Product Overview

The M 147 Tube is a cardioid microphone designed to provide the unmistakable presence and midrange focus of the vintage tube microphones that defined the 1950s. At its heart is the same dual-diaphragm capsule used in the world-renowned U 47 and M 49. By combining this historic transducer with a state-of-the-art subminiature triode tube and a transformerless solid-state output, Neumann has created a microphone that offers "vintage sound with modern muscle."

Product Description

The Return of a Legend:

The M 147 Tube is built around the K 47 capsule, famous for its exceptional balance of warmth and presence. This capsule provides a flat frequency response through the midrange with a subtle, silky boost above $2\text{ kHz}$ to ensure vocals sit perfectly in a mix. The headgrille is a slightly more compact version of the iconic U 47, specifically designed to protect the capsule while maintaining a transparent acoustic path.

Tube Character, Silent Operation:

Unlike many vintage tube mics that suffer from high background hiss, the M 147 Tube boasts an incredibly low self-noise of just 12 dB-A. The internal tube stage amplifies the capsule signal by approximately $10\text{ dB}$, ensuring that the delicate harmonic "warmth" of the tube is preserved before reaching the output. This makes it one of the quietest tube microphones ever produced, fully compatible with high-resolution digital recording systems.

Innovative Transformerless Output:

While classic designs relied on heavy transformers, the M 147 Tube uses a modern transformerless output stage. This allows the microphone to handle long cable runs (up to $300\text{ m}$) without losing high-frequency detail or bass authority. It also results in a very "fast" transient response, capturing the punch of an acoustic guitar or the breathiness of a vocal with stunning realism.

Musical Saturation:

As the sound pressure level increases, the M 147 Tube exhibits a "soft saturation" characteristic. While its nominal max SPL is $114\text{ dB}$, distortion rises very gradually to 5% at $134\text{ dB}$. This intentional behavior mimics the sound of analog tape, adding a sense of "elevated loudness" and musical compression that is highly prized for lead vocals and solo instruments.

Key Features

• Iconic K 47 Capsule: The same design used in the legendary U 47 and M 49.

• Vacuum Tube Warmth: Selected subminiature triode for rich, analog character.

• Ultra-Low Noise: Only 12 dB-A self-noise—ideal for modern digital chains.

• Transformerless Circuitry: Ensures high signal integrity and deep, unrestricted bass.

• Cardioid Polar Pattern: Excellent isolation and rejection of off-axis noise.

• Complete Professional Set: Includes dedicated N 149 A power supply and aluminum case.

   

Applications

• Lead Vocals: Unsurpassed presence for both male and female singers.

• Speech & Voice-Over: A "radio-ready" sound with incredible authority and clarity.

• Solo Instruments: Exceptional as a spot mic for strings, woodwinds, and acoustic guitar.

• Amplified Instruments: Adds a pleasing "glue" and warmth to electric guitar cabinets.

Technical Specifications