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Neumann M 150 Tube Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Neumann M 150 Tube Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Though the M 150 Tube is based on Neumann's classic M 50, the similarities between the two microphones end with their wonderful, warm sound. In terms of design, the M 150 Tube is thoroughly modern. Utilizing a unique 12mm pressure omni capsule mounted in a 40mm sphere, the M 150 Tube has a unique polar pickup, unparalleled transient response, and a low noise floor of 15 dBa. The membrane and capsule are constructed entirely of Titanium. The dynamic range of the M 150 Tube is 119 dB, allowing reproduction of the full musical expression, without restraint. With its low self noise, more gain can be used without risk of adding noise to the final product. Still, the M 150 Tube's rich, expansive sound - ideal for orchestral and small acoustic ensemble recording, in addition to capturing full-bodied vocals - might fool you into thinking you're hearing a classic vintage microphone at work.

More Information

Acoustical features

The Titanium diaphragm of the pressure capsule is 12 mm in diameter and is exceedingly thin. Although Titanium has been known to have unique and desirable characteristics for some time, it has, until very recently, been very difficult to procure in the quality necessary for use in a microphone of this type. 

The headgrille is shaped just like that on the original M 50, as requested by various top engineers in the recording industry. Due to mounting the pressure capsule with the diaphragm flush to the surface of a small (40 mm) sphere, the directional characteristic of the M 150 Tube is entirely unique. 

At the lowest frequencies, this system is a pure omnipressure transducer with a perfectly circular polar pattern. However, in the mid- and upper frequencies, the pickup pattern becomes more narrow. The M 150 Tube is an ideal microphone for any stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 surround recording, particularly DECCA Tree technique.

Electrical features

The dynamic range of the M 150 Tube is 119 dB, allowing reproduction of the full musical expression, without restraint. 

With a low self noise of 15 dB-A, more gain can be used without risk of adding noise to the final product. The transformerless output circuit of this microphone allows for extremely fine reproduction of small signals and low frequency information. Also, long cable runs can be used with no loss of signal quality.

Filter and pre-attenuation

At the rear of the microphone is a -10 dB switch and a switchable footfall filter for the attenuation of frequencies below 40 Hz. In the position "LIN", a limit frequency of 16 Hz is made active. This is mainly to protect the console inputs from the effects of sub-audio noise (e.g. strong air currents). The -10 dB function is effected by voltage division and should be used only where the danger of over-loading follow-on equipment with very high signal levels is present. This switch does not extend the dynamic range of the microphone, but shifts the output level down by 10 dB.

Technical Specification

  • Microphone Type:Tube Condenser
  • Polar Pattern:Omni
  • Diaphragm Size:0.47" (12mm)
  • Frequency Response:20Hz-20kHz
  • Max SPL:134dB
  • Output Impedance:50 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio:79dB (A weighted)
  • Self Noise:15dB (A weighted)
  • Low Cut Filter:40Hz
  • Pads:-10dB
  • Color:Nickel
  • Power Source:External power supply
  • Connector:XLR
  • Weight:1.76 lbs.
  • Included Accessories:Shock Mount, Carry Case
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