMT -6
Yes. We've chatted about this a few times in the threads. They are great for saving an old microphone should a tube go, but they are FETs, not a real tube. So while some people I know seem really happy with them and some builders like them, others pine some of the harmonic loss of a real tube. |
|
|
|
Post by plinker on Dec 22, 2021 10:30:14 GMT -6
Sure; I realized they are FETs. I'm curious if there is actual harmonic loss, or just perceived harmonic loss.
Yes; it's a difficult thing to suss-out, and blind A/B mic tube comparisons is probably impossible. In the end, they aren't making the tubes anymore so something will need to happen. I think Phaedrus is on the right track.
|
|
|
|
Post by Vincent R. on Dec 22, 2021 10:33:12 GMT -6
Sure; I realized they are FETs. I'm curious if there is actual harmonic loss, or just perceived harmonic loss. Yes; it's a difficult thing to suss-out, and blind A/B mic tube comparisons is probably impossible. In the end, they aren't making the tubes anymore so something will need to happen. I think Phaedrus is on the right track. It's funny, because there are people whose ears I trust who are on both sides of the fence with these. Some claim they get closer to the replacement tubes do. Others say they loose something harmonically and you are better off with a 5048 or 6S6BV. |
|
