Product Overview

The TLM 49 (008550) is an award-winning microphone designed to capture the "sonic elegance" of Neumann's post-war masterpieces. While its look and sound are inspired by the legendary M 49—the mic of choice for artists like Frank Sinatra and the Beatles—its internal engineering is strictly 21st century. It utilizes a solid-state Transformerless (TLM) circuit that mimics the soft saturation behavior of tubes at high sound pressure levels. This results in a rich, harmonically pleasing audio profile that is ideal for high-definition vocal and speech recording.

Product Description

Vintage Soul, Modern Brain:

The TLM 49 is the perfect solution for engineers who crave the smooth, "creamy" midrange of classic tube mics without the maintenance, external power supplies, or expensive tube replacements. Its head amplifier is specially tuned to reproduce the dynamic behavior of tube circuits. At higher volumes, the TLM 49 intentionally produces a gentle saturation, adding a subtle "vintage" warmth to the signal while maintaining a remarkably low self-noise figure of just 12 dB-A.

The Iconic K 47 Capsule:

At the heart of the TLM 49 is the famous K 47 large-diaphragm capsule. This 34mm pressure gradient transducer is renowned for its linear frequency response up to the upper midrange, followed by a gentle 3 dB presence boost above 2 kHz. This slight lift adds "air" and brilliance to the voice, ensuring it sits perfectly in a mix with minimal EQ. Its fixed cardioid pattern is specially constructed to be more directional at high frequencies, providing excellent rejection of unwanted background noise.

Acoustically Open Architecture:

The TLM 49 is immediately recognizable by its large, acoustically open headgrille. This design is not just for looks; it ensures the microphone remains sonically neutral and reduces internal reflections. To protect the signal from mechanical interference, the entire interior structure—including the capsule—is mounted elastically on a rubber shock mount, effectively decoupling it from the microphone body and stand.

Complete Professional Vocal Set:

Because it is designed for critical vocal capture, the TLM 49 is sensitive to low-frequency signals. To ensure the cleanest possible recordings, it is supplied as a set with the EA 3 Elastic Suspension (Shock Mount). This spider-style mount provides superior isolation from floor vibrations and stand rumbles. Finished in Neumann's signature Matte Nickel, the TLM 49 is as much a visual statement as it is a sonic one.

Key Features

• Vintage Sound Profile: Specially optimized for a silky, warm vocal character.

• Legendary K 47 Capsule: The same design used in the world-famous U 47 and M 49.

• FET "Tube" Circuitry: Recreates tube-like saturation with solid-state reliability.

• Transformerless Output: Ensures low self-noise (12 dB-A) and high common-mode rejection.

• Acoustically Neutral Grille: Large, open wire-mesh design for transparent sound.

• Elastic Suspension Included: Comes with the EA 3 shock mount for professional isolation.

• Timeless Retro Design: Classic Neumann aesthetic with a fine matte nickel finish.

Applications

• Lead Vocals: Lends richness, power, and a "ready-to-mix" brilliance to singers.

• Broadcasting & Voiceover: A top choice for announcers, dubbing, and podcasts.

• Acoustic Instruments: Produces beautiful results on acoustic guitars and upright bass.

• Orchestral Spot Miking: Ideal for capturing the natural warmth of cellos and pianos.

Technical Specifications