Neumann M 49 V Set

The Neumann M 49 V is a faithful reissue of the M 49, the legendary tube condenser microphone introduced in 1951 whose continuously variable, remotely controlled polar pattern — adjustable from omnidirectional through every intermediate position to figure-eight — revolutionized studio recording and remained in continuous production for twenty years. Built to the circuit of the M 49 c, the final and most refined historical revision, the M 49 V introduces a lower-noise subminiature tube in place of the no-longer-available Telefunken AC701k and an RF-proof connector sourced from the broadcast-spec M 249, ensuring immunity against electromagnetic interference from modern WiFi and mobile networks. The included NM V pattern control unit — a conventional linear power supply designed for sonic transparency — automatically delivers the optimal heater voltage for both the M 49 V and any historical M 49 microphone and adapts to local mains voltage without manual adjustment. Every M 49 V Set is handmade and hand-soldered in Germany, delivered in a handmade vintage case alongside the redesigned iconic yoke mount, and available in Made to Order configurations to match earlier M 49 circuit variants for compatibility with historical power supplies and workflow preferences.

Key Features

• Faithful reissue of the M 49 c — original specifications with targeted improvements — the M 49 V is based on archived documentation and the circuit of the M 49 c, the last and most sought-after revision of the original production run; the Telefunken AC701k subminiature tube, no longer available, is replaced by an even lower-noise subminiature tube of the same format; all other circuit elements follow the M 49 c to specification; the large, acoustically open microphone basket has been retained unchanged for its contribution to the M 49’s distinctive sound character
• K 49 capsule — continuously manufactured by Neumann without alteration — the M 49 V uses the K 49 capsule, the same capsule installed in M 49 microphones from the late 1950s onward, which Neumann has continued to manufacture unchanged; the K 49 replaced the original M7 capsule during the M 49’s production run for improved symmetry between front and rear systems and a more durable diaphragm material; acoustically, the two capsules are nearly identical
• Continuously variable polar pattern — remotely controlled from the NM V power supply — the M 49 V retains the defining feature of the original: continuously variable polar pattern adjustment from omnidirectional through all intermediate positions to cardioid to figure-eight, controlled remotely from the power supply unit; this allows the engineer to select the optimal polar pattern under listening conditions in the control room without repositioning the microphone; all patterns maintain a balanced, consistent frequency response
• RF-proof connector — adopted from the M 249 broadcast version — the bayonet connector of the original M 49 has not been available for decades and would not provide sufficient protection against electromagnetic interference in modern studio environments; the M 49 V adopts the RF-proof connector of the M 249, the broadcast version of the M 49 developed from 1961, providing immunity against interference from WiFi, mobile networks, and other high-frequency emissions now common in studio spaces
• NM V pattern control unit — linear power supply with automatic voltage adaptation — the included NM V is a conventional linear power supply, not a switch-mode design, chosen for sonic reasons; an automatic function detects whether an M 49 V or a historical M 49 is connected and delivers the appropriate optimal heater voltage accordingly; the NM V adapts automatically to local mains voltage; historical M 49 power supplies should not be used with the M 49 V due to differing heater voltage requirements, but the NM V is fully compatible with original M 49 microphones
• Internal compatibility switches for historical circuit variants (Made to Order) — two internal switches allow service-configured compatibility with earlier M 49 variants; switch S4 lowers the high-pass filter from 30 Hz to 12 Hz, matching the low-frequency response of the original M 49 (pre-1957) that did not incorporate this filter; switch S2 deactivates the rear diaphragm for a fixed cardioid characteristic as in the M 49 b, increasing sensitivity by approximately 2 dB and reducing equivalent noise level by approximately 3 dB; internal switches are intended for Neumann Service adjustment only and are available in any configuration as a Made to Order option through authorized dealers
• Redesigned iconic yoke mount — mechanical decoupling and cable management — the yoke mount that made the M 49 exceptionally flexible for positioning has been updated with mechanical decoupling elements for vibration isolation and a cable holder to suppress cable-related structure-borne noise; the mount retains the distinctive profile of the original and works with both the M 49 V and historical M 49 microphones
• Applications — male and female vocals; voice over and broadcast; orchestral and ensemble recording; piano; trumpet and brass; all acoustic instruments; stereo and mid-side recording; any source requiring a full, detailed, and dimensionally accurate large-diaphragm tube condenser
• Handmade and hand-soldered in Germany — the M 49 V microphone is built and hand-soldered at Neumann’s Berlin facility; the handmade vintage case is also manufactured in Germany; the set is assembled and quality-verified before shipping

Specifications

• Transducer Type: Pressure gradient; tube condenser
• Capsule: K 49
• Polar Patterns: Continuously variable — omnidirectional through cardioid to figure-eight (remote controlled)
• Frequency Range: 40 Hz–16 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kΩ: 6.5 / 8 / 10 mV/Pa ±1 dB (omni / cardioid / figure-eight); –43.5 / –42 / –40 dBV
• Equivalent Noise Level, A-weighted: 21 / 20 / 19 dB(A) (omni / cardioid / figure-eight)
• Equivalent Noise Level, CCIR: 32 / 30 / 30 dB (omni / cardioid / figure-eight)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio, A-weighted (re. 94 dB SPL): 73 / 74 / 75 dB (omni / cardioid / figure-eight)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio, CCIR (re. 94 dB SPL): 62 / 64 / 64 dB (omni / cardioid / figure-eight)
• Max SPL (0.5% THD): 125 dB SPL (cardioid)
• Maximum Output Voltage: 300 mV (~–8 dBu)
• Rated Output Impedance: 200 Ω
• Rated Load Impedance: 1,000 Ω
• High-Pass Filter: 30 Hz (standard); 12 Hz (via internal switch S4 — service-configured)
• Power Supply: NM V (included)
• Microphone Connector: KC 5 7-pin
• Power Supply Output Connector: XLR 3-pin female
• Weight: 1.76 lbs (800 g)
• Diameter: 3.15″ (80 mm)
• Length: 6.42″ (163 mm)
• Included: M 49 V microphone; NM V pattern control unit / power supply; yoke mount; handmade vintage case
• Manufactured: Handmade and hand-soldered in Berlin, Germany
• Noise measurements per IEC 60268-1: CCIR weighting per CCIR 468-3 (quasi peak); A-weighting per IEC 61672-1 (RMS). Max SPL measured as equivalent electrical input signal.