Neumann M147, Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone
The M 147 Tube is a vacuum tube condenser
microphone with cardioid characteristic. At the heart of this
microphone is the K 47 dual diaphragm capsule, inherited from this
model's now legendary predecessors, the U 47 and the M 49.
Following
the capsule is a tube that functions as an impedance converter. The
next stage is an efficient, transformerless output circuit, that
guarantees an extremely low self-noise level. Note: This innovative
combination of current tube technology with the most advanced
solid-state circuitry was decisive in awarding the 1997 TEC Award to
the related M 149 Tube mic.
The M 147 Tube can feed extremely
long microphone cables without affecting the quality of the audio
signal. Like all Neumann tube microphones, the M 147 Tube comes with an
elegant satin nickel finish.
The microphone is delivered as a
complete set in a high-quality aluminum case. Included with the
microphone are a microphone cable, a metal swivel mount for a mic
stand, and a compact universal power supply for standard mains sockets.
Our modern manufacturing methods makes it possible to offer this
complete set at a very attractive price.
Applications
The famous capsule, together with complimenting tube characteristics,
makes the M 147 Tube especially well suited as a vocal mic. In
addition, it is a superb spot mic for all types of musical instruments.
The extremely low self-noise of its tube circuitry makes the mic
perfectly suited for use in modern recording chains, analog and
digital.
Acoustic features
The M 147 Tube is addressed from the side, where the microphone body
has the diamond-shaped Neumann company logo. The black color identifies
tube microphones. The capsule is equivalent to the one used in the U
47, and is the deciding factor in determining the sound characteristic.
It has a flat frequency response to the upper midrange, and a boost of
up to 3 dB above 2 kHz. The headgrille design is a smaller version of
the U 47. It protects the capsule effectively against popping and wind
noise.
Polar pattern
The M147 Tube has a cardioid characteristic, leaning more toward
super-cardioid due to its distinctive capsule design. At higher
frequencies the pattern becomes more directional. This is very similar
to the model after which this new tube microphone was patterned, the U
47 and the successor, the U 47 fet.
Electrical features
When compared to other microphones, the impedance converter used in the
M 147 Tube is distinguished by its extremely low self-noise level of
only 12 dB-A / 24 dB CCIR weighted.
Similar
to the recently introduced M 149 Tube, the new M 147 Tube combines a
specifically selected vacuum tube (triode) with modern circuitry. This
technique takes full advantage of the special transfer characteristics
of the tube and passes the processed audio signal of the capsule to the
microphone output, without any coloration or unwanted side effects.
The
tube amplifies the capsule's signal by approximately 10 dB, thus
preventing any possible influences from subsequent electronics. The M
147 Tube delivers a high output voltage, and therefore can feed
microphone cables up to 300 m length without signal degradation.
The
ideal operating conditions (anode current, heater voltage) of the tube
are maintained throughout its life expectancy. A sensor lead detects
any voltage drop that occurs through the microphone cable and
compensates for it in the N 149 A power supply. The tube warms up
gradually using inverse current limiting to guarantee long life.
Features:
- Universal tube microphone
- Pressure gradient transducer with the large diaphragm capsule from the legendary U 47 and M 49
- Transformerless circuitry
- Low self noise level
- Comes with swivel stand mount made of metal, universal power supply, and cable in an attractive aluminium case
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