moosers
Published on 07/08/09 at 22:05
The Neumann SM 69 FET is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that has a field effect transistor (FET). It is strictly a recording microphone and isn't meant to be used for anything else. The mic comes with its own power supply and special pin cable.
OVERALL OPINION
I first used the Neumann SM 69 FET about five years ago and even though I haven't had access to this mic enough to be able to use it on a consistent basis, I'm always happy when I do get the chance to use it as this is a really special microphone. I've only used this microphone for vocals as it is really sensitive and while it can be used for a variety of applications, vocals seem to be the best fit for it. The sound is extremely full bodied and is suitable for vocal ranges of all types but I feel it works best male vocals as it really picks up all of the subtleties. This being said, it will pick up everything in just about anything you use it with as it is just that type of microphone and is super sensitive all around. You must know this when using this microphone as you don't want to use it for drums or for things that will blow it away because even though it will sound good, it sounds best for other applications. Since the Neumann SM 69 FET is no longer made, it is quite hard to find and if you can find one it is extremely expensive. Unless you are a collector of vintage microphones or have endless amounts of money to spend on your studio, I doubt you will be able to get your hands on one of these because of this enormous price tag. Beyond buying one, if you have the chance to use one of these as a freelance engineer as I have been able to, definitely set it up and try it out as this is incredible sounding microphone.
OVERALL OPINION
I first used the Neumann SM 69 FET about five years ago and even though I haven't had access to this mic enough to be able to use it on a consistent basis, I'm always happy when I do get the chance to use it as this is a really special microphone. I've only used this microphone for vocals as it is really sensitive and while it can be used for a variety of applications, vocals seem to be the best fit for it. The sound is extremely full bodied and is suitable for vocal ranges of all types but I feel it works best male vocals as it really picks up all of the subtleties. This being said, it will pick up everything in just about anything you use it with as it is just that type of microphone and is super sensitive all around. You must know this when using this microphone as you don't want to use it for drums or for things that will blow it away because even though it will sound good, it sounds best for other applications. Since the Neumann SM 69 FET is no longer made, it is quite hard to find and if you can find one it is extremely expensive. Unless you are a collector of vintage microphones or have endless amounts of money to spend on your studio, I doubt you will be able to get your hands on one of these because of this enormous price tag. Beyond buying one, if you have the chance to use one of these as a freelance engineer as I have been able to, definitely set it up and try it out as this is incredible sounding microphone.