The M 147; successor of the legendary U 47.
The Neumann 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 mic 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 socket--all 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. The capsule is equivalent to the one used in the U 47, and is the deciding factor in determining the mic's sound characteristics. 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 Neumann 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 10dB, 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.
Filter
The electronic circuitry of the M 147 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 M 147 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, the M 147 includes the EA 1 elastic suspension and the WS 87 windscreen as accessories. During close miking of vocals, the PS 15 or PS 20a pop screen is recommended.
N 149 A Power Supply
The N 149 A universal power supply works with all AC voltages from 100 V to 240 V, 50 or 60 Hz.
Requires phantom power.
- 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 aluminum case
- Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer
- Directional pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 20 Hz ... 20 kHz
- Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 20 mV/Pa
- Rated impedance: 50 ohms
- Rated load impedance: 1000 ohms
- Equivalent SPL CCIR 468-3: 24 dB
- Equivalent SPL DIN/IEC651: 12 dB-A
- S/N ratio CCIR 468-3: 70 dB
- S/N ratio DIN/IEC 651: 82 dB
- Maximum SPL: 114 dB for THD < 0.5 %, 134 dB for THD < 5 %
Maximum output voltage: 8 dBu - Dynamic range of the microphone amplifier DIN/IEC 651: 102 dB for THD < 0.5 %, 122 dB for THD < 5 %
Supply voltage: Power supply N 149 A - Matching connector: Microphone, DIN 8F; Power Supply, XLR 3F
- Weight: 1 lb (460 g)
- Diameter: 2.24 in. (57 mm)
- Length: 5.59 in. (142 mm)
