Neumann M149 Tube Microphone w/ Shock Mount & Case

The legendary sound that defined countless jazz and pop recordings from the 1950s onwards lives on in the M 149 Tube, Neumann’s modern interpretation of the iconic M 49 microphone. This universal studio microphone maintains the classic K47/49 large diaphragm capsule housed within an acoustically open headgrille, preserving the supreme balance and unmatched presence that made its predecessor famous. The M 149 combines this timeless capsule technology with contemporary engineering, offering nine selectable polar patterns and significantly improved performance specifications.

At the heart of the M 149 lies a subminiature triode tube, carefully selected for minimal noise and optimal transmission characteristics. The signal path concludes with a high-precision, ultra-low distortion transformerless output stage that preserves the full dynamics of the tube circuit whilst being optimised for modern signal chains. This innovative combination of classic tube technology with state-of-the-art Neumann engineering earned the M 149 a prestigious TEC Award in 1997, and allows the microphone to drive cable runs up to 300 metres without transmission losses.

The M 149’s versatility extends far beyond vocal recording, with its exceptionally low self-noise figure of just 13 dB-A in cardioid mode making it suitable for capturing everything from piano and acoustic guitar to upright bass, percussion, drum overheads, and solo orchestral instruments. The microphone features nine directional characteristics ranging from omni through to figure-8, plus four intermediate positions, alongside a 7-position low cut filter spanning 20 to 160 Hz in half-octave steps. This comprehensive feature set makes the M 149 a premium choice for discerning recording professionals across all musical genres.