Neumann M 147 Tube – the legend, reborn for the modern studio
The Neumann M 147 Tube revives the unmistakable character of Neumann’s celebrated valve microphones of the 1950s and reimagines that sound for today’s recording chains. The M 147 carries the same K 47 large-diaphragm capsule found in the legendary U 47 and M 49 – the transducer responsible for one of the most recorded sounds in history. The result is a tube condenser microphone with exceptional presence, a rich midrange and the warmth engineers turn to when digital recordings need a more analogue soul.
Condition and provenance
This particular M 147 Tube is offered pre-owned in as-new, open-box condition. The microphone was purchased new in 2023 for a live orchestral recording and was set aside unused when the production moved to vintage ribbon microphones, having been kept in storage since. The complete set is included exactly as supplied from new.
The legendary K 47 capsule
The K 47 dual-diaphragm capsule gives the M 147 Tube a distinctive voice: a flat response through the low and midrange with a gentle presence lift above 2 kHz that flatters vocals without harshness. The fixed cardioid pattern tightens towards super-cardioid at higher frequencies, delivering excellent off-axis rejection and focus. A compact version of the iconic U 47 headgrille shields the capsule and helps tame popping and wind noise.
Valve warmth, modern performance
A vacuum-tube input stage handles impedance conversion and lends the microphone a full, characterful tone, while an efficient transformerless output stage keeps self-noise remarkably low at just 12 dB-A – unusually quiet for a valve design. Distortion rises slowly and musically, reaching 5 % THD only at 134 dB SPL, so the M 147 stays composed on loud sources while adding a touch of soft, analogue-style saturation. With a wide dynamic range and the ability to drive cable runs of up to 300 m without transmission losses, the M 147 is equally at home on intimate vocals and demanding sessions.
Where the M 147 excels
The M 147 Tube is a natural choice for lead vocals, both male and female, with a midrange focus and presence that suit voice-over, narration and film dubbing equally well. The M 147 also makes a superb spot microphone for solo instruments, capturing detail and air with a flattering, vintage-tinged character.
In the box
- Neumann M 147 Tube microphone
- N 149 A universal power supply (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz)
- Connecting cable (8-pin) and mains cable
- Swivel stand mount (Neumann SG-series)
- Aluminium transport case
Recommended accessories include the EA 1 elastic suspension shockmount, the WS 87 windscreen and the PS 15 or PS 20 a pop screen for close-miked vocals.
Technical specifications
- Type: Large-diaphragm tube (valve) condenser microphone
- Acoustic operating principle: Pressure-gradient transducer
- Capsule: K 47 large dual-diaphragm
- Polar pattern: Cardioid (fixed)
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa
- Self-noise: 12 dB-A (24 dB CCIR)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 82 dB A-weighted / 70 dB CCIR (re. 94 dB SPL)
- Maximum SPL: 114 dB (THD < 0.5 %) / 134 dB (THD < 5 %)
- Maximum output voltage: 8 dBu
- Rated impedance: 50 Ω
- Rated load impedance: ≥ 1 kΩ
- Dynamic range: > 100 dB
- Maximum cable length: up to 300 m
- Microphone connector: 8-pin (Binder, DIN 45326)
- Power supply: N 149 A, 3-pin XLR audio output
- Weight: 460 g
- Dimensions: 57 mm diameter × 142 mm
- Finish: Satin nickel
- Condition: Pre-owned (as new), purchased 2023, unused