Product Overview
Neumann's M147 Tube is a vacuum tube condenser microphone with cardioid characteristic. At the heart of this microphone is the K47 dual diaphragm capsule, inherited from this model's now legendary predecessors, the U47 and the M49.
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.
The M147 Tube can feed extremely long microphone cables without affecting the quality of the audio signal. Like all Neumann tube microphones, the M147 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.
Applications
The famous capsule, together with complimenting tube characteristics, makes the M147 Tube especially well suited as a vocal microphone. 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.
Includes
- M147 Tube Microphone
- N149A Power Supply incl. Power Cable
- SG2 Swivel Mount
- KT8 Microphone Cable
- Dust Cover
- Aluminum Case
Features:
- Universal tube microphone
- Pressure gradient transducer with the large diaphragm capsule from the legendary U47 and M49
- Transformerless circuitry
- Low self noise level
- Acoustic
- The M147 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 U47, 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 3dB above 2kHz. The head-grille design is a smaller version of the U47. 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 U47, and the successor, the U47fet.
- Electrical:
- When compared to other microphones, the impedance converter used in the M 47 Tube is distinguished by its extremely low self-noise level of only 14dB-A / 25dB CCIR weighted.
- Similar to the M149 Tube, the M147 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 10dB, thus preventing any possible influences from subsequent electronics. The M147 Tube delivers a high output voltage, and therefore can feed microphone cables up to 300m 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 N149A power supply. The tube warms up gradually using inverse current limiting to guarantee long life.
- Filter - the electronic circuitry of the M147 Tube mic has a flat frequency response from 20Hz to well above 20kHz. Only the attributes of the capsule determine the typical sound characteristics of the microphone.
- Operational Stability - both the capsule and the entire circuitry are shock mounted to prevent any structure-borne noise. Because of its wide operating range, the M147 Tube can reproduce extremely low frequency signals without distortion. This implies that the microphone may also be sensitive to unwanted LF interference by structure-borne noise, or wind noise. To avoid possible signal degradation, Neumann offers the EA1 elastic suspension and the WS87 windscreen as accessories
- N149A Power Supply - The N149A universal power supply works with all mains AC voltages from 100V to 240V, 50 or 60Hz. Mains power is connected through a standard IEC320 mains socket. The only difference between the three available versions of the M147 Tube set is the power cord supplied. NOTE: The N149V power supplies that come with the M149 Tube is fully compatible with the M147 Tube microphone.
- The M147 Tube receives its operating power through the 8-conductor KT 8 microphone cable from the N149A universal power supply. The microphone's audio output signal is available through a standard 3-pin XLR connector at the power supply. The microphone comes as a complete set, together with the KT 8microphone cable, the N149A power supply, the SG1 swivel mount stand adapter, and a cloth dust protector. The set is packaged in an attractive aluminum case suitable for carrying and storage.
Specifications:
- Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer
- Directional pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Sensitivity at 1kHz into 1kΩ: 20 mV/Pa
- Rated impedance: 50Ω
- Rated load impedance:1 kΩ
- Equivalent noise level, CCIR*: 24dB
- Equivalent noise level, A-weighted*: 12dB-A
- Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR* (rel. 94dB SPL): 70dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted* (rel. 94dB SPL): 82dB
- Typical SPL (tube characteristic): 114dB for THD < 0.5%, 134dB for THD < 5%
- Maximum output voltage: 8dBu
- Dynamic range of the microphone amplifier (A-weighted): 102dB for THD < 0.5%, 122dB for THD < 5%
- Powering: Power supply N149A
- Matching connector: Micrphone: 8-pin DIN female, Power Supply: 3-pin XLR-F
- Weight: 460g
- Diameter: 57mm
- Length: 142mm
