Neumann M 147 Tube

The Neumann M 147 is a large diaphragm tube condenser microphone modeled after the classic 47 used on many of the Beatles ere recordings. I am a student, musician, writer, and pretty good line dancer residing in beautiful Nashville, TN. I've been a drummer and guitar player on and off for the past 10 years of my life and have began engineering and producing in the past 4. I currently play drums for the band Brookline and you can see me rockin' an Orange County Drum and Percussion or Mapex kit decked out with Zildjian K Hybrids.

Our studio purchased this mic about 3 years ago for right around $2,600 from Sweetwater. We bought it while building our mic catalog for a studio at a Record Arts college in Nashville, TN.

<a href="https://www.sweetwater.com">https://www.sweetwater.com</a>

This mic has a very apparent sound to it that is very bright, crisp, and rather loud because of its very high natural gain. It definitely has a vintage sound and the classic Neumann high-mid clarity. This mic also has an incredible low self-noise in general and especially for a tube driven mic.

Being that this mic does have a 'signature' sound - it is very apparent when used. Another reviewer said it must be paired with a very dark pre like Vintech 1272 or a classic Neve strip. Not necessarily a con, just something to aware of. This is rarely a set-up and go mic. Always needs a little tweaking and usually requires some EQ and trying out multiple pre's before find the right sounds. This mic really sounds different on everything.

This mic comes with great shock mount that eliminates handling noise completely. This mic features a satin nickel finish like mostly all classic Neumann models. It's encased in a solid aluminum capsule and includes a cable and a universal power supply.

Bottom Line? This mic is good at what it claims to do - replicate the classic U47 and punch out that vintage tube sound. It is not very versatile making it difficult to justify buying for a home or small studio on a budget. If your looking to expand your mic catalog and give your clients a wide variety of options - this mic is a great addition.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The Neumann M 147 is a tube condenser microphone that is designed and is best suited for recording, rather than for live purposes. Since it is a tube microphone, is has its own power supply that comes with it and is also held up best by the shock mount that comes with it.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the Neumann M 147 Tube condensor microphone for about two years and like most Neumann mics, it is one of the best in its class. The sound quality of the M 147 is warm and rich, which makes it great for all types of instruments and applications, but especially for vocals. I have used it on everything from lead and back up vocals, to simply setting it up in the middle of a room as a general room mic. Its warm tone quality is a result of tube that gives it its unique sound. In addition to the previously mentioned applications, I like to use this for electric guitar, saxophone, trumpet, and drum overheads, but the huge inherent tone quality that comes from the M 147 makes it a great choice for just about any application, which makes it a great all purpose microphone. The price of this microphone will shy most away from this, as it is really aimed toward professional studios. This being said, if you are a home studio owner looking for a knock out microphone to be your go to in all applications, the M 147 is a great choice. It has the Neumann seal, so you know you are going to get a great microphone. It covers the full frequency spectrum which makes it an overall great all purpose microphone. I love the way the Neumann M 147 sounds and it is just another prime example of why Neumann is the best in the business when it comes to microphones.

See the spec on other opinions.
theoretically good ... (?)

NOTICE GLOBAL

Hum
micro-tube, tube but its not at all.
used on cello, sax, vox (opera / Gregorian, female), trombone and taiko.

t he entire disastrous decision, lack of low nasal often.
Yet coupled with well made preamp (Focusrite Isa, Neve 33421, Telefunken V72) but nothing to do, not very warm for a tube!

however, the trombone made, the texture of the isntru it was pretty well dfinie, quite clear. I will not speak of the low end ... well ALTHOUGH it is not tjr warm.

However, he impressed on my Taiko taken (at Air Studios, london).
very warm for once and fairly well dfinis.
you know, I do not know if c is the acoustic chapelesque these lavish studios that have done this, but the result was there. The reason I put 2 points.

non frankly I dconseil!
rather you find a C12 VR of secondhand at this price. AC in, worth the candle I find

It is a micro I use more than 12 years and has recorded voice for over 30 CDs. Okaz bought for 8000 francs (this date!!)
I also used to record bass, Sax etc ....

OVERALL OPINION

I have an AKG C12 80s, edited by AKG, which sounds better.
I also have two U87 I use very rarely voices (piano, sax ....) less silky.

The M147 is similar to the C12 with more aggressive mediums ... it must equalize with analog.

In severe reading reviews I wonder if the quality of production has remained constant Neumann (my M147 was made in the last century!).

I note, however, a commercial scam: I had to change the lamp as it is welded and Neumann refused to sell them separately, the lamp has been changed in their workshops. It cost me € 500 service!!!!

If I had to buy a micro today lamp I would not necessarily choose this!