Neumann M 147 Cardioid Tube Condenser Microphone System

The M 147 Tube brings back the classic sound of Neumann’s famous tube microphones of the 1950s. The M 147 tube is a cardioid microphone using the same large diaphragm capsule as the legendary U 47 but combines it with an innovative tube circuit for lowest noise. Its transformerless output stage ensures superb performance at an attractive price.

Specially designed for 21st century recording chains, its acoustic design is inspired by the legendary U 47, which revolutionized studio recording in the 1950s with its superior sound quality and is still used daily in top studios around the world. The head amplifier of the M 147 combines classic tube circuitry with an advanced solid state output stage for vintage sound with a modern punch.

The headgrille of the M 147 is a slightly more compact version of the iconic U 47 capsule head, partly responsible for its legendary sound. Even more importantly, it shares the same sound transducer, the classic K 47 large diaphragm condenser capsule, known for its exceptional combination of warmth and presence. The capsule signal is amplified by a classic tube circuit using a specially selected subminiature triode. While vintage microphones relied on large and expensive audio transformers for the final impedance conversion, the M 147 uses a state-of-the-art transformerless solid state output stage, which allows for long cable runs up to 300 m without transmission losses and ensures a very direct sound with unrestricted bass response.

Unique sound character with unsurpassed presence and distinct midrange focus is well-suited for vocals, voice-overs and film dubbing. The M 147 is also an excellent spot mic for solo instruments. Due to its exceptionally low self-noise of only 12 dB-A, the mic can be used for quiet sources. Although its max SPL figure of 114 dB appears low, the M 147 works well with louder sources, too, as distortion rises very slowly to 5% THD for 134 dB SPL. This behavior intentionally creates a sense of elevated loudness by means of soft saturation in the style of analog recording.