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Post by Vincent R. on Dec 31, 2022 8:55:57 GMT -6
Mine arrived today. I try not to engage in hyperbole, but after briefly playing with it tonight: holy crap, this thing is unbelievable. I own a U67 RI, which is both my pride and joy, and go to vocal microphone the last two years. Admittedly, I wasn't sure if an M49 style microphone would even be a great fit for my voice (tenor), and I was originally planning on buying a second 67, but once Neumann announced this reissue, I couldn't resist. As soon as I plugged it in and sang into it tonight, I got as close to the "hairs behind my back standing up" experience as I've ever gotten with a microphone. I immediately thought back to Klaus's review, where he both praised the microphone's super high resolution and, as a result, its unique interpretation of reality. He's spot on. It's such an ultra realistic sound, it's kind of hard to fully articulate, but the way it entices you, and your senses, is truly unique. Mine came with the standard C setting and there's no shortage of bass. Just a fantastic, balanced, velvety sound. I've never used M49s, or M49-styled microphones before, so I can't make any direct comparisons to vintage models or clones, but as someone familiar with the sound, it definitely sounds like an M49 to me. The aesthetics and finish of the microphone are also as great and beautiful as the sound. The attention to detail is quite apparent and everything from the microphone to the packaging is first rate. I laughed and rolled my eyes at Neumann boasting how one engineer "fell out of his chair" after using it. Now I kind of understand why. To say Neumann knocked it out of the park with this one is an understatement. This thing is a work of art. If anyone is able to get this, I can't recommend it enough. Well done, Neumann! But, yeah, other than that, it's O.K., I guess. When the M49 is right there is nothing like it. I like it a lot on tenor voices. Lol. |
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Post by carymiller on Dec 31, 2022 9:06:05 GMT -6
Mine arrived today. I try not to engage in hyperbole, but after briefly playing with it tonight: holy crap, this thing is unbelievable. I own a U67 RI, which is both my pride and joy, and go to vocal microphone the last two years. Admittedly, I wasn't sure if an M49 style microphone would even be a great fit for my voice (tenor), and I was originally planning on buying a second 67, but once Neumann announced this reissue, I couldn't resist. As soon as I plugged it in and sang into it tonight, I got as close to the "hairs behind my back standing up" experience as I've ever gotten with a microphone. I immediately thought back to Klaus's review, where he both praised the microphone's super high resolution and, as a result, its unique interpretation of reality. He's spot on. It's such an ultra realistic sound, it's kind of hard to fully articulate, but the way it entices you, and your senses, is truly unique. Mine came with the standard C setting and there's no shortage of bass. Just a fantastic, balanced, velvety sound. I've never used M49s, or M49-styled microphones before, so I can't make any direct comparisons to vintage models or clones, but as someone familiar with the sound, it definitely sounds like an M49 to me. The aesthetics and finish of the microphone are also as great and beautiful as the sound. The attention to detail is quite apparent and everything from the microphone to the packaging is first rate. I laughed and rolled my eyes at Neumann boasting how one engineer "fell out of his chair" after using it. Now I kind of understand why. To say Neumann knocked it out of the park with this one is an understatement. This thing is a work of art. If anyone is able to get this, I can't recommend it enough. Well done, Neumann! But, yeah, other than that, it's O.K., I guess. I still would want a good M49 over a U47. I think it's more flexible/usable in more situations. I know people think the U47 is the end-all-be-all because it's more famous...etc. But companies like Neumann, Flea, and hopefully UA (if they bring back the Soundelux E49 by David Bock in some revised capacity), should be marketing these mics for what they are. Works of art. Congrats on your purchase! |
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Post by ab101 on Dec 31, 2022 16:30:09 GMT -6
If the 49s are anything like the Soundelux e49 I had, I believe the 47s are every bit as versatile. And with the Heiserman with both capsule, the Heiserman 47T is versatile.
For instance, I would use a pair of Heiserman 47s on overheads before I would use a pair of the Soundelux e49s. For me, anyway, the e49 was too dark for overheads. Be great on brass and some vocals.
In fairness though, I have not heard any of the Neumann M49s which may be different enough from the Soundelux e49 to make them more versatile than the e49.
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Post by carymiller on Dec 31, 2022 16:41:23 GMT -6
If the 49s are anything like the Soundelux e49 I had, I believe the 47s are every bit as versatile. And with the Heiserman with both capsule, it the Heiserman 47T is versatile. For instance, I would use a pair of Heiserman 47s on overheads before I would use a pair of the Soundelux e49s. For me, anyway, the e49 was too dark for overheads. Be great on *no politics*et and some vocals. In fairness though, I have not heard any of the Neumann M49s which may be different enough from the Soundelux e49 to make them more versatile than the e49. Um...an M49 reissue might be a bit brighter (haven't tried one)...but the vintage M49 I shot out with my old E49 was about the same...only the Soundelux had a bit of extended freqs in the highs and lows. The E49 was magic on vocals for me, so I might be biased there? I'm not saying U47's are junk! Just that an M49 is just about as good, if not better in some situations. One is famous, and the other is unfairly obscure IMHO. Also I always thought the E49 took EQ brilliantly. |
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Post by ab101 on Dec 31, 2022 16:45:36 GMT -6
By the way, I had to change the word T R U M P E T to Brass in my post above, because the board says no politics with the word T R U M P E T !
carymiller, my e49 was dark. So, you may have received a brighter one.
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,098 
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Post by ericn on Dec 31, 2022 17:54:16 GMT -6
When it comes to 49’s remember like the 47 you have M7 and K47 capsules and 3 circuit revisions. So keep in mind one example does not define them all.
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Post by ab101 on Dec 31, 2022 18:14:48 GMT -6
When it comes to 49’s remember like the 47 you have M7 and K47 capsules and 3 circuit revisions. So keep in mind one example does not define them all. And K49? |
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Post by carymiller on Dec 31, 2022 18:20:44 GMT -6
When it comes to 49’s remember like the 47 you have M7 and K47 capsules and 3 circuit revisions. So keep in mind one example does not define them all. And K49? Never heard of a K49. But you learn something new every day. I think mine had a K47. |
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ericn
Temp
Balance Engineer
Posts: 16,098
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Post by ericn on Dec 31, 2022 18:49:38 GMT -6
Never heard of a K49. But you learn something new every day. I think mine had a K47. K49 is basically a k47. |
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Post by chessparov on Dec 31, 2022 19:49:13 GMT -6
To error is human.
To forgive K9.
Chris
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Post by ab101 on Dec 31, 2022 23:02:50 GMT -6
To error is human. To forgive K9. Chris That is so .....................................................................................2022  |
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Post by Vincent R. on Jan 1, 2023 7:50:56 GMT -6
Never heard of a K49. But you learn something new every day. I think mine had a K47. A K49 is a K47 with two matched sides. This was designed for the M49 specifically to help with phase with the continuously variable polar patterns. K47 style M49s actually had K49s. Now Neumann only makes K49s. |
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Post by carymiller on Jan 1, 2023 11:33:03 GMT -6
Never heard of a K49. But you learn something new every day. I think mine had a K47. A K49 is a K47 with two matched sides. This was designed for the M49 specifically to help with phase with the continuously variable polar patterns. K47 style M49s actually had K49s. Now Neumann only makes K49s. The more you know.  I appreciate you explaining things though Vincent. |
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olionajudah
Full Member
just learning .. one mistake at a time
Posts: 48
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Post by olionajudah on Jan 4, 2023 0:44:22 GMT -6
I received one last week, and spent a little time with it over the long weekend.
So far, I'm a fan. It sounds more smooth and instantly enchanting than I expected. More of a low & low-mid focus than my 87ai, though not necessarily any less articulate.
I need more time with it (and a 2nd to try stereo applications) but so far it's the most immediately engaging microphone I've owned.
I've picked up some very nice mics in my search for "the" vocal mic (for me), and had honestly all but given up on LDCs, most often favoring an AEA R44 on my voice .. but the 49 reminds me a little of the 44 (with more top end obviously).. but it already feels like the 49 will supersede it in many cases.. not sure about more aggressive performances yet..
Curious to know how 2 would sound in blumlein or mid/side in a decent sounding room somewhere near a drum kit
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Post by drbill on Jan 4, 2023 9:38:51 GMT -6
Curious to know how 2 would sound in blumlein or mid/side in a decent sounding room somewhere near a drum kit Congrats on the purchase. Not a "V", but the OG pair of 49's at Conway in Blumlein out front of a big band is one of my personal favorite recordings of all time. Really spectacular. I'd for sure try a pair out front of a drum kit. I'm sure it would be fantastic. Not a personal fan of mid/side. |
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Post by Darren Boling on Jan 4, 2023 13:19:00 GMT -6
My buddy just got one that was up when I visited last week, very beautiful to look at. I'm working with him next week and will actually get to listen then. I'm taking my Barbaric/AMI 49 (with a k49 and ac701) to compare. I'm curious to see if I'll leave really happy or bummed with GAS.
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Post by Vincent R. on Jan 4, 2023 13:20:09 GMT -6
My buddy just got one that was up when I visited last week, very beautiful to look at. I'm working with him next week and will actually get to listen then. I'm taking my Barbaric/AMI 49 (with a k49 and ac701) to compare. I'm curious to see if I'll leave really happy or bummed with GAS. I'd love to hear sample of this... Keep us posted. |
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olionajudah
Full Member
just learning .. one mistake at a time
Posts: 48
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Post by olionajudah on Jan 4, 2023 14:47:48 GMT -6
Curious to know how 2 would sound in blumlein or mid/side in a decent sounding room somewhere near a drum kit Congrats on the purchase. Not a "V", but the OG pair of 49's at Conway in Blumlein out front of a big band is one of my personal favorite recordings of all time. Really spectacular. I'd for sure try a pair out front of a drum kit. I'm sure it would be fantastic. Not a personal fan of mid/side. Thanks Doc! I've been particularly into blumlein recently. Having basically given up the search for "the" vocal mic for myself (admittedly probably a bit of a red herring.. at least the way I'd been thinking about it..) I was far more excited about using these in stereo configs.. but they only shipped one of mine (better than none!) which I've been trying out. Crazy enough it's my first pair of LDCs.. (pairs of 84, 86, cmc6, mv69x/m70 & 4038s over here). I just love the sound of a (decent sounding) room .. probably fell in love the day I threw my 4038s up in front of the kit in blumlein.. (that man was a damn genius) ..I still wanna try those monoprice ribbons.. waiting for that $50 price again ..lol.. I think a big part of why I'm enjoying getting to know the one 49v might have to do with letting go of my hopes or expectations about finding 'the one' mic or any 'magic' it might impart.. maybe that makes me more open minded to any 'magic' it does actually impart. Who knows. Sounds real nice to me though so far. I'm reserving some judgement until more critical listening can happen, but so far, it feels closer to those expectations I abandoned than I might have hoped. I spent weeks anticipating delivery wondering if I'd lost my damn mind spending the money on this thing, so I'm relieved to be enjoying it so far. It still spins my head around to think I could probably get a pair of TLM 170R, pair of cmc6 mk4 and maybe even a pair of m160s for the price of one of these, but that thinking isn't really all that helpful, and I'm certainly enjoying them enough so far that I'm not really lamenting any of it atm.. |
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Post by Ward on Jan 5, 2023 11:47:13 GMT -6
Curious to know how 2 would sound in blumlein or mid/side in a decent sounding room somewhere near a drum kit Congrats on the purchase. Not a "V", but the OG pair of 49's at Conway in Blumlein out front of a big band is one of my personal favorite recordings of all time. Really spectacular. I'd for sure try a pair out front of a drum kit. I'm sure it would be fantastic. Not a personal fan of mid/side. Not a fan eiter, When you sum to mono or aren't in the center, you get a collapsed to mono sound and lose a lot. Subtractive audio. Using Blumlein, when you sum to mono you are combining all sources into a pressure gradient cardioid kind of situation. Additive audio. I have quite a few Neumanns that are amazing in Blumlein. I can only imagine a matched pair od M49Vs being INSANE in that application/capture! |
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Post by reddirt on Jan 5, 2023 18:06:20 GMT -6
I'm absolutely with you guys on M-S; sound impressive in Stereo but when monoed the balance you had turns to custard.
Cheers, Ross
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Post by EmRR on Jan 5, 2023 22:32:23 GMT -6
Hahahaha. MS goes to mono nicely, Blumlein frequently destroys the treble when panned 'less than', there's a lot of cancellation there, similar to what happens with spaced pairs, but increasing with the beaminess of the treble in the specific mic. Blumlein is meant to be used with 2 speakers, one mic discretely to one speaker. Any lesser panning essentially means you placed it incorrectly, or it wasn't possible to place properly. Many people place dual coincident figure 8's at less than 90º so the soundstage is properly preset for discrete speakers. Modified Blumlein; that's cool.
If MS doesn’t go to mono nicely, you used the wrong Mid mic for the placement! Shoulda been a different pattern, or placed differently.
Both are coincident stereo techniques invented by Alan Blumlein.
To the thread at hand, an LDC won't be as good for the S in MS as an SDC or ribbon. With a pair, better used for Blumlein. But you may love or hate either!
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Post by drbill on Jan 6, 2023 0:01:47 GMT -6
Doug - I don't like the way it sounds in STEREO. Got a mic/placement for that?
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Post by EmRR on Jan 6, 2023 7:32:42 GMT -6
Maybe! We’d have to be in the same room to chase it down.
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Post by paulcheeba on Jan 7, 2023 0:22:40 GMT -6
Used mine in omni as room mics on drums this week. Fabulous sound, my room is an old church and they captured the space superbly 20 foot out at head height.
Sounded much better than my Bock 251’s.
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Post by brenta on Jan 7, 2023 12:10:34 GMT -6
My buddy just got one that was up when I visited last week, very beautiful to look at. I'm working with him next week and will actually get to listen then. I'm taking my Barbaric/AMI 49 (with a k49 and ac701) to compare. I'm curious to see if I'll leave really happy or bummed with GAS. I'm eager to hear how these compare, as I also have Barbaric M49 with Neumann capsule and the same tube Neumann is using (6SB-V). The big difference is mine has the AMI BV11R transformer, which is specifically designed to make up for the tonal differences of not using the AC701k tube. From what Neumann has stated about their transformer matching the original, it sounds like they didn't do anything to compensate for the tone of a different tube. |
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