Neumann Tube Mic Sound in a Transformerless Condenser Mic

The TLM 49 is a large-diaphragm studio microphone with a cardioid directional characteristic and a warm sound, especially optimized for vocal performance. It is supplied as a set, with an elastic suspension. The TLM 49 design is inspired by the legendary M 49 and M 50 microphones of the 1950s. Naturally, the TLM 49 has the typical Neumann fine matte nickel finish. The "sound design" is also oriented toward that of the M 49 and the U 47. By combining its retro look with proven Neumann transformerless circuit technology, this microphone ensures low self-noise and allows the use of high gain levels.

Neumann TLM 49 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone at a Glance

• Ideal mic for vocal applications
• Linear frequency response with slight boost above 2kHz
• Transformerless design for low noise
• Acoustically neutral headgrille and elastic inner mountings
• Includes EA 3 shock mount
• During development, the TLM 49's sound was adjusted in extensive practical tests, making it ideal for vocal and speech recording, but it is also suitable for instrumental applications in professional studios and demanding home recordings.

Linear Frequency Response with Slight Boost Above 2kHz

The TLM 49 uses the famous K 47 capsule, also found in the M 49 and U 47. The capsule has a linear frequency response up to the upper midrange. Above 2kHz, there is a gentle presence boost up to 3dB. The large-diaphragm capsule provides a cardioid directional characteristic with a tendency toward supercardioid due to its special construction. Following the M 49 example, high frequencies are more directional. The capsule diameter is 34 mm.

Transformerless Design for Low Noise

The letters TLM stand for "transformerless microphone." With TLM technology, the usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. This ensures good common mode rejection and prevents RF interference affecting the balanced audio signal. Noise signals affecting the balanced modulation line are effectively suppressed. The TLM 49 can operate at sound pressure levels of up to 114dB without distortion and provides a dynamic range of 102dB (A-weighted).

Acoustically Neutral Headgrille and Elastic Inner Mountings

The TLM 49 capsule is enclosed by a large microphone headgrille, acoustically very open and neutral regarding the sound. The entire interior structure is mounted elastically to prevent transmission of structure-borne noise. Additionally, the TLM 49 capsule is mounted with a rubber shock mount.

Includes EA 3 Shock Mount

Thanks to its wide frequency response, the TLM 49 can transmit extremely low-frequency signals without coloration. This also makes it sensitive to vibration and wind noise in this range. The TLM 49 comes with the EA 3 elastic suspension, effectively protecting the microphone from structure-borne noise. For extremely close-range recording, a pop screen (PS 15 or PS 20 a) can be used to protect against plosive sounds.

What Neumann says...

The Sound of Our 1950s Tube Classics Recreated with Trouble-Free FET Circuitry

• Same capsule design as the legendary U 47 and M 49
• Optimized for a classic, silky vocal sound
• Tube sound characteristics from reliable FET circuitry
• Classic look with large M 49 headgrille

Classic Sound for Today’s Engineers

The TLM 49 brings back the vintage tone of Neumann’s post-war classics. It uses the same K 47 capsule and the iconic large headgrille design of Neumann’s legendary M 49, but instead of electron tubes, the TLM 49 relies on trouble-free FET circuitry. Its special sound design delivers smooth vocals and acoustic instruments with timeless elegance.

Vintage Sound with New Technology

Many modern engineers long for the smooth sound of classic tube microphones from the 1950s. Vintage originals, however, are costly and often require maintenance. For those seeking a practical recording tool rather than a collector’s item, Neumann developed the TLM 49: combining the sonic excellence of the legendary U 47 and M 49 with the reliability and convenience of a modern phantom-powered microphone. Its appearance is classic, too.

As the model number implies, the TLM 49 is inspired by its famous precursor, the Neumann M 49, a microphone associated with countless jazz and pop recordings of the 1950s and 60s. The TLM 49 shares the same large, acoustically open headgrille and the same large diaphragm condenser capsule design. This classic K 47 capsule, renowned for its unsurpassed sonic elegance, was also used in the Neumann U 47, the vocal mic of choice for Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, and numerous other iconic artists.

Re-Engineering the Past

The main difference between the TLM 49 and its famous predecessors lies in its electronic circuit. Instead of electron tubes, the TLM 49’s head amplifier uses reliable transformerless solid-state technology—yet with a sound design that closely reproduces the sonics of tube circuits. The TLM 49 intentionally produces soft saturation at higher sound pressure levels, resulting in a seemingly low max SPL of 110 dB for 0.5% THD, rising slowly to 5% at 129 dB SPL. This allows the microphone to capture the sound and dynamic behavior of its legendary precursors without an external PSU or costly tube replacements, while achieving a substantially improved self-noise figure of only 12 dB-A.

Applications

The TLM 49 has a fixed cardioid pattern and is mainly designed for vocalists. Its clear bass and superb midrange with a gentle presence boost above 2 kHz also make it excellent for acoustic instruments, such as acoustic guitar and upright bass.

Key Features

• Same capsule as legendary Neumann U 47 and M 49 microphones
• Cardioid pattern
• Classic sound for silky vocals
• Large, acoustically open headgrille
• Transformerless solid-state circuit with tube sound characteristics
• Very low self-noise